After quite possibly the best four years of my life so far, it was extremely difficult leaving behind the college lifestyle and moving back home. When I first moved to the dorms, I foolishly thought that this was going to be the last time I would have to submit to my parent’s rules of the house. As time went by and I had to kiss my apartment good bye, I braced myself for the regression of living at home. If you’re a soon to be grad moving back in with your family, here are some fun and not so fun things to look out for as you head back home. 

First and foremost, having to adhere to your folk’s rules might seem like a step back in the independence you so carefully crafted all those nights in college. As a recent grad, it might even seem like a blow to one’s self esteem to have to move back, but realistically, in this economy, it’s almost expected for us to return home. But now that I am back, the perks seem to outweigh the cons. For example, living in an expensive city such as Los Angeles would require a pretty great job right off the bat, but honestly those are few and far between. Living at home gets rid of that stress of immediately having to find money to pay rent on time because your parents have that covered. Depending on how your household dynamic works though, you might be expected to help out, but that is nothing compared to having to pay all those bills on your own. If you’re lucky enough to find a job, you can focus on saving up for your own place or grad school, or maybe even just going out and having a good time. What you choose to do with your money is up to you, but at least it’s not going to rent anymore!

On the other hand, this freedom of financial responsibility comes with a price, and that price is your privacy. It becomes a lot harder to date, especially if your share a room with your siblings. Not everyone has the privilege of having their own room, and if you’re one of the unlucky souls, then dating becomes difficult. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or casually dating, the days of bringing home a tinder hook up or significant other are gone; at least for now. You’ll have to find fun and creative ways to continue your romantic life; and unless you’re ready to bring them to your parents, this might be one of the reasons to look for a small apartment sometime in the near future.

If you’re single with no intention of dating, then you’re busy looking at all the positives in your situation. From having dinner prepared at reasonable hours, to not having to worry too much about apartment chores and laundry, this might be the biggest perk. In college, we run around looking for free food, trying to locate spare change to do laundry or buy a decent meal. But once we’ve moved back that no longer has to be an issue because our parents have our back. No need to settle on cheap knock off versions of mother’s home cooking because you’ll be getting all of that on the regular. Just make sure to watch how much you’re indulging because the weight gain is swift and unforgiving.

Quite possibly though, the most difficult thing about moving is adjusting. The post-grad depression is very real and very harsh, so you might have to rely on your hometown friends and family to help you readjust and get out of that funk. There is no shame in asking for help, and post grad life is realistically one of the most challenging times in a young adult’s life. With job prospects low and changes in social life happening, there is a lot to take into account when you move back. Friends will be one of your saving graces, and although it might be harder to meet with them, if at all possible, you should totally do it. If it’s not that feasible, rely on your family, no matter how much they might annoy you. Provided that one has a loving family, they’re probably ecstatic to have their baby come home once again. Let them enjoy this time with you, because soon enough, you’ll be on to bigger and better things.  

Cover Image via PBS