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Moving in independently can be very overwhelming, especially if it is a new city and you’re a complete stranger. You should be prepared and ready for the surprises and difficulties that this new journey brings to you. Let me tell you how to be prepared and not be thrown under the bus by life.
Preparing yourself mentally months before you move out is the first step. Visualize the things you want to do and the things you want to happen to you. (I know a lot of you might think, 'meh, what are you talking about?', but I assure you, I know exactly what I am talking about.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed when moving out. Now there's a good chance you overpack because you don't want to miss anything back home. Make a list of everything you think you'll need and add to and subtract from it as you go. Prepare your bags a few weeks before you leave and give yourself plenty of time to unpack the unnecessary items. Don't pack emotionally, but rather practically. You don't want to end up paying for extra luggage so pack just enough. If you haven't worn your jeans or t-shirt in months but feel emotionally attached to it so you anticipate wearing it when you arrive at your new place; don't pack them, it'll never happen. Just like it did before, it WILL gather dust.
Now begins the research phase. Learn about the city, the people, the culture, the food, the festivals, how they live, etc. You need to do some research, even if it's just basic so that you have a sense of what to expect and don't feel completely lost. Make smart and confident decisions. There will always be crooks around. Stay on your guard at all times!
Next, while booking your ticket, take advantage of the student discount. A little luck might also allow you to get some extra luggage allowance. Cherish your student years!
Remember to always, ALWAYS bargain to bring the cost of the roof under your budget, whether it's a PG or a rented flat. Options are always available. Make sure you avoid going through middlemen or agents since you might have to pay more.
Additionally, you may also be able to find a combination of PG and rented accommodation these days. For example, Co-Live has a range of options for you like single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms, etc., with facilities like wi-fi, laundry facilities, lounge areas, gym areas, and a canteen. This is perfect for those on a budget.
As a student, however, if you plan on renting a flat and aren't planning on staying long-term, it's best to also rent your furniture and appliances.
Budget-friendly options for appliances and furniture can be found on apps and such as guarented.com
Managing your finance is the way to survive in a new place. Implement the 50-30-20 rule. Approximately 50% of your monthly budget goes towards paying your bills, 30% toward other less necessary items, and 20% toward saving. You don't need to follow these divisions, and there are no hard and fast rules. Divide based on your budget. Organize your finances into three compartments: one for bills and payments, one for less important items, and one for savings.
Of course, we all want our ambiance to match our vibe, and so would you. As we all know, interior decorating can be very expensive, so let your creative side shine through. Choose DIY items to decorate your space and recycle whenever possible. The result is that you save some money while personalizing your space at the same time.
NOW YOU’RE READY TO FLY!
Having to figure everything out on your own is the most difficult part. Mixed emotions are perfectly normal. There will be times you feel happy and excited, and other times you'll feel scared and anxious. My suggestion is always to savor the moment and to cherish it. The experience here is what will guide you in the long run. So don’t be scared to make mistakes. Just make sure you learn from it. Having said that, it is also quite normal to overshoot your budget (again, trust me, I know). Hence, my main goal in this blog is to help you, help yourself to save some money.
As a student, you can move to a new city and stay on a budget, but have fun at the same time. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. That's how life works.
Best wishes for the new chapter of your life.
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