Leaving the warmth of the parental nest and how to survive it?

There are two types of people taking their first steps into independent living. The first are students who move to a bigger city to gain knowledge and new experiences beyond their hometown. The second are those who grew up in the city but feel it's time to strike out on their own and start walking through life on their own two feet.

Living independently brings an incomparable sense of freedom – but with freedom comes responsibility. Now is the moment to show maturity, take initiative, and take control of your life.

To help make your first steps easier, we’ve prepared a practical guide to help you navigate the world of independence, housing, and managing your own life.

Psychological preparation: Letting go of the comfort of the parental home

The first step is mental preparation. The parental home offers stability, security, and often routines we took for granted: food on the table, clean clothes, a tidy home, and financial support. Leaving means taking on all of these responsibilities – and that can be intimidating.

Set realistic expectations: Independence doesn’t mean everything has to be perfect right away. Mistakes are normal.

Develop financial discipline: Learn to track your expenses, build a budget, and save for unexpected situations.

Finding your first apartment

Once you decide to become independent, finding the right apartment is a key step. Here are some things to consider:

Location: Think about the distance to work or university, access to public transport, and proximity to necessary amenities.

Costs: Rent, utilities, communal fees, and insurance, all of this needs to fit within your monthly budget.

Size and layout: A studio apartment might be simpler and more practical, while a small one-bedroom place allows you to live with a roommate.

Safety: Check out the neighborhood, the building, and the security systems.

To find the perfect place, you need to know what you're looking for. Define what you need for a decent living, consider your available budget, think about potential compromises you'll need to make, and – most importantly – stay realistic.

Our tip: Get informed through the Prostor Agency’s website and be sure to contact our agents – they’ll be happy to help you find a place that suits your needs.

Finding a roommate

Of course, it would be ideal to live completely on your own, with the freedom to set your own rules. But at this stage, it's often better to team up with someone to share the experience – and the costs. Why? Because it’s easier to split bills and rent than to carry it all yourself. And let’s not forget the social aspect. Sometimes, you just need someone around to talk to or vent – especially during exam season, when life can feel overwhelming.

That said, be careful when choosing a roommate. It’s important to match in terms of lifestyle and habits. Don’t choose a roommate just because they’re your close friend – if you have different routines and expectations, you might end up frustrated. Imagine studying for an exam while your roommate is planning a house party – not fun.

The landlord - another important factor

By now, you’ve probably realized that the world is full of different types of people – and you’re not going to click with everyone. The same goes for landlords.

Don’t see them as villains – they’re just people, with their own views and habits. The most important thing is to have an honest conversation, figure out what they expect from a tenant, and see if that aligns with your vision of living. If you’re on the same page – great! If not, check out other listings that Prostor offers.

Once you’ve found the right place and a good landlord, it’s time to sign a lease agreement. This will protect you from unexpected situations in the future.

Pay attention to your diet

We know you’re used to the delicious food your mother makes – no one does it better. But now you're on your own, and that privilege is gone. Sure, she’ll send you a care package every few months, but let’s be honest – that’ll be gone in two days.

You need to accept that cooking isn’t scary, and you should start trying to make something yourself. YouTube is full of simple recipes, just pick one and give it a try. We’re confident you’ll improve with time.

Also, keep an eye on weekly grocery store deals and try to shop at least once a week. You’ll be surprised how affordable some items can be when on sale. And, of course, when you split the bill with a roommate – even better.

Leaving the parental home is a big step, but with preparation, planning, and a bit of patience, it becomes a great opportunity for growth, self-confidence, and personal freedom. Finding the right apartment, living with (or without) a roommate, and managing your finances are all part of this exciting process. Every new routine and responsibility leads you one step closer to independence – and to a sense of achievement unlike anything else.

Final advice: Don’t rush. Plan, take your time, and listen to your own needs. Independence is not a goal in itself - it's a means to live the life you truly want.

Ena-Lemana S.   

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