Whether it’s for college or a new job, moving away from your family is a dilemma that every young adult faces. Even though it might seem scary and overwhelming at first, living on your own will equip you with so many skills and advantages.

Here’s how:

1. You don’t have to fight for your right.. to party

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of living on your own? Yes, freedom. When you’re on your own, you become your own boss.

Don’t feel like getting out of bed? You don’t have to.

Want to go clubbing in the middle of the week? Go!

But how can this make you a better person?

When you finally have the liberty to make your own decisions, you have only yourself to blame for all the mistakes you’ve made.

When it comes to teaching a good lesson, no one does a better job than bad experience.

2. It’s all you – money, laundry & cooking

Financially and otherwise.

You finally listen when your dad sits you down for financial jibber jabber. If you don’t keep track of where your money is going, you’ll be broke. That means you’ll have to learn how to cook.

That’s solid motivation to keep those nights out in check. Daddy isn’t paying for your drinking binge.

If you don’t feed yourself, no one will. While it may sound alienating, there is a sense of pride in it. Trust me, there’s something therapeutic about doing your own laundry.

Sowmya Raykar, a part-time Master’s student at Manipal University Dubai shared:

Back when I stayed with my family, I had no clue how much a kilo of tomatoes cost. Now, from rent to DEWA bills to grocery—I have to keep a check on the ‘cost of living’!

Sowmya is originally from Bangalore, India and has been studying/working in Dubai since 2014.

3. You become kinder

Living alone is like being in a communication skills bootcamp.

It’s a slap on the back of your head to stop taking company for granted. You can’t afford to be haughty and lonely. When you’re starting out, you need to get out there, give everyone a chance.

If you don’t, where will you find a reliable support system [Selfish as it may be]?

4. You learn to shrug your shoulders & move on

Living with roommates often means that you don’t get to decide a lot of things.

Snorers, extreme OCD, loud skype chats are just some of the things you might have to adjust to. It might drive you up the wall, but in the end you emerge as someone who’s adept at handling different sorts of people.

Trust me, these are necessary real-world skills. Moreover, you become more tolerant and forgiving. When mumma isn’t wrapping you in a warm blanket away from all the evil, you get acquainted with different kinds of ‘evil’ and, inadvertently, learn how to handle it.

Not to mention, you learn to read people better – whom to dodge when.

5. This one’s a cliche, but it’s true

Mum’s food tastes better, dad’s lectures seem more sensible and your siblings seem warmer at your homecoming. Being away from your family brings you closer to them.

There will be days where you’re broke or have to skip meals because you’re working overtime. There will be unplanned trips. There will be chaos and confusion with all the different people coming in and going out at odd hours.

It makes for great stories and experiences. And it’s all outside that bubble of security and comfort your parents have built, ironically.

Have you ever lived away from home? If yes, what was your biggest takeaway from that experience? Tell us in the comments – we’re eager to hear from you!