About to move out for the first time

[Qwerty321]

I'm 18 and leaving for University in Otago (other side of New Zealand) from where I currently live in Auckland. This is the first time I'm leaving home and honestly, I'm sacking it so hard right now.

What was it like for all you guys when you moved away for the first time? Any advice for a young incapable of being self sufficient, totally unprepared fulla like me?

[DBourne]

You'll find your feet pretty quickly.. You have no choice.

You'll figure out what you took for granted, even stupid stuff like laundry and dishes being washed, but you'll also love the freedom and personal space.

[Adamz Ghia]

if you're on your own don't fall into the trap of takeaway most nights!

[1TUFFUTE]

^^^^^learn to cook quick easy HEALTH as possible food. I stress healthy.

DBournes comments spot on agree also ;)

[Glen 5150]

Work out a budget............and then double it until you get into a routine. You'll be getting bills for things you never knew existed or unexpectedly took for granted. Always expect the unexpected, so try and put a bit aside every week if you can.

Learn to be frugal, but not tight. Big difference.

You'll love the freedom, added responsibilities and the independence, good luck!!

[superyob]

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

if you're on your own don't fall into the trap of takeaway most nights!

Or beer! For Heaven's sake, stay away from the strong drink...

Not that I would know about such things...

[Beastie]

A very exciting time indeed!!!!

Like others have said, budget, plan but also enjoy yourself a bit too.

Best tip I can give about food is, buy a microwave. It will become your new best friend

Learn to cook meals that you can freeze and are happy to reheat the next night.

When you buy stuff like bacon, split it up into smaller portions (in those zip lock bags) that you can also freeze. Last thing you want is stuff going off because it's taking you too long to use it.

And finally, I don't know one uni student that doesn't have a cupboard full of 2 minute noodles

The other thing you can or should think about is the idea of getting a house mate to help with the bills? Maybe get to know a few other students first, as I'm sure that they will be in a similar situation. But if you do, make sure you write down an agreement on who is responsible for what.

Good luck and make sure you put up a few pics of the bachelor pad....

[Iggle Piggle]

Seems like you buy some kind of kitchen/cooking utensil every friggin' week for the first 6 months. You think you are sorted with openers and peelers and tongs and **** to only find something else you don't have.

[The Yeti]

Are leaving home, O the fun

theres a reason frozen pies come in packs of 6

Cause Saturday night you take a chick out ;)

my first time out was a share house, we never even turned the gas stove on in the 6months I lived there but the fridge was always full

great times you'll find your feet fast and have a ball

[Beastie]

A good supply of condoms should be a consideration too......

[Phildo]

Originally Posted by The Beast

A good supply of condoms should be a consideration too......

And candles.

Leave the lights on and women get self-conscious.

Turn the lights off and you can't see a damn thing.

Get a packet of tea light candles. They burn for hours, and don't leave a mess.

And, massage oil. Do a massage class if you can.

[supershifty]

Not that this is much help, but I realised how good I had it at home with Mum for $50/week room and board when I moved out at 20yo.

Washing/ironing/bed made/good tucker the list goes on!

Reality bites hard. I was netting $225 p/w in wages, rent on my one bedroom flat was $115 p/w, didn't leave much for food/smokes/grog - managed though.

Sage advice about noodles though. Different flavours make for variety, add a slice of processed cheese in the mix - goes alright.

Cheers!

[Beastie]

Originally Posted by supershifty

Not that this is much help, but I realised how good I had it at home with Mum for $50/week room and board when I moved out at 20yo.

Washing/ironing/bed made/good tucker the list goes on!

Reality bites hard. I was netting $225 p/w in wages, rent on my one bedroom flat was $115 p/w, didn't leave much for food/smokes/grog - managed though.

Sage advice about noodles though. Different flavours make for variety, add a slice of processed cheese in the mix - goes alright.

Cheers!

Ha ha - I was on $600 a month when I moved out.....I didn't move far though. I was lucky that my Mum & Dad built a self contained flat as an extension when I was 6. Mum still did all my washing, but i did the rest!

[Qwerty321]

As far as cooking and stuff goes, I'm actually in a hall this year because I'm a first year. At Otago only second years and onwards flat, almost all first years go into halls. Anyway, I have 3 fully catered meals a day as well as heating (bloody need it in Dunedin), weekly vacuuming etc. etc. All I really have to do is do my laundry and that's really it. The rest is just like living at home more or less.

I guess I'm just feeling early homesickness haha. I don't think I've ever been away from home/parents for more than 2 weeks at any time, so it's all a big change for me, I've also only lived in Auckland my entire life so that adds to it. Plus my best friend is staying in Auckland and most of my close friends have spread out across different Uni's, so I'm kinda walking in alone (know a couple people, but yea). Actually reading over this it seems to me like I'm really making a mountain out of a molehill. Still nervous af though

[Benno91]

Sounds a bit like a halfway house!

[Ford_The_Win]

- Master four or five basic, cheap healthy recipes. Emphasis on basic - even if its just frozen fish and veggies.

-Only buy things in bulk if they don't have an expiry date (or you definitely know you'll use it up before it goes off). Even if something is cheaper in bulk, you aren't saving money if you throw half of it away.

-Keep track of how much you spend on alcohol and going out

-Separate your laundry - never mix white clothes with dark ones if you can help it, and always wash towels and sheets separately to clothes. Laundry detergent works better in warm water than it does in cold. Tumble dry business shirts (and other things that wrinkle like jeans) by themselves, and hang them up as soon as they come out of the dryer - you will never need to iron anything.

[marty351]

Cheap mince, pasta sauce and (of course) pasta. Goes a long way for very little $, and never gets boring. Also condiments, herbs and spices to personalize just about anything you make. Look for specials and buy as much as you can afford at the time. This will help you relax knowing you'll always have something to eat if the occasion arises that you're broke for a while.

[Beastie]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

As far as cooking and stuff goes, I'm actually in a hall this year because I'm a first year. At Otago only second years and onwards flat, almost all first years go into halls. Anyway, I have 3 fully catered meals a day as well as heating (bloody need it in Dunedin), weekly vacuuming etc. etc. All I really have to do is do my laundry and that's really it. The rest is just like living at home more or less.

I guess I'm just feeling early homesickness haha. I don't think I've ever been away from home/parents for more than 2 weeks at any time, so it's all a big change for me, I've also only lived in Auckland my entire life so that adds to it. Plus my best friend is staying in Auckland and most of my close friends have spread out across different Uni's, so I'm kinda walking in alone (know a couple people, but yea). Actually reading over this it seems to me like I'm really making a mountain out of a molehill. Still nervous af though

Right, so you only have to learn how to do your washing....

Buy / take heaps of clothes and save your washing up for once a week....Never mix your colours and make sure you have a good 'opener' when you meet a nice young lady in the laundromat!!!!

[CoupeKing]

Since you'll be alone for the time being, join some groups/clubs that the Uni offer, this will help you meet people.

Start visiting op-shops/thrift stores.

Try and date someone that works at the local KFC.

[jaydee]

I dragged a mattress into the TV room had a floorobe, couchrobe and had a deli across the road., heaven.
Now I nag my daughter for being a slob, how the wheel has turned, but it least it was my own house living by self, ahh the memories, the good old days.

[98TLS]

Word of advice from someone that lives down here...pack some thermals mate it does get a tad cold come winter...actually come winter/spring and autumn. Enjoy fella...work hard play hard and all will be good.

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by 98TLS

Word of advice from someone that lives down here...pack some thermals mate it does get a tad cold come winter...actually come winter/spring and autumn. Enjoy fella...work hard play hard and all will be good.

I know ay! I just moved in today and it's what 12 degrees at night in the middle of summer! In Auckland I'd have been sitting at around 16 degrees.


I've done the calculations and it looks like I'll actually be going upto Auckland for a weekend or so every month or so. Just turns out the uni breaks and a couple public holidays tends to work out in my favor. Being an only child my parents are overjoyed to have me visit So all is well for now

[Express]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Being an only child my parents are overjoyed to have me visit

Yeah they all say that.

[Uncle Niceguy]

Make sure you can lock all your belongings in your own room and don't take valuables as unfortunately some people take advantage of situations like this.

[Express]

If I was going offer anyone advice when leaving home it would be simply to enjoy it as it will form one of the most lasting memories you’ll ever have.

I did a lot of sharing when I was in my late teens and early 20’s and you’re going to come in contact with a world of personalities and you’ll find good and bad so never waste time taking the bad too seriously as this part of your life will be gone before you know it.

If you are smart the best part will be learning how to grow, interact and deal with many people outside your current known life circle and that is worth its weight in gold for your future prospects.

And good luck with Uni.

Oh and eat lots of vegi's.

[XR6WGN]

I did the same thing - left home when I was 18. I joined the Defence Force (Navy) Left 20 yrs later in 2000. If I recall, I didn't really have any reservations at the time - it was only a move from Adelaide to Melbourne!!

But I guess it is a lot different these days - I do like Express's advice - you firstly have to confident that you are doing the right thing but mostly, enjoy the experience!!

Good Luck.