Accommodation

5 signs you’re ready to move out for uni

The decision to move out of home for uni is a big one, and there's no universal right time to make the leap. While some people pack their bags the moment, they finish Year 12, others benefit from staying at home for their first year or even their entire degree (and both approaches are perfectly valid).

But if you're considering making the move, how do you know whether you're actually ready? Moving out before you've developed some key life skills can turn what should be an exciting time into a stressful struggle. Here are five signs that suggest you're prepared for the practical and emotional realities of living independently.

You can handle your money

Financial readiness goes far beyond having money in your bank account. It means understanding what things actually cost and having a solid plan for how you'll cover your expenses.

Before you move out, you should have clear answers to these questions:

• How will you pay for accommodation (family support, part-time job, scholarships, government payments)?

• Do you have a job lined up, or have you confirmed there are opportunities where you're moving?

• Have you researched Centrelink  payments you might be eligible for, like Youth Allowance or Rent Assistance?

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Just as importantly, you should have some experience managing money. Maybe you've been buying your own clothes, paying your mobile phone bill, or doing the weekly grocery shop with your parents. You need to know that a loaf of bread costs around $3, not $10, and that living on two-minute noodles isn't sustainable.

Don't wait until you're stressed about settling into a new place to figure out government support options. Research these beforehand so you know what's available and can apply well in advance.

You can keep yourself safe

This is about knowing when to say no - whether that's to dangerous situations, peer pressure, or anything else that compromises your wellbeing.

You should be comfortable declining invitations that feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and can resist pressure to drink more than you want to, skip places that make you uneasy, or avoid activities that conflict with your values.

Academic safety matters too. You need to be able to maintain boundaries around your study time and not let social pressures derail your goals. When friends want to hang out but you need to work on assignments, you should be able to say no without feeling guilty.

Basic practical safety awareness is also important, like not walking alone late at night and knowing how to access campus security if you need help.

You can handle your health

You don't need to be a fitness guru or nutrition expert, but you should have basic self-care skills in place.

Can you get yourself a reasonable amount of sleep most nights? Do you eat at least some fruit and vegetables, even if it's just munching an apple on your way to class? Can you make sure your body gets some movement, whether that's walking across campus, doing stretches, or occasionally hitting the gym?

You need to know how to access healthcare too. You should be comfortable going to a pharmacy to ask questions or get basic medications, understand how Medicare works, and know how to find a local GP. Most universities have health services on campus, so find out what's available before you need it.

Mental health awareness is also crucial. You need to recognise when you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or low, and know where to seek support - and remember you never need to struggle alone. This might mean:

• Calling a helpline like Lifeline or Beyond Blue

• Booking an appointment with a counsellor (many unis offer free sessions)

• Reaching out to friends and family when you need help

• Using apps or online resources for mental health support

You can get yourself to where you need to go

Independence requires mobility. You need confidence in your ability to navigate your new environment and get to university, work, shops, and appointments without relying on others.

If you drive, you should have access to a reliable car and feel comfortable driving in unfamiliar areas. This includes practical skills like finding parking, reading street signs, and using GPS navigation.

If you rely on public transport, you need to be competent with planning routes, understanding timetables, and navigating transit systems. And you should know how to work out backup options when services are delayed or cancelled – because they will be.

The key is feeling confident that you can get yourself where you need to go, especially in emergencies.

You actually want to

This might seem obvious, but it's worth examining your motivations honestly. Are you moving out because you genuinely want the experience, or because you feel like it's what you're supposed to do?

There's enormous pressure to move out immediately after finishing school, but this timeline doesn't work for everyone. Trust your gut: if you'd prefer to stay at home for a while longer, listen to that instinct.

The shift from school to university is big all by itself. There's nothing wrong with managing one major change at a time, especially if your university is close to home. You can still have a rich university experience while living with your family, and you still have the option to move out later when you feel more ready.

Some people thrive on multiple big changes at once while others do better taking things gradually. But both approaches can lead to success.

Taking your time is okay

If you're reading through this list and realising you're not quite there yet in some areas, that's completely normal.

You might decide to spend your first semester or year at home while you develop more confidence. You could take on more financial responsibility at home, practice using public transport in your local area, or gradually take charge of more aspects of your health and wellbeing.

Moving out for uni is a big step, but it's not irreversible. Many students move back home at various points during their studies for financial, health, or personal reasons. The most important thing is making decisions that support your overall wellbeing and academic success.

University is challenging enough without adding unnecessary stress, so take the time to build these skills and you'll be much more likely to thrive when you do eventually make the move.

If you think you're ready or want to explore your options, you can also check out our directory of Australian uni accommodation providers here.