5 Tips For Living In Your First Apartment

By Kylie Exline on April 8, 2016

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We all have that experience of moving into our very first apartment. There is excitement in the air, along with expectations of what it will be like being out of our nasty dorm or our parent’s house.

We are excited about buying or renting actual furniture, having our own space without sharing a room, as well as having potentially hot neighbors (just me?).

However, it is not always all rainbows and butterflies. There are various things that could go awry, but do not fret. Follow these tips below, and you should be set … or at least prepared for the worst.

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Roommates

Whether they are random, longtime friends, or acquaintances, you have high hopes of you and your roomies being #besties. You assume things will go smoothly, and that the least of your worries will be not getting along with them.

Warning: roommateships do not always last forever. Sorry if your bubble popped. Arguments are natural, disagreements are common, and misunderstandings are a constant.

The way to keep things calm is by not becoming too invested, or reliant on them, but also by voicing your feelings effectively. Like they say, communication is key. Be respectful of everyone’s thoughts, and that will be good enough of a start. Good luck.

Responsibility

Although we do not always feel like being super responsible or the bigger person even, sometimes it is a necessity. Plus, we are officially on our own now and in the real world — or at least on our way to the idea of adulting.

If the toilet starts leaking, time to call the plumber. If the electric goes out, let us hope that there are some stored away matches in the pantry. And if all hits the fan, make certain that a male neighbor is close by in order to kill a roach hiding away in your closet. #Priorities.

We have to get used to being responsible, and not relying on the ‘rents whenever something goes amiss. And let us not forget that everything costs money. Now is the time to open up that savings account intended for “emergencies only” that mom has been hounding us about. Better late than never.

Spending

Sounds great in theory, I know. But not when it is for necessities. That includes, but is certainly not limited to, dish soap, paper towels, and Q-tips. You big spender, you.

Be prepared to consistently have to buy trash bags when none of your other roommates will, and buy less beer. Well maybe not less beer, but take turns buying the alcohol. That is always a benefit.

Bills unfortunately are also a thing, so brace yourself for rent, electric, groceries and anything else that costs more than a penny (which by the way, is actually everything). And make sure to stay on your family’s good side just in case things start to go downhill, really fast.

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Expectations

It is most definitely a good thing to have high expectations for something, but you should also always prepare for the worst. You never know when something decides to not map out as you thought or originally planned. But that is life.

You envision your apartment as being your own. Your lovely abode. Your hideaway. You tend to forget that this is all of your other roommates’ space as well.

Going into the living situation, you only dream about good times, contagious laughter, and an abundance of memories. However, not everyone will be on board about you having to study for an exam on a Friday night, or having to work on a roommate’s 21st. But do not worry about it, they will eventually get over it and themselves.

Optimism

Moving into your first apartment, you should definitely have optimism about your future house and the memories that will be created there.

You are excited about buying or renting furniture, having an actual kitchen and bathroom, and living off campus. Life is looking up, as is your view from your third story patio. Look at youuu.

Just make sure that your optimism is also accompanied with realism, and expect anything. Better safe than sorry, guys.

When finally getting our own apartment, whether with roommates or not, we have an idea of what it will be like. Though, not everything goes to plan, as we all unfortunately know.

A living situation is really what you make of it. Attempt to have that honeymoon phase with your roomies last as long as possible. Then, make sure you all agree on the décor and where things are placed or belong (AKA, the dish cloth belongs in the kitchen, not on the dining room table).

Also make sure to keep the optimism alive, all while being reasonable with requests, and sensible to others. You only live in a new apartment once, so make sure to make the most of it.

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