Transitioning from a dorm room can be pretty exciting and intimidating. Unlike the simple dorm life with fewer responsibilities, renting your first apartment means having to deal with landlords, new neighbors, bills, and obligations. You also must adjust to the new environment if you move to a new town or state after college.

With the excitement of moving into your first house, it can be easy to make mistakes and overlook essential aspects during the planning stage. This can lead to regrets and financial messes that will take a long time to clean. Knowing what to expect when planning the move will make the process easy and successful. Here are a few planning tips for moving from a dorm to your first apartment after college. 

Apartment Living Costs

One of the most significant considerations you should make when moving to your new apartment is the living costs that come with it. Understanding what expenses to expect allows you to plan your finances accordingly and live comfortably. Most people make the mistake of underestimating their living costs, leading to money mistakes that can take you years to recover. Below are some of the costs you can expect when you switch from the dorm to an apartment

• Rent: It is advisable to aim for 30% of your income or less as your rent expenses
• Food
• Furniture and household items
• Utilities. These include water, electricity, waste removal, internet, and cable.
• Transport
• Entertainment

You should also expect other monthly expenses that you never worried about before. These include parking, rental insurance, pet fees, pet rent, gym membership, and security. You may also incur storage fees if you consider renting a storage unit for your extra valuables. Always ask your landlord about any other monthly bills to avoid surprises.

Since all these costs can quickly add up, you need to plan your finances accordingly and rent an apartment you can afford. Budgeting prevents you from breaking your lease when you find out the rent and expenses are higher than expected. Remember, defaulting on rent can negatively affect your credit score. Also, your landlord may sue for breach of contract and expose you to legal problems. It would be best if you also considered sharing the apartment with roommates to cut costs.

Consider the Location

Your apartment location matters as it dictates the convenience you will enjoy. It also determines the amount of rent you pay because every area varies in rent prices. College dorms are usually near the needed facilities, such as the school, shopping centers, and even the gym. However, moving to an apartment does not guarantee access to the amenities you need, making it necessary to be diligent when renting your first apartment.

To ensure you pick the right location, consider your lifestyle. Do you want a laidback and quiet neighborhood or a bustling environment full of activities? You can then check the security and crime rate of the area, proximity to your workplace, transport, and availability of social amenities. Also, determine whether you are willing to live in a good location with a small apartment or a bigger building in a not-so-good place.

Meals and Budgeting

Most colleges require students to purchase meal plans, making it easy to budget for food. When planning to move to your first apartment, one of the adjustments you must make is meals, prepping, and budgeting. With no dining hall or meal plan, you are responsible for your food options and groceries as there is no meal plan or dining hall o cater to that.

You can't live off snacks and quick fixes like you were used to in your dorm room. It is also impractical to eat out all the time. With this in mind, you should consider learning to cook if you don't already have the skills. You don't have to attend a culinary school; you can learn how to cook through cookbooks and YouTube.

Also, plan your food budget based on your income. While you can eat out once in a while, it is vital to stick to your budget. To make it easy, create a grocery list of all the items you need whenever you shop to ensure you do not overspend.

The Fun Part of Living in an Apartment

Despite the few uncomfortable adjustments you can easily overcome, renting an apartment has numerous benefits. Unlike a dorm room which limits how much you can decorate your space, apartment living allows you to actualize your dream interior designs and décor. From the type of furniture you buy to what you put on your walls, your only limitation is your imagination.

You also enjoy freedom and privacy since you have the apartment all to yourself. You don't have to share bathrooms and living spaces, especially if you have no roommates. The best part is not having to follow dorm rules and routines like inspections, curfews, and restrictions on who you can host overnight. You will enjoy the independence of living alone and being fully responsible for how you live, allowing you to grow as an individual. By renting an apartment, you can learn to be a responsible adult while having fun at the same time.

As you plan to move into your first apartment, the above expectations and responsibilities can help you prepare for life after college. Always research before moving and choose an apartment you can afford. Although renting an apartment means added responsibilities, the freedom you get is worth it.