Should I stay or should I go?! When it comes time to select your housing arrangements post-college graduation, it can be difficult. There are a ton of factors that go into deciding where you want to live after your college years and it all can be very tedious. My Big Sis’s Stephanie and Callie graduated in 2019. Both have very different post-graduation housing arrangements that are unique to where they both are at now. Stephanie and Callie have played a meaningful role in my college experience at Meredith and will continue to do so in my post-graduation life. So, Stephanie and Callie are both speaking on their own experiences with post-graduation housing arrangements and why they live where they live.
Stephanie
Tell me a bit about yourself!
Hi! I’m Stephanie Semaan and I enjoy watching reality TV shows, listening to music, and trying new cooking recipes.
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I’m a Meredith College Alumna ‘19 (go angels!) and I studied Psychology and Communication. And, yes I can read y’alls mind… definitely joking!
What have you been up to since graduation?
After graduating I started my journey to receive my Master’s in School Counseling, and started my job with Academic Advising at the college-level. While I did attend Meredith in Raleigh, NC I decided to move back to my home state post graduation. A hobby that I started up again recently is playing the flute.
What made you choose to live at home post-graduation?
I was fortunate to have a few different options of applying to grad school or searching for a job or both in either NC or VA. I truly enjoyed my time in NC, but coming from a close-knit family I wanted to live closer to my family. And the licensure to be a School Counselor is state specific so since I ultimately saw myself moving home eventually that did play a role.
Pros of Living at Home Post-Graduation:
- Family! From game nights to movie nights, we’re all close by… literally.
- Multiple Hands! Unlike living on my own, my family and I cook together, and all pitch in together with around the home things like laundry and grocery shopping.
- Saving money! Living at home allows me personally to be able to save money for the future.
Cons of Living at Home Post-Graduation:
- When I first moved home, I kept operating like I was living on my own, but I learned I did not have to do everything on my own. So that was an adjustment.
- While I have a whole home to spread out all my things and fun decoration, it is not just your own space.
- And sometimes staying out late whether studying or hanging out with friends, you could feel like you keep the house up or wake the house up when you come home.
Callie
Tell me a bit about yourself!
I’m Callie Crawford, I love all things that involve Taylor Swift, the beach and Mexican food!
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
Meredith College class of 2019 major in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I have worked as an HR Specialist since May 2019. I have achieved my SHRM-CP certification in 2020. I’ve gotten the chance to improve my cooking skills. I have continued gardening and taking care of my plant babies. I had the chance to travel to California and Tennessee for the first time.
What made you choose to live on your own post-graduation?
I was fortunate to get a job in Raleigh after graduation. I wanted to stay in the city so I would have a shorter commute to work. I also fell in love with Raleigh and wanted to have my own space in the city.
Pros of Living on your Own Post-Graduation:
- You get your own space! You can decorate however you want.
- You also have independence to do whatever you want, like in college but this time no homework or exams.
- You also get to figure out your post-grad self. You have the freedom to take up new hobbies or to choose how you spend your free time. It is a great time to decide who you want your adult self to look like.
Cons of Living on your Own Post-Graduation:
- Security is a big thing. You now have to invest in alarm systems or other methods to keep you safe because you are on your own.
- Money is another disadvantage. Rent takes up the majority of your pay check so that is an upsetting week.
- Even if you have a roommate, you can still get lonely. In college, there’s always someone but when you move everyone goes their own way. You have to be more intentional about spending time with friends and family.
With the Class of 2021’s graduation looming upon us, housing arrangements can be pretty tricky. Stephanie and Callie have provided some great insights that I hope will help you when choosing where you want to live.
XOXO – Katie <3