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Moving out of home is exciting, but also a little terrifying. Suddenly, you’re responsible for food, bills, cleaning and keeping yourself alive (without someone reminding you to take the chicken out of the freezer). Whether you’re in student housing, a share house or your own place, here’s how to handle your newfound independence like a pro.
1. Learn to cook more than toast and noodles
You don’t have to be the next MasterChef but knowing a few basic meals will save you money and stress. Think: one-pot pasta, stir-fry, burrito bowls. Just easy, budget-friendly and customisable meals. Start building a go-to list of meals that are cheap, quick and don’t require a million ingredients.
Bonus tip: Freeze leftovers. Future-you will thank you after a long day of classes.
2. Budget like your rent depends on it (because it does)
Make a simple budget with your income and your regular expenses (like rent, groceries, transport, phone bills). Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to track what’s going where. Knowing how much you can spend each week = less money stress. Visit the ‘planning your budget’ page on the Curtin website to find out more about budgeting.
3. Don’t forget the boring, but important, stuff
Bins. Electricity bills. Cleaning the bathroom. These things might’ve *magically* happened at home, but now they’re your job. Create a chore roster (especially if you’re house sharing). It’ll keep your space liveable and your housemates happy.
4. Look after yourself
When no one’s around to check in, it’s easy to let things slide. Make time for regular meals, sleep, exercise and staying connected with friends or family – even if it’s just one phone call a week. The Student Wellbeing Advisory Service is also here if things get overwhelming.
5. Embrace the freedom (and the responsibility)
Living independently means making your space your own, setting your schedule and figuring out what works for you. You’ll learn heaps about yourself, and yes, you’ll probably burn something or forget to pay a bill along the way. It’s all part of the learning curve.
Pro tip: Follow @curtinlifeaustralia for more tips on student life, budgeting, cooking and staying on top of your new independency!
Uni is about more than lectures, it’s where you learn how to live.
