3 answers
Zadey
Student
Henderson, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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How did you deal with moving out?
For people already in college who had to move out, how did you best cope with that?
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3 answers
Mark Terrano
Game Designer
9
Answers
Spokane Valley, Washington
Updated
Mark’s Answer
You didn't mention if you would be supported after moving out (like with college living, meal plans, etc). Best advice: Start living in your current situation like you were independent. Handle your own transportation, laundry, dishes, cook your meals, etc. If you have a good relationship with your parents tell them you are doing that experiment for 6 months in independence that you don't want any special support and you'll try to live on your own like college - this will show you where you struggle. Get your own supplies (laundry detergent, toiletries, etc) - the more independent and self sufficient you can be mentally the better prepared you will be. Get on an independent schedule if you aren't already, wake yourself up, plan your activities, etc. Think of your family as roommates and treat them kindly and with respect - paying back favors and doing things for them beyond what you might do for a sibling. Independence means financial too - open your own private bank accounts, have your own phone bill, pay for whatever transportation you expect to have, build your emergency fund, control spending and live within your means. Keep records and do short journal entries of the things you learn from your experiment. Best of luck to you - your pre-planning for the future experience will help you a lot.
Live as independently as possible as an experiment - even if help is offered at home, learn where you will struggle.
Build your own cash reserves and be financially responsible.
Start a journal of your experience and be honest with yourself.
Mark recommends the following next steps:
Christopher Stephens
Sales and Operations
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
There are many ways to cope and adjust, but let’s focus on one exciting option: campus social groups.
Start by visiting the student activity center on your campus. This place is the heart of all student activities. Walk in and tell them you’re new and curious about active organizations.
As a former orientation leader, I suggest that students not stress about knowing exactly what they want. Just be open. If something even slightly interests you—like a club, a volunteer group, or an event with free food—give it a try. Attend one meeting, no pressure. Sometimes, just showing up once can lead you to a place where you truly belong - but give yourself time.
They often have welcome events or mixers, especially at the start of the semester or around midterms, to help everyone connect. If you’re unsure where to begin, these are perfect, relaxed ways to meet people and explore.
Finding your group doesn’t have to happen overnight, but putting yourself in places where connections can grow is a great start. Even one good conversation at one of these meetings can make a big difference in your journey.
Start by visiting the student activity center on your campus. This place is the heart of all student activities. Walk in and tell them you’re new and curious about active organizations.
As a former orientation leader, I suggest that students not stress about knowing exactly what they want. Just be open. If something even slightly interests you—like a club, a volunteer group, or an event with free food—give it a try. Attend one meeting, no pressure. Sometimes, just showing up once can lead you to a place where you truly belong - but give yourself time.
They often have welcome events or mixers, especially at the start of the semester or around midterms, to help everyone connect. If you’re unsure where to begin, these are perfect, relaxed ways to meet people and explore.
Finding your group doesn’t have to happen overnight, but putting yourself in places where connections can grow is a great start. Even one good conversation at one of these meetings can make a big difference in your journey.
Grace Militello
PT Tech
2
Answers
Midland, Michigan
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Moving out is a large step for adulthood and can be frightening but there are ways to help ease the stress. Something that I learned head on with moving out is that you have to remember to live either one day at a time or one week at a time. Build in a schedule for yourself and determine your class schedule as early as you can (if you are attending college).
Another important aspect of living on your own is to build in time for yourself. What interests you? What are some of your hobbies? Doing these can help lower the stress of moving out because you can find comfort in being by yourself. You have to be comfortable by yourself before you can live by yourself. If you have roommates or will have roommates in the future, get to know them and build them into your support system. Remember that you don't have to do everything on your own and keep in touch with your family (if applicable).
Life is about growing up, so you are allowed to feel your emotions and make mistakes. You can do this!
Another important aspect of living on your own is to build in time for yourself. What interests you? What are some of your hobbies? Doing these can help lower the stress of moving out because you can find comfort in being by yourself. You have to be comfortable by yourself before you can live by yourself. If you have roommates or will have roommates in the future, get to know them and build them into your support system. Remember that you don't have to do everything on your own and keep in touch with your family (if applicable).
Life is about growing up, so you are allowed to feel your emotions and make mistakes. You can do this!