How to adult

Living on your own can be intimidating, scary and chaotic. When you first move out, it’s overwhelming to have all these things to do and plan and take care of and still enjoy your university years! Sometimes it seems like you’re expected to know a million things that you were never taught. Over time, all of this will get easier as you get down a routine; but here are a few tips for those first few chaotic months that are an absolute mess.
I’ve lived on my own since I was 16, and I would say I’m reasonably functionable most of the time. Why is it important to function well in your own household? Not only do you simply need to eat, live in a clean space and do your laundry, but living in a well-organized household will help productivity, stave off mental illness and reduce stress so you can focus on academics and your new life on your own.

1. The most important thing is to learn to cook! Even if its simple meals, teach yourself to feed yourself to save money and eat healthy. There’s nothing wrong with takeout now and then, but for a well-functioning household you should really try to learn how to cook good meals. Recipe books are expensive, but a lifesaver; beyond recipes they give nutrition advice, cooking tips and can teach valuable life skills! 
2. Make sure to put aside time to clean your apartment! You should try to keep it relatively clean at all times, but don’t feel bad about letting a bit of clutter build up if you’re busy. Clean your room, kitchen and bathroom from top to bottom once a week! Wipe the counters, wipe the floor and vacuum! Don’t let dirt build up. Change your sheets every two weeks, especially if you have problems with acne.
3. Plan your meals! Write down the recipes you’re going to use for the next five days so that you don’t have to make that decision every day. Again, this is where recipe books can come in handy! Planning your meals can help you keep an eye on what you’re eating so that your meals are well balanced!
4. If you’re forgetful like me, set alarms. Set alarms for eating, washing dishes, getting the laundry out… whatever you need. You might not feel like you’re functioning very well when you need your phone going off to remember to wash the dishes, but it’s better than standing in front of a dirty forgotten saucepan.
5. Make shopping lists! This ties in with planning your meals and learning to cook- If you write shopping lists you’re less likely to end up with 5 packages of ramen and a rotting apple. Remember to give snacks a space on your list; otherwise you’re likely to end up going for a snack run and buying too much unhealthy food.
6. Schedule well and thoroughly! Write everything down in one place, from your classes to your work hours to your appointments. Do you think you’ll remember? You won’t. This can be especially important for things like paychecks or doctor’s notes; writing down when you need to go to work or class will save your life when its time for your paycheck.
7. Get plants, posters or pictures! It’ll massively improve your mental health for your room not to look bare or drab. If you think you can’t keep plants alive, get some cacti. 
8. Learn to go for walks. It’s important to do some exercise or at least get some fresh air every day. You’ve probably heard it far too often and thought to yourself that there is no way you can follow through. To me, one of the most important skills I learned living alone was how to go for walks. Even if you don’t feel up to a jog or biking, you can get up and go for a half hour walk. We need fresh air and we need a bit of movement, but it doesn’t have to be an every day cardio workout.

Adulthood is full of skills you need to learn, routines you need to get down and mistakes you will make. Everyone is different, everyone lives different, and at the end of the day living on your own means you have the freedom to learn how to live in a way that makes you happy; it’s freeing and wonderful. If your household functions well, you can relax, focus on academics or your social life and enjoy your new home. Adulthood and living on your own is an opportunity that you can seize.

​Elliot