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Eviction
Notice
Somehow over the past few years, you've grown accustomed
to a foreign bed, bland provisions cooked for the masses
and zero privacy. You've discovered which shower stalls
retain hot water privileges, which elevators jam with
the least frequency and which hidden nooks of campus are
best to drink in an icy shot of air-conditioning. It's
not just familiarity. College has become your home. So
get ready. Because you're about to be evicted.
What will your living arrangements be when you leave the
comforts of campus? Let's examine some of the most common
Living Options for life after graduation:
1. Movin'
back with Mom & Dad. There's a term for folks
in your situation: boomerangs,
and you're growing in number by leaps and bounds. Returning
to the 'rents definitely has its pros, the first and foremost
being drastically reduced living expenses. Chances are,
if you're unpacking half-read English lit novels that
the bookstore wouldn't buy back into your childhood bedroom,
mom and dad will take some pity on you. Important note:
Pity tends to manifest itself as rent-free living (with
chores to make up the difference) or, in the worst case
scenario, a nominal rent. You'll be bypassing utility
bills, cable and Internet charges and the need to buy
incidentals like toilet paper and dish soap. (Just you
wait, those costs can add up!) Another advantage is the
ability to quickly settle into a comfortable routine with
people you know and (hopefully) enjoy. When you come home
after a long day at work and start complaining how much
the "real world" sucks compared to college, familiar faces
will be around to commiserate and/or to lovingly say "I
told you so."
2. The Roommate
Route. This is what I decided to do. A month
or so before graduation, a dormmate and I took an atlas
to Red Lobster. With a cheesy
biscuit-covered finger, she pointed to Indianapolis,
IN, and I agreed. It was as good a plan as any. We learned
our way around the city together. We divided our rent
and bills in half. I reminded her to return DVDs to the
video store and she made certain I ate a green vegetable
on occasion. We each had a built-in friend to help ease
the transition. Personally, I advocate the roommate route
wholeheartedly. It's a comfort to be able to share the
next step with close friends, boyfriends/girlfriends or
relatives who are going through similar situations. Be
warned, however, about living with strangers. Especially
if you're moving to a new city or state, be sure to seek
out roommates from reputable sources. Check out a local
newspaper's classified section or type "find a roommate"
in the browser of your favorite search engine. Stable,
sane individuals are out there - if you do your homework.
3. Livin'
Single. Ah, the bachelor pad. You are master
of your own domain. You set the thermostat. You control
the TV. And you decide how long milk stays in the refrigerator
after its expiration
date has passed. The freedom of living alone
is fantastic. Of course, with freedom comes responsibility.
If living single is what you choose, be sure you can handle
the financial obligations. Create a manageable budget
and stick to it. And don't worry about getting too lonely
- all your friends who chose Living Options #1 and #2
will be over to use your digs as a welcome retreat!
So where should you fix up your futon next? Alas, there
is no web address to give you the answer. But whatever
you decide, make your next home your own. The quirky places
and peculiar people you choose to surround yourself with
fresh out of college are surely among the richest and
most colorful You'll enjoy in life. |
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