Dear Ella,
I am happy to hear from you again. It is hard to believe that you are already eighteen and will be going to university soon! Where to live during your studies is not an easy decision to make, because it will have an impact on your daily life for the next four years, at least.
First of all, staying at home has a lot of advantages you might not even be aware of at this moment. That is an environment you’ve been familiar with for a long time and that you’re comfortable in. If you ever happen to have a problem you can’t figure out on your own, your family would probably be willing to help you. Besides, you don’t have to cook every day, which means more time for other tasks.
Sharing a flat with someone is quite the opposite of the previous option. Moving away from your parents’ home is a huge part of adulting and, in a way, your first step towards being independent. You would have more freedom to organise your time and tasks. However, living with another person who is not your family member could be problematic – especially if you are both leading busy lifestyles.
To sum it up, each option has different benefits and consequences. I would suggest you do more research on what universities near you can offer. If you are happy with that, staying at home is not a bad option. If you are not, find a roommate you get along with and move to a flat!
Best regards,
Sofija
