The decision to live independently is an essential turning point in a student's life since it welcomes a period of profound change during which we develop critical life skills, learn to accept responsibility, and become more self-sufficient. Whether you are starting your Bachelor’s degree or you are on your way to becoming a Master’s student, living an autonomous student life offers the perfect opportunity to grow and get to know yourself better, make lasting memories, lifelong friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you. And while for some students living independently comes naturally, others might find it slightly more challenging. That is why, in today’s blog post, we are going to dive deep into the realms of independent living and look into 6 tips to consider when starting this exciting chapter of student life.

#1 Getting Essential Life Skills

The ideal time to acquire essential life skills that will benefit you long after your time as a student is, indeed, while you're living on your own. In this situation, the phrase “learning by doing” is fully relevant. Acquiring basic cooking skills, for example, not only ensures you eat healthily on a budget but also gives you a sense of accomplishment. Having some general know-how for home maintenance and repairs, on the other hand, can save you time and money, making you more self-sufficient. When it comes to household chores like doing laundry, it's important to get used to these simple tasks because they are essential for maintaining a comfortable and organised living space.

#2 Building Your Support Network

The human being is a social being and entering this fairly independent life chapter could feel a bit overwhelming especially if your most beloved people are not as nearby. In such cases it is really important to start building a support network - these are all your family members, friends, work colleagues or new acquaintances with whom you feel comfortable sharing more personal experiences and who might be able to help you in difficult moments. The most important thing to consider is to always be open and always ask for help in case you need it.

#3 Understanding Budgeting And Finances

Unless you have already lived on your own or, perhaps, have had working experience, budgeting could be quite new and yet - it is among the most important aspects of independent living. Whether you receive your funding from family, savings, student finance or side jobs, correct budgeting lays the foundation for a worry-less life. To begin with, you could make a simple table or a digital sheet in which you keep track of your major expenses such as rent, utilities and food and from there gain a better overview of your overall spending habits. Budgeting apps and online banking are also quite useful when it comes to tracking your finances. Moreover, creating a savings account and setting aside a euro or two here and there can also be a great strategy for achieving a more secure, independent lifestyle.

#4 Embracing Self-care And Well-Being

Embracing self-care and well-being is essential for thriving during your student life. Your physical health can be greatly improved by establishing a balanced diet and a regular exercise programme, which will increase your energy levels for studying and socialising. However, if you find yourself in a more serious situation which requires medical assistance, it is advisable to remain calm or get in touch with a close person who could also accompany you if necessary. Prioritising mental health is just as equally vital - feelings of stress and anxiety can be managed by practising mindfulness, meditation, and getting help when necessary. Please remember that taking care of oneself is not selfish - it is essential to preserving general well-being to take time out for rest and renewal. Eventually, you'll find that self-care makes you more resilient, focused, and prepared to face the obstacles of independent living.

#5 Knowing Your Rental Rights

Being aware of your legal rights and obligations as a (first-time) renter is yet another aspect that is essential to living independently. It’s always a good idea to get familiar with the conditions of your lease so that you are not surprised by any unanticipated situations or disagreements with your landlord. Not to mention that local laws and regulations pertaining to tenants can differ greatly from one location to another. Don't be afraid to contact tenant advocacy organisations or student legal services if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. Knowing and taking advantage of your legal rights will help you handle housing-related concerns with assurance and security.

#6 Alone Time = Reflection Time

Accepting alone time as a chance for introspection and personal development could be an important part of living on one's own. Make use of this peaceful moment to evaluate your objectives, top priorities, and development so that you can get better clarity and focus. During these times, journaling can be a very useful tool for processing your feelings and ideas. Thinking back on your struggles and experiences helps you become more resilient as well as self-aware. Recall that achieving balance amidst the chaos of student life and re-establishing your connection with yourself are the true goals of independent living. You develop a better understanding of who you are and what you want to accomplish by setting aside time to reflect on all of your experiences.

To sum up, deciding to live independently as a student can be a life-changing experience that promotes self-reliance and personal development. You set yourself up for a prosperous and fulfilling journey by learning essential life skills, creating a network of friends, mastering finances, setting aside time for self-care, and being aware of your rights and entitlements. Keep in mind that this is a time not only for handling obligations but also for self-discovery and creating lifelong memories. Take pleasure in your independence and the priceless lessons you've learned as you go through this exciting phase.