Living away from home for the first time!

[milliegoesbeep]

I've lived away from home for a year with my boyfriend but I had to come back home for my mum's medical conditions. I'm now commuting 2 hours so I can look after her and my younger sister. I was capable of living away again this year but unfortunately she fell ill again. I like to live on my own but there are several things for anyone who wishes to live away to think about. Being independent is a big challenge and sometimes a lot of stress at the start. Once you get into the swing of things, though, you'll be fine and dandy. Most of the time living away is circumstantial so don't feel disheartened if you have to go back or need to rely on your parents.

[Shauna]

I moved out for my third and fourth years of university. Most unsound financial decision I have ever made - I could have just travelled for 45 minutes a day and saved a whole bunch of money - but I don't regret it one bit. Having my independence was pretty good. It's not like I had the strictest household with Dad - heck, he didn't care much what I did, as long as I was safe - but just having my own place was pretty awesome. Living in my flat was the best decision for me as a person I've made, and despite all my money just falling away from me over the past two years, I'd do it all again if I could.

[Jiro]

Only been away from home for the duration of my exchange program. Wasn't hard to take care of myself but there's a big difference between living in a dorm and living on your own. All of my meals were taken care of, whereas on my own I'd have to cook myself!

Which means in a cold place like America in Winter without a BBQ you'd have died in like 2 weeks. That or become fat having lived entirely on diet of takeout.

I'd've just walked up to the Subway or snuck in on everyone's guest passes