Self Reflection

It’s been almost nine months since I moved into my first solo apartment here in Austin. As a first generation student who took the leap of faith to move six hours away from home, this is a big step in creating a sense of independence. I would be lying to you if I said this transition has been sunshine and rainbows. There have been moments of doubt, loneliness and uncertainty, but I have also grown in ways that I would have never imagined. I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it truly means to be alone.

My Living Choice

I chose to live off campus versus the busy west campus environment that any typical UT student lives in. This choice was both because I couldn’t see myself living in an environment that never seemed to slow down and also because of financial reasons. Instead of having a roommate I opted to live in a studio sized apartment, I feared that one bedroom would feel a bit too big for one person. In a way the smaller setup made the transition less overwhelming.

At first living 10 mins away from my closest friends and the familiarity of campus life was difficult because I felt like I was constantly losing out of the daily routine of being able to see friends and visit places that had been a part of routine since freshman year. As the year progressed I began to find solitude in this distance between school and my individual life.

Why I’ve Enjoyed This Process

For one, being able to live off campus gave me a sense of excitement to come back to an apartment that was only mine. I too comfort in knowing that this could be my way of escaping the stressful and over stimulating day that I was sure to have as a full time college student, who likes to remain busy.

I think a part of why I have enjoyed this chapter in my life, is because for so long my home life has always been chaotic. I am one of four children, so I was raised in the middle of a busy lifestyle and I have learned to thrive in one. Yet there is something so comforting in being able to come home after a long day, and fully be alone and assess the day I had and how it will impact my week.

Living alone has made me increasingly more independent and responsible. There’s no one reminding me to pay bills, restock groceries, fill up gas, or keep my apartment in order. Everything falls on me, at times that can be intimidating, but this has set me up for a future in which I don’t have to rely on anyone. There were moments where I felt overwhelmed trying to balance school, work, and maintaining a household on my own. But with time, those responsibilities became part of my routine. They no longer feel like burdens, but rather small reminders of how much I’ve grown.

This experience feels much more important to me as a first-generation student. Moving into an apartment is only one aspect of it; another is entering a life that previously seemed unattainable. Knowing that you’re navigating situations and environments that your family might not have had the chance to help you through comes with some strain. However, there’s also pride in making your own decisions and forging a path that is all your own.

Austin itself is slowly starting to feel less like just the place where I go to school and more like a city I’m learning to call home. The once unfamiliar streets, coffee shops, and quiet corners are becoming part of my routine. There’s something comforting in that transition—in realizing that I’m building a life here, piece by piece.

Excitement for the Future

I’m still learning things along the way, and my journey hasn’t been flawless. If this experience has taught me anything, though, it is that independence is about discovering who you are when you are alone. It’s about being at ease in your own company, having faith in your ability to deal with unpredictability, and making a place that feels like home, both psychologically and physically.

Even though I didn’t know what to anticipate when I began this trip, I can now say that despite all of its ups and downs, this chapter has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life to date.