The transition between grade school and college comes with a lot of significant lifestyle changes; losing curfews, developing time management skills, and gaining new responsibilities to name a few. Many KCC students are experiencing one of the biggest changes a typical college aged student can go through – living on their own for the first time. 

Moving is never easy, but moving out for the first time presents a whole different set of challenges – learning how to cook your own meals, keep your space clean and organized, get along with your neighbors, and afford everything you need are only a few examples. 

“When I first moved out on my own, the challenges that I didn’t think of were how expensive living can be. Food is expensive. Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and all the basic needs cost more than I realized,” Carmen Rose said. “For budgeting tips I would say stick to the 20-30-50 rule and try to put money in savings as often as you possibly can.” 

There are well over 10 apartment complexes in Battle Creek alone. When searching for an apartment, location can be everything. Whether the area is safe, its proximity to work and school, and nearby amenities are all important factors when apartment hunting. 

“Always go and see the complex in person and scope out the environment and the community to see what it’s really like there, and maybe even ask people about their management and maintenance,” Jordan, a Teal Run resident, said. “The community and environment was very important to me. Having a very chill neighborhood with little to no crime was very important to me.” 

Renting an apartment is not cheap, but a strict budget and penny pinching habits can help make it possible. 

“When budgeting, make sure you look into what your apartment already includes your rent, then add up all subscriptions, rent, and other bills. If your free spending budget is under $200, perhaps give it some time before you move alone,” Andrew, a Pine Knoll resident, said. 

You may have your budget set, but what about when you get into your apartment and realize you only have a couch and a mattress on the floor? Luckily, there are a few ways to fill up that empty space without emptying your bank account. 

“I love Goodwill. Bin and Pallet is a good overstock place, along with Battle Creek Habitat Restore for cheap furniture. Facebook marketplace is a good one too,” an anonymous student said. “There’s no rush to furnish and decorate!”

Navigating living on your own for the first time can be stressful, but most will find that the life skills gained and the freedom felt makes it all worth it. When asked about their favorite part of living alone, every single student interviewed mentioned the independence that comes with having your very own living space. 

“I love the independence aspect! I get to eat at whatever time without having to worry about waking up family, I stay out a lot later and can practice living on my own as I plan on doing it the rest of my life,” Zoe Gibbs said. 

When you’re under your own roof with your own rules, you even get to customize your space and add some family members to the household. 

“My favorite thing about living on my own is that I can decorate my home any way I want to, and I have my own pets which I couldn’t have living with parents,” Rose said.

Your moving to do list can get long, so here’s a checklist of items students feel are absolute necessities when starting out:

  • Boxes, tape, markers, and access to a truck/trailer for the moving process
  • Reusable grocery bags
  • A good vacuum 
  • Storage solutions
  • Clorox wipes 
  • Air purifier 
  • Doorbell camera
  • Cookware
  • Bedding 
  • Candles, matches, lighters, etc. 
  • Writing utensils 
  • Printer paper

Wherever you end up signing your lease, make sure to find a place that is safe, comfortable, and has good wifi for those online classes and final essays you’re plugging away at. Eventually, with a bit of strategy, patience, and hard work, it will start to feel like home.