Moving out of the comfort and safety of your parents’ home is an important milestone, and can be thrilling. But, let’s get real. It is not easy. The big bad world is a scary place, and when you live by yourself, you can’t hide. You have to deal with all that comes with being an adult. Though, fret not! It gets easy with time, and to make this transition as smooth as possible, we are here to help.
1. Stock up on quick fix meals other than Maggie
MTR zindabaad! Get the poha, upma, idli, dosa mixes that MTR so generously offers and stock up for when you are starving, and can’t stand to have another fix of Maggie.
2. Speaking of quick fixes, get kitchen essentials even if you are living in a hostel
This essentially includes a mini fridge, an electric kettle, and an induction plate, which will make sure that you always have hot water and hot food.
3. Learn to budget
At some point, you will have to learn to end the month with savings that you can carry over to the next month. The sooner you learn how to master the art of budgeting, the better it is for you. Besides, even as a student, you should have enough dignity to not have to ask your folks for money (unless, of course, what they are giving you is unrealistic).
4. Get a washing machine
Or find a dhobi who won’t burn a hole in your pocket! Think about it… wouldn’t bringing laundry home every visit be too cumbersome for you?
5. Don’t keep any precious belongings with you until you learn to be fully responsible, or get a safe!
This is what mom’s house is for!
6. Get an iron
Or two: one for your clothes, one for your hair! JK. Forget the hair. Just make sure your clothes are not unnecessarily creased.
7. And a first aid kit
Band-aids, Crocin or paracetamol, cough drops, soframycin, combiflam, stuff for bandaging yourself up, and condoms! Keep them handy!
8. Learn to label
Label the boxes in your kitchen or pantry. Label bags or shelves of clothes. Label your cartons that you don’t plan to unpack just yet. Labelling will save a lot of your time!
Most importantly, every time you feel lost and dejected, or confused or frustrated, just remember that living by yourself changes you in wonderful ways! All the hardship you will experience will make you blossom in a way that living with mummy and daddy never will.
