Living away from home
About
For many students, starting university can coincide with moving out of home for the first time, both of which are key transition periods in life. it can be the first time that they have lived out of home. It can also mean leaving your family and living somewhere new, which can be overwhelming.
What to do
It’s okay if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some key tips on how you can best manage and thrive with this big change.
Missing home
If you’re feeling a little homesick, that’s okay and to be expected. Being proactive and making social connections through academic, social, artistic, sporting and spiritual outlets can help manage homesickness. You might like to join one of Deakin’s clubs or societies, or speak with a multifaith chaplain. If you are an international student, you could develop social connections through Deakin’s International Students Facebook group.
Healthy habits
Living away from home and starting university will require you to manage finances, cooking, coursework and possibly sharing your space with new people. With so much going on, it’s easy to develop unhealthy habits. Remember to make time to eat well, exercise, do the things you enjoy and stay connected with you community. The DeakinWELLBEING app can help you find balance and develop these healthy habits.
Money matters
If you’re managing your finances independently for the first time, it can be overwhelming at first. Make sure you have a budget to cover accommodation costs and other essentials, such as food and utilities. If you need assistance to learn how to manage your money, we can help.
Coping in a shared house
Living in a share house can feel like the best of times and the worst of times. If you’re living in a share house, here are some tips that might help:
- Many difficulties in share houses are because of money. It’s important to be clear and make rules so that everyone knows here they stand.
- When it comes to rules, each share house has different rules. Some households share everything and take in turns cooking, others prefer to share nothing and cook for themselves.
- Assertive communication is key when it comes to living in a share house. If you have a concern or problem, it’s best to deal with it quickly and the move on. If you have tried your best to communicate well with your housemates and you just don’t get along, it’s best to move out and use what you have learnt to make sure you find a better fit in your next share house.
- Know your rights as a tenant.
Getting support
Deakin has a range of support services available to help you ease into university life and living away from home. Deakin's off-campus housing service can assist you in finding housing, and if you would like to speak to a health professional, you can make an appointment with Deakin's Counselling service.
The DeakinWELLBEING app can help you find balance and develop these healthy habits.