Living at home during college has some major advantages – saving money, getting to see your family often, and a bathtub(!!) are all pretty awesome perks. However, as the pandemic has proven, it can be really difficult and draining to miss out on the college experience. I live at home with my two younger siblings, and while I’m all for a good game of Mario Kart in between checking their homework, sometimes I need to figure out how to grow up, be independent, and take charge of my life and my career.
It’s a lot easier said than done, and it’s a process, but below are some tips that have helped me feel more independent and achieve success while I live at home!
- Assert boundaries
-
Living at home with lots of people who all have different schedules means making sure that you know what your emotional, physical, psychological, and biological needs are, and how to meet them. For example, when I have therapy, I go to my room where no one can hear my session. Everyone understands that I need to be left alone during that time. The same goes for my siblings-I know when not to disturb them. Making sure that everyone feels respected is super important!
- Decorate your space
-
There is so much that is out of our control lately. Something that is in your control is what you are surrounded by! If the poster of Ariel from The Little Mermaid no longer brings you joy, take it off of your bedroom wall and replace it with a picture of you and your friends, a current celebrity, or an inspirational quote. I’ve started trying to make my space a bit more “grown-up” as I continue college, but I definitely still keep my stuffed animals around for emotional support.
- Seek out online opportunities
-
This has been huge for me! I volunteer every school year for my university Honors College, and I have found a lot of great virtual opportunities like Path with Art, the Always, Enough Foundation, 7Cups, and the Hope Reads Project. Doing these projects independently really helps me feel self-sufficient and boosts my confidence. I’ve also started taking classes with The Second City, where I met some great friends! The opportunities for advancement are endless if you know where to look.
- Get out often
-
This one is a lot easier said than done during a global pandemic, but it’s super important to make time for seeing your friends! Even a phone or Zoom call can make you feel a lot better. This is a crazy time to be alive, especially as a college student- who better to vent about it with than other college students? It can also be nice to take a break from whatever stress may be happening at your house, and having a conversation with a friend can keep you grounded.
- Embrace it!
-
Like I said earlier in this article, I’m all for a good game of Mario Kart! Someday, I’m going to miss being at home with my family. I love them a lot, and I’m doing my best to take it day by day and remember that. Through some self-care, journaling, and the above steps, I can find a balance between figuring out who I am as a young adult and maintaining my role in my family. I’m very grateful that I get to do both of these things, and I am so happy with the abundant life that I’m creating for myself!