When it comes to moving out of home, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before venturing into the world.

Leaving your parents’ nest to dive into new adventures as a self-sufficient adult is one of the most exciting and important transitions you’ll ever go through. We’re here to help with our tips for moving out of home.

Are you ready to move out?

Only you can know this. Some people feel scared but adjust really well; others are confident but end up moving back home. There’s no shame in changing your mind. There is also nothing wrong with staying put and living with your family during your entire degree (hello home cooked meals!). If you think you’re ready, there’s the option of renting a stand-alone house with one or two roommates, joining fellow students in a share house, or the unforgettable experience of on-campus life at Murdoch Village.

For those international students who have chosen to move across the world to study, the idea of moving out can seem even more daunting, as they are juggling living away from family and friends in a completely new environment.

However, this can make the experience that much more exciting, as it is an opportunity to live in a totally new place, meet new people and encounter things you never normally would.

When to move out of home

Unless it’s completely necessary, it’s not ideal to make the big shift immediately before exams or just as first year commences. Decorating, stocking up on food, reading over study materials, and finding your way around campus will take longer than anticipated.

Who should you live with?

There are lots of student accommodation options open to you. No matter what you choose, it’s best to live with those who have similar values around noise and cleanliness. It’s also advisable to nut out arrangements for bathroom facilities, storage space, bill sharing, furniture purchasing, and whether others can stay over.

Moving in with a stranger, or multiple strangers, may seem daunting but remember these people could end up being lifelong friends. And finally, moving in with your high school besties could seem like a great idea, but revisit your values and see if they fit with your friends’.

How much does moving out of home cost?

First, complete a budget. Even a very simple one in Word or Excel is fine. There are a mountain of helpful free websites and apps but no matter what you use, you’ll need to track incomings and outgoings.

Incoming expenses
Wage
Study allowances e.g. Centrelink
Any scholarships

Outgoing expenses
Bond (one-off)
Rent
Food
Utilities e.g. gas, electricity, water
Study materials
Transportation e.g. petrol, Ubers, public transport
Phone
Socialising
Exercise or hobbies
Personal e.g. clothing, medication
Subscriptions e.g. Netflix and Spotify
Semi-regular bills e.g. car registration

Put a bit aside each pay for weekly spending, building a healthy buffer, and saving for a big goal like a backpacking trip. Also keep in mind you’ll likely spend more money early on for big items like a bed and your bond, and smaller unplanned ones such as a handful of different herbs and spices for the kitchen.

Many students like The Barefoot Investor, so this could be a good start to learning about finances.

Learn to cook

There’s no need to become a MasterChef whipping up gourmet 30-ingredient dishes, but it will be helpful to have a handful of easy, inexpensive and healthy meals you can brag about to your flatmates. A semester or two of noodles, cereal and takeaway will take a toll on your mental and physical health, so stay on top of what you eat. Money saving tips include cooking up chilli con carne in bulk, shopping at cheaper grocery stores, and watching those little spends such as takeaway coffee and snacks.

How to juggle it all

Set aside regular time for studying and make sure your household chores are completed regularly. And, while it’ll be tempting now you’re paying your own bills, avoid taking on too much paid work because you’ll need more time devoted to study than you think, plus there will be plenty of socialising on the cards. Read more about getting organised, and studying smarter.
If you're a undergraduate regional student looking to study with us at Murdoch, you could be eligible for one of our scholarships. Apply now.

Want to know more about what it's like to go to uni? Read 10 things people don’t tell you about uni.