It can seem scary to finally take the big, first step to move out of your parents’ house and go to college. This experience can seem daunting yet exciting since you’re leaving a place where your parents or guardians are always readily accessible and where there are rules and restrictions in place to keep you safe and guide you into your next phase in life.

Going to college can help create a new sense of freedom in many people. No curfew, no one telling you what to do or what not to do and newfound access to a dining hall. However, there are many things that people don’t tell you about when you finally live alone in college.

Living alone sounds great in theory, but it’s hard to know what that truly entails. When I first got the opportunity to live by myself, it was a very rude awakening. The cost of paper towels, toilet paper and even Clorox wipes was far more than I anticipated.

Even when I had roommates, we split buying toiletries, so when living on my own, buying some things you need slipped my mind. Of course, being a young adult comes with its challenges, but at least for me, some of the most simple tasks seemed difficult.

Living by yourself can also feel great. You can come home to your own space and have peace and quiet. When coming from a big family like mine, your own space sounds like heaven; however, when one is used to being around family or friends all the time, living alone can feel lonely. This kicks in, especially when coming home from work or school and needing someone to talk to.

Living alone comes with its struggles, but it also can be a right of passage. Living by yourself can help students to learn and experience a sense of independence when entering adulthood. Still, it can be helpful to have a guide to things you need to know once you move out on your own.

Mariah Jordon is a sophomore English major from Dallas, Texas. Mariah can be reached at [email protected].