Patrick's reasons for living elsewhere while studying

11 April 2022

Hi guys, I’m Patrick, a second-year student studying a Bachelor of Game Design and Development at Macquarie.

Two felame students looking at each other from across their dorm room

One of my major goals in life so far has been to move out of home. As of writing this, I haven’t achieved that goal yet, but I still aim to.

As a student, moving out of home is definitely no small task and may not be for everyone. Here are some reasons why you should move out.

Reasons for moving out

There are many reasons why I would like to move out of home and you may also be able to relate to these reasons. These include:

  • Wanting to gain independence
  • Having control over my surroundings
  • Easier travel to and from university
  • Fewer distractions while studying
  • Experiencing a new location and environment

These are my main reasons, but for others, it may be something greater such as wanting to leave an unsafe home environment. If you ever come across troubles at home which cause you mental or physical harm, don’t be afraid to talk to others. There are many helplines which you can use. Macquarie University provides many personal support services to help you.

Roadblocks to moving out

Thinking of moving out without a stable source of income is a pipe dream. Even with a job, there are many costs that come with living away to consider such as rent, utilities, travel expenses, food, etc.

If you are eligible, Centrelink can help alleviate some of the costs with rent assistance. However, finding an affordable place to live is most important. For those keen to live on campus, Macquarie provides student accommodation, but you can also search for accommodation for rent on websites like domain or real estate.

Moving out of home doesn't have to be a top priority! If you are comfortable living at home, are looking to save money, and are not keen on the idea of living away from home, don't be pressured or even worry thinking about moving out!

But, if what I’ve highlighted earlier has piqued your interest and you’re able to support yourself living alone, why not consider it. Take a leap of faith and develop your independence by living away from home!