It's Been a Year

When I first started living alone, I felt so lost. What to do, how to manage... I learned everything by trial and error. Now, looking back after a year, I've grown a lot.

1. The Hard Parts

First 3 Months

  • Everything was new and confusing
  • Couldn't cook, spent too much on delivery
  • Cleaning and laundry piled up
  • Loneliness crept in sometimes

Tough Moments

  • First time being sick alone—felt so helpless
  • First rent + utility bill—reality check on money
  • Winter heating bill shock
  • Lonely weekends at home

2. The Good Parts

Freedom

  • Sleep whenever, wake whenever
  • Eat whatever I want
  • No one to answer to
  • Decorate my space however I like

Growth

  • Cooking skills improved (at least I don't starve)
  • Developed money management habits
  • Learned to solve problems on my own
  • Got to know myself better

Living alone has its inconveniences, but you learn just as much.

3. What I Learned This Year

Practical Skills

  • 100 things you can make with eggs
  • The importance of sorting laundry
  • Habits can really cut utility bills
  • Managing the fridge = managing money
  • Little and often beats big cleaning sessions

Mindset

  • It's okay not to be perfect
  • It's okay to ask for help
  • Being alone doesn't mean being lonely
  • Routines provide stability

4. For Those Just Starting

Do This

  • Stock up on basic medicine
  • Save emergency contacts
  • Track your spending the first month
  • Call family sometimes

Don't Do This

  • Try to be perfect from day one
  • Buy everything at once
  • Try to handle everything alone
  • Compare yourself to others

Remember

  • The first month is hard for everyone
  • After 3 months, you'll get used to it
  • After a year, you'll be a pro

5. Looking Ahead

I've learned a lot this year, but there's still more to learn. I want to keep improving my solo living skills.

  • Expand my cooking repertoire
  • Save more money
  • Build exercise habits
  • Start new hobbies

🏠 Wrapping Up the Living Alone Guide Series

Over 20 parts, we covered everything about living alone.
I hope this has helped those just starting out.

It's okay to be alone. You can survive this!

Complete Series Index

※ This article is based on personal experience. Thank you for reading!