Living Alone:
Some graduates may consider living alone after they finish university, after living the housemate life you may feel as though you want to try time on your own and value having your own space.
Things to consider when thinking about making this decision:
Considering Living Alone?
- Budgeting: Obviously living alone can often be pricier than living with housemates. You will be covering all of the rent, the deposit and the bills. Unless you have a fair amount saved as well you may be in a smaller living space to afford the rent
- Being alone: How do you deal with spending time on your own? We can all find housemates annoying, but sometimes people feel more secure having others there. Though it is also okay to feel as though you would love lots of alone time
- Social interactions: Even introverts need social interactions sometimes. If you want to live alone think about when you will be able to spend time with others and make sure you still have a good support network
- Security: For some, living alone may be quite daunting. So think about what location would feel secure for you, what security your accommodation will offer and if you will feel safe
- Maintaining your Wellbeing: When it is just you there, it can sometimes seem extra effort to keep your accommodation tidy and to cook balanced meals for one – but it is still worth doing these as self-care, and you will know if you are ready to live alone if you are confident you will still look after yourself in this way.
Living with a Partner:
Moving in with your partner can be a big step for any couple, but lots of graduates chose to make this decision after moving out of their student house at the end of university.
What are the Benefits?
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Reduced living costs through sharing bills and rent
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A positive step within your relationship
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More time with your partner
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Some find it less pressurising than long distance
Things to Consider before making this decision:
Considering Living with a Partner?
- Are both of you happy and keen for this to happen? Things will only work out if both are confident this is the right decision for you
- Where are you going to live? Make sure that where you live has benefits for both you and your partner; i.e. Distance to work, distance to family, enough space, a type of property you both like
- Is your relationship healthy? Only you will know when the time is right and if this is a healthy decision for the two of you. However, make sure you are making this decisions for the right reasons and not because you feel pressured by your partner or dependent on them
- Contract Length/Finances: If you only feel comfortable signing for a short term contract (e.g. six months) and you do not want to open a joint bank account then this is completely okay! Work out your boundaries and what you are ready for, this is smart and looking after yourself
- Talk to others: It’s sometimes a good idea to talk to friends and family before taking a step like this to hear their opinions. These opinions do not have to influence your decision but it can be good to know where you are receiving support from during the transition
- It is okay to argue: Try not to have a too romanticised view of moving in with your partner. There will be good days and bad, and it can be stressful finding your first place together, so it is okay to occasionally bicker. So long as you keep good open communication going then things will work out
Living with your Parents:
Living with your parents after you graduate is not a step backwards at all, lots of graduates do it and if you are lucky enough to have that option then it may be the best one for you.
You will have time to focus on your next steps, your new career and having the comfort of your family near whilst doing so.
Things to Consider:
Considering Living with your Parents?
- Communication: Talk with your parents, see what they expect from you whilst you live with them (e.g. contributing to chores), and let them know what you hope to still do whilst you live there. For example, if you really love cooking your own meals, offer to take turns in cooking.
- Finances: Try and use the opportunity to save some cash. You do not want to be living with your parents forever so think about opening a savings account putting money away for future renting opportunities. Also, if you are earning, offer to help with food bills or a form of rent – your parents would have gotten used to you living away as well, and it will show you are grateful for this opportunity
- Socialising: Some people are really close with their families and love doing things with them in their spare time, but in the same way you would spend time away from housemates or a partner, you should organise social opportunities away from your family home too. Plan some future weekend trips and see if there are still ways you can continue your hobbies that you started at university (for example, joining a local sports team)