Adulthood! Once you join this stage, you cannot leave. This is when society needs you living independently. Here comes a house, paying bills and being grown. Have you ever had a roommate? Most of us did either in school life or adult life. Living with your parents or relative does not count. What it mean is two strangers sharing a living space while cost-sharing almost everything.
In today’s’ economy, having a person to split bills with is life-saving. Imagine, not having to pay that 45,000 bob all by yourself; what would you do with the rest? Despite, living with a stranger being difficult. You need to make it work until you can afford a house by yourself; especially if you are in campus and you do not want to live in a hostel. From personal experience, Kenyan hostel life is not all glamorous.
Here is a recommended list on making life easier in either situation:
1.Be a Budget Guru
Unless you are earning thousands per hour, you cannot survive while extravagantly spending your money. I don’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your money, by all means, please do. Although, you need to be smart even if you have a roommate assisting with the bills. Have your roommate budget with you as well.
Get an affordable house yet comfortable that will allow you to make the most of life by allowing you to pay bills, save and have fun.
Related: A budget-friendly Guide when looking for a house
2.Do not impulse buy
Best way to lose footing is by you buying without control. “oh, this couch looks nicer than the one,” Yes, you can buy it but do you need it. Learn to distinguish between needs and wants. Needs are necessity while wants are luxury.
3.Compromise when you can
It does not mean just because you are living with someone, you should lose all grip of your rights. Only bend the rules when it is ultimately necessary.
Valuing yourself comes first, if a situation needs for you to adjust your opinion, do so. Hence, only compromise when you are comofrtable with the solution.
4. Set goals
It is great to list down all the house items you need. This list helps to be organized. Once a goal is accomplished tick it off the list.
The goal list helps also with budgeting as you allocate the money you are willing to spend on something.
5. Make friends
Being friends with people around you makes you live better especially in Kenyan neighbourhoods. The caretaker, plumber and electricians are people most important. In Kenya, you can only have one trusted repair man, the guy you call all the time. Building relationships
Moreover, talk to the neighbours (Nyumba Kumi initiative). If you ever travel for weeks you neighbour can check on your house. Call you if anything suspicious happens also if your house has problems.
