In preparation for graduation from college, I am sure many college students have big plans. They plan to get a job immediately after college and perhaps buy their own home soon after that. College students may want to travel, or get a dog (that wasn’t allowed in the dorm room), or many of the other things they have been wanting to do while in college but couldn’t do – either because they couldn’t afford it or the college life just didn’t allow it. I am sure one of the things that is not on every college student’s list is to move back in with parents after graduation from college.

Why Moving in with Parents after Graduation from College Can be a Good Thing

Whether you want to admit it or not, moving in with your parents can be a great option. As I have discussed before, graduation from college has its financial challenges that college students are forced to deal with all at once. By moving home with your parents immediately after college, you can make this transition time a lot easier on you. Here are some of the financial benefits of living with your parents:

  • Save Money Easier: There is nothing better than free rent. Not only does this help you avoid an expense, but it can make it easier on you to save money. Think of what you can do with the money that you would normally spend on just rent. If I could avoid spending rent for just one year, I would have a small down-payment for a house or could buy a new car (not that I would). You could even use this time to pay off debt.
  • Space out Big Decisions: Graduating from college can be a whirlwind. You are forced to deal with the many challenges of growing up all within a short period of time. By moving home for a short period of time, you can delay the decision of where you are going to move. With this crutch, you can take your time as you try to find a job after graduation from college. Otherwise, you might be forced to get a temporary lease while you decide where you are going to live and/or work. The last thing you want to do just after college is make a bad decision or worse, a bad investment.
  • Employment Flexibility: Instead of having to get a high paying job, having lower expenses can provide you the freedom to follow your dreams. You may have to volunteer or take a low-paying job to get into the career that you want and having this financial assistance early on may be just what you need for a short period of time.

How to Survive Living With Your Parents after Graduation from College

Even though there are lots of financial and lifestyle benefits to moving back home for a short period of time, we all know that it is hard on everyone. Moving back in with your parents is difficult, especially after you have lived on your own for many years. It is hard to adjust from the college lifestyle of staying up late and going out with friends to living with your parents. If you choose to live at home with your parents after graduation, here are some tips to help you survive.

  • Stay Busy: If you are still looking for a job, you may have lots of time on your hands. Sitting around and doing nothing is never a good thing for anyone. By finding a few cheap hobbies to keep you busy, it can make living at home more enjoyable. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference this makes.
  • Set Boundaries: If your parents start expecting too much from you in exchange for letting you live there, it might be helpful for both parties to set some appropriate boundaries. Establishing boundaries early on can make a huge difference as everyone will make their expectations known from the beginning. This provides for no second-guessing or feelings of resentment, which in turn leads to a more pleasant environment.

Moving back with your parents after graduation from college does not have to mean the end of your social life. It can provide a necessary assistance when it is most needed. Taking the time to make it as enjoyable as possible can make the difference of following your dreams or giving up and just finding a job to pay the bills. Are you willing to move in with your parents for the chance to follow your dreams?

Have you ever been forced to live with your parents in adulthood? What did you do to make it enjoyable?