Let’s face it—living in our own places has some costs, literal and figurative. This realization has led many of us to the gloriously-troublesome solution of moving back in with our parents. Yes, we have to revert back to sharing space with people who may still hold the traditions and expectations that have existed since our birth and may not see the world as we do right now. But take a deep breath and remember that there are some significant benefits to moving back home.
1. Mo’ Money
Most importantly, home usually requires less rent, if any. Some responsibilities? Probably. But those would be necessary even if you were living on your own. “As much as I want to go abroad, the idea of having to pay for things on my own is intimidating,” said Boston College senior Olivia Tellis. Recent Simmons College graduate Narjis Syed said, “I can focus on furthering my education and establishing a promising future for myself knowing I don’t have to deal with the financial hurdles of independence.”
2. Free Food
Often parents in the vicinity need to produce food of some sort to feed themselves and possible other offspring. Often they happen to be able to extend this meal to another mouth. If that mouth is yours, then everything else is worth it. Free food, bro. Need I say more?
3. Location Location Location
Sometimes parents happen to live exactly where you need to be anyway. If your future is in the same city your parents are in, how could you not take up the universe on the favor of a nearby place to live? Living too far from work or your grad school classes means hours in traffic, and that means horrifying nightmares.
4. You Can Borrow Their Cars
Speaking of traffic, living with parents means being able to use their cars, which means that you can go out without relying on stuffed public transportation or an expensive Uber ride. “I can get to places without riding the T [Boston’s subway], which the nearest stop to my house is kind of far,” said Carnegie Mellon senior Meredith Abrams, who is planning on spending the coming months at home. “The car is faster and more convenient.” But what’s even better than that? “I can sing along to the radio, whereas people give me weird looks when I sing on the T,” she said. Keep on crooning, Meredith. Keep on crooning.
5. High-School Friends
Usually near home is near high school, which means you end up being close to other old friends also living at home. And usually if you’ve known someone since high school, it means they’re fo’ real. The sad reverse of this is that parting from college means parting from many college friends *sheds tear*. When becoming separated from so many close friends, it’s good to have some friendly support.
6. Your Childhood Bedroom Has Been Untouched
If nothing else, our old bedrooms actually do exist, unlike the pent house we dreamed we’d be living in. Even if you just need somewhere to stay while you chase your future, the fact that your bed still exists in the corner can always be considered a plus.
7. Happy Family Members
This is not necessarily true for all, but sometimes parents desire our presence. Happy parents must be appreciated even if it just means no yelling. Siblings that are within 500 feet and not across the country are also a reason to live at home for a while. “My brother will be home, which will be nice. We’re never at home at the same time anymore,” said Abrams. Tellis has lived at home throughout college due to her parents’ wishes. “My parents just wanted me to be at home, so I decided to honor them to stay at home during this time. It has kept our relationship strong and increased trust,” she said. That already sounds worth it, I must say.
8. Cultural Norms
Some cultures request people live with their parents. “In my culture, it’s not really appropriate for girls to live away from their parents until after they are married,” pointed out Syed. These guys are on to something. If you don’t agree with that, I say reread this and pay attention to the nine other points listed here.
9. Moral Support
Sometimes it’s important to keep in mind the moral support that comes from the home. “My parents are my biggest cheerleaders in my family,” said Tellis. And when a cheerleader is in the same building they’re a lot easier to hear. Phones work too but support from people affects us more. Real people beside you can hug you, and, according to research done by the New York Times, hugs actually work to make you feel better. Boom, science.
10. Laundry
You’ll no longer need to run downstairs and pay three bucks a machine to do your laundry. That shit’s free at home. Your parents might just happen to be doing some and then maybe, possibly—you can hope, right?—just do some of yours. Done. Say nothing more, I’m living at home.
