Living Away from Home for the First Time: A Student’s Guide to Surviving (and Thriving!) on Your Own
Moving away from home for the first time is a huge milestone — exciting, a little daunting, and full of new experiences. Between lectures, meeting new friends, and exploring your new city, you’ll also be learning how to manage day-to-day life on your own. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here are some simple tips to help you settle into independent living with confidence.
1. Master the Basics: Kitchen Confidence 101
Cooking for yourself doesn’t have to mean living on pasta and toast. Take a look at our blog post for inspiration!
Pro tip: Check the settings on your oven — the fan symbol usually means it heats evenly and cooks faster, while the grill is great for crisping up cheese or reheating leftovers.
2. Washing Machine Wisdom
Laundry might seem confusing at first, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’s second nature.
Quick guide:
- Use the 30°C or 40°C setting for most clothes — it saves energy and keeps colours bright.
- Always check pockets (no one likes soggy tissues).
- Separate whites from darks — trust us on this one.
- Use about half a cap of detergent — more isn’t better!
And if you’re ever unsure what the symbols mean on your washing machine — a quick Google of your model number can tell you everything you need to know.
3. Dishwashers, Drying, and Daily Routines
If your house has a dishwasher, you’re already winning. But to avoid a soapy disaster:
Remember:
- Scrape off food first (no need to prewash).
- Don’t overload — water needs space to circulate.
- Tablets go in the small compartment on the inside of the door, not straight in the bottom!
Keeping on top of chores as a clean house can make life smoother — create a simple rota, or just agree who’s doing what each week.
4. Budgeting and Bills: Adulting Made Easy
One of the trickiest parts of living independently is managing money. Make a simple weekly budget for food, transport, and nights out — and set reminders for rent or bill payments.
Apps like Splitwise or Monzo make it easy to track shared costs with housemates so nothing gets forgotten.
5. Make It Feel Like Home
Once you’ve figured out the practical stuff, make your space your own. Add photos, throw blankets, and small touches that remind you of home. Before you know it, you’ll have your own routines, favourite local spots, and a home that truly feels like yours.
Final Thought
Everyone feels a bit out of their depth at first — but that’s part of the adventure. At Nexa Living, our homes are designed to make your transition into student life as smooth (and comfortable) as possible, with everything you need to live independently and confidently.
