Where do all the cool kids live? How much is college accommodation going to cost me? Is it a good idea to watch Full Metal Jacket at 4am just because I can? Where can I get one of those Chinese waving cats?

My, that’s a lot of questions, but, as always, team Hot Press is here to help. Don’t dare leave your parents’ side until you’ve heard our sage advice on moving out of home...

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Flat, house or studio, your college accommodation will be your home for the next nine months, so make sure it’s a good fit. Start by bugging your older siblings or friends for advice on where to look, and set up some viewings. Then all that’s left is to pick the gaff that’s right for you; remember to put all the essential questions to your potential landlord (find out about rent, bills, security, bin services etc.), and have a good look around the neighbourhood before you decide.

ROOMIE WITH A VIEW
Moving in with people you don’t know might seem a gamble, but if we’ve learned anything from our years of uprooting, settling down and uprooting again, it’s that there’s no way to predict who’s going to make a good house mate. A total stranger can make the ideal telly watching buddy, but equally, your best friend can get on your last nerve when you share a roof with them. The good news is that, nine times out of ten, you’ll get along with your platonic co-habitants just fine. Just remember to set ground rules the first week you arrive; it’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary arguments in the coming weeks.

OFF THE RECORD
Landlords will always ask for a security deposit to cover the costs of any damage that might happen to the residence over the course of the year, and although swindler landlords are thankfully in the minority, it always pays to be cautious. Take and date photographs of any dubious furniture or appliances to ensure your deposit is safe and always ask for a receipt.

SCRUB UP WELL
When it comes to keeping the place neat and tidy, there will always be the chancer who sits back and lets everyone else do all the work, or – equally annoying! – the sly devil who says, “Just let me know what I have to do!”, therefore relieving themselves of all responsibility, unless someone literally shoves a broom into their hand! Assigning specific chores to each person (“you take care of the bins, I’ll keep on top of the hoovering” etc.) works a treat, as does taking it in turns to make a housework schedule.

WOK AND ROLL
Takeaway pizzas will only keep you going for so long; if you haven’t already learnt how to cook, now’s the time! Steal a lesson from your parents, siblings or friends, treat yourself to a simple cookbook (Nosh For Students by Joy May comes highly recommended) and get practicing. If you’re living by yourself, cook in bulk so you’ll have dinner sorted for a few nights. If you’re living with a gang, see if your room mates are interested in dividing dinner duties.

SO FRESH, SO CLEAN
Much like cooking, if you haven’t already learned how to do your laundry, you need to figure it out... like now! Luckily, unlike cooking, there’s nothing to it; keep darks and lights separate, pay attention to the directions on the label and be rigorous about putting on a wash once a week... for, erm, obvious reasons. Oh and if a red sock happens to sneak into a white wash, don’t worry, it happens to everyone – it’s actually a rite of passage!

QUEER AS FOLKS
Leaving a house party early to give your parents a Skype update is nothing if not completely embarrassing, but cut the people who raised you for 18+ years some slack – they’re probably dying to know how you’re getting on. Your college move is a big change for them too, and things like checking in regularly, and accepting your Dad’s help when he insists on fixing the squeaky loo handle will help the transition go smoothly. Make a habit of visiting them every couple of weekends, or every Sunday, if they live close to the college. You’ll never admit it, but you miss them too.

LIVING IT UP
Moving out of home comes with a lot of extra responsibility, but all the room mate squabbles and attempts to open a tin of baked beans without a can opener (the Internet will tell you how to do it with a swiss army knife!) will be for nothing if you don’t remember to have a little fun! Your first year away from home is the perfect time to learn how to play ropey versions of Oasis songs on the guitar, challenge your pre-conceived notions of milk carton expiry dates, stay up all night getting to know someone and eat a full box of tea cakes in a single sitting! It’s all part of the experience and you’ll love every minute of it...we promise!

Part 2 in the next issue!