Your Guide to Moving Out of Home for the First Time

How to ace the big move from your folks’ place to your own space!

This article is brought to you in partnership with Campus Perth.

It’s finally time to fly the nest – your independence is calling!

Moving out for the first time is super exciting, but it’s also a massive transition! From learning to budget, to deciding whether you want roommates or not, to picking a place that’s central and has everything you need – we’ve got you covered with all the deets you need.

Plus, we chatted to Luis from Campus Perth all about the fun experiences that come along with moving out.

"I'm an advisor—my job here is to make the resident's life happier and to make their experiences better," he told us about his job at the student accommodation. Be sure to check out Campus Perth if you're living West-side!

Let’s talk paying rent.

The first thing you need to consider before moving out of home is whether you can afford it or not.

Image Credit: Campus Perth

Or, if you prefer privacy, there are some stunning studio rooms to lounge and study in.

Image Credit: Campus Perth

Luis describes his space at Campus Perth as "basically an apartment with six rooms."

"We share the toilets and the living room," he told us. "It's amazing because I have my own privacy and at the same time I have my flatmates. So sometimes we just get together in the living room, we have a chat, we watch TV together, you know, it's great."

What about managing those pesky utilities?

Some important things to consider are electricity, home security, internet, television, air conditioning, waste removal…. The list can be endless.

It’s best to find a place more accommodating for students or first-time movers, which bundles utilities into the rent or puts you in contact with agencies.

Luis told us Campus Perth has got it handled. "(Residents) don't need to worry about electricity, water or WiFi—everything is included. So it's great!"

You can breathe a sigh of relief. They gotchu.

Location is everything.

There’s no point in moving out if you have to crash at a friend's place when the trek home is too far!

Be strategic about picking the place and check commute times to your school, university, or workplace. Even if you drive, ensure public transport is a backup option!

Also, think about what kind of environments you enjoy. A bustling city may not be the best for some people’s mental wellbeing, but it might be ideal and stimulating for others! You can always get the best of both worlds – Campus Perth is located right in the middle of Northbridge and East Perth neighbourhoods.

"What I like most here is that the location is very good," Luis said, "it's in the heart of the city. And as I'm studying at ECU, I can just take the train with five minutes of walking and I'll be there!"

Roomies?

Consider the pros and cons of moving in with another person or a group of people.

Of course, living with others is always going to reduce the cost – so if affordability is a non-negotiable for you, it’s probably best to look for shared spaces.

Luis recommended that you come with an open mind. "There's a lot of people here who are ready to make friendships," he said.

"We have different facilities to bring everyone together with events going on. We have movie nights as well, and a big party for Christmas.

"I would say we're more than 90% international students, so even if you don't speak English very well, that's alright! We have this sort of community that really supports each other."

Take the next steps to your independence and check out Campus Perth now! Luis highly recommends the experience, telling us "I've been living here for almost two years now and I'm planning to stay until my graduation."

After living out of home, you won’t turn back.

Header image: PhotoMIX Company via Pexels