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Karlene Curtin<\/strong> | Staff Writer<\/span><\/p>\n Finally \u2014 it\u2019s time to have your own personal space that is finally not a dorm in the residence hall. That means lighting candles, a full kitchen, no strictly enforced quiet hours nor resident assistants. As exciting as it was to move into my first apartment, there were a couple things I wish I was more prepared for. Here are a few things I wish I had known when I moved into to my first apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I missed campus dining <\/b><\/p>\n Trust me, this surprised me more than I expected. But with budgeting and going out adds up. Cooking becomes the alternative to save money. It is fun for a little bit, but on those days when the motivation to cook is just not there, taking a small trip to Valsetz Dining Hall seems to be the better alternative. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I didn\u2019t realize how much furniture and kitchenware cost <\/b><\/p>\n Sometimes there are other alternatives to finding furniture, like posting an \u201cSOS\u201d to Facebook in hopes to score some free couches or even pots and pans. I suggest saving some money after every paycheck to put towards necessities. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Budgeting is key <\/b><\/p>\n Food, gas, water, garbage, rent and school expenses add up and sometimes can feel impossible to budget out. I saved money by working extra hours and putting a portion of my paycheck into savings. Also by making smart purchases at the store instead of impulse buying can help save. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I have to deal with real adult problems with no third party <\/b><\/p>\n Turns out when the neighbors begin to get rowdy at 2 a.m., there’s no R.A. to tell the neighbors to cork it. And let\u2019s be real \u2014 confrontation can be awkward. Maybe ask if they can give a heads up before they have another party. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n