Moving home

If you are planning to move back home after having lived independently at university, you will not be alone. The number of young people living with their parents has grown substantially over the last decade, and with increasing opportunities to work remotely, this trend may well grow as new workers no longer have to relocate to larger cities. For some this is a positive experience with the chance to strengthen family relationships and save some money. But for others this can be a difficult time, with tensions arising about space and loss of privacy and freedom. 

So, what can you do to make things easier for yourself and the others back home? Check out our top tips. 

Communicate!  

Don’t just assume you all know what each other is thinking. Make time to explain what’s on your mind, not just with parents, but also with siblings and other family members as well. Listen to their point of view in return – they have also changed while you have been away, and they will also be adapting to your return. 

Agree Boundaries 

Be clear about some of the basics, such as your financial contribution, cooking, washing, cleaning, or friends staying over. Agreeing these in advance – and sticking to them - can save plenty of arguments later! 

Create your own space and respect others’ 

Both you and your families may have been used to more privacy, and you will have to find a new way of being around each other. Think about how you can all give each other space at times, such as by going out to exercise or visiting friends. 

Keep to your own space!   

Whether you are lucky enough to have your own bedroom or are sharing, you may still find it quickly fills up with all the worldly possessions you have acquired over the years! Think about creative storage solutions so the rest of your family are not tripping over your boxes or consider using an external storage facility. You might want to think about re-organising or redecorating your space if you are able to. 

Working from home? 

The pandemic has led to many changed working practices, and many people are now working entirely or partly from home. This can add to the tension, particularly where space or broadband is limited, and if other family members are trying to work from home as well. Try to differentiate work and leisure areas, talk through the issues in advance, and consider finding other co-working spaces if you need to. 

Reconnect with friends 

If you have returned to your hometown, this is a great time to look up old friends and see what they are doing. But also make the effort to stay in touch with your university friends. Arrange regular meet ups or talk online. But don’t forget this is a transitional period for everyone, and you might find some have moved on in different ways. If so, give them a bit of time and space, as reconnections can happen further along the line. 

Use this time wisely 

Although it might not feel like it right now, this will most probably be a temporary situation, and before you know it you will be working full time and living independently again. You may well feel exhausted after your final year’s studies and the pressures of job hunting, so take this time to reflect about what you want to do next while you have the benefit of a home and security. 

Ask for help 

If you are struggling, don’t bottle it up. Reach out for help from friends and family. You may well find they are going through just the same feelings as you.  

Make plans 

Whether these are short term plans such as travelling or steps towards your graduate career, now is a great time to take stock and think about where you are going.  

Further support

Careers and Employability can offer you support for as long as you need it. See the Graduates Careers pages. All bookings and job vacancies are through myCareer, you just have to re-register yourself as a graduate first.