There’s No Shame in Moving Back Home

Despite being from Wellington, I forced myself to fork out a huge amount of money to live closer to the CBD while studying. “It's part of the student experience,” I chattered through my teeth as I shivered in my flat. It was great fun for a while; I met amazing people at Weir House and my flatmates and I really bonded over our fear of rats. But I had to work two jobs while studying to keep up with living costs, and eventually it all became too much. 

I moved back in with my parents this year—a privileged option that I know many students don’t have. Returning home initially felt like such an L. I was embarrassed to tell people that I had lost to the housing market. That I wasn’t tough enough to suck it up. 

I spoke to some of my friends from high school who were in the same boat as me. Milan flatted with me last year, which was his first time out of home. We lived in a beloved hovel deep in Aro Valley, where each of us paid $235/week. “I moved out of home to challenge myself,” he said, “but that challenge ran its course.” Milan explained that while he grew from the experience of flatting, the comfort of being back home in a financially stable environment was beneficial to his health. 

Annie had a similar story. She echoed Milan’s sentiment about “wanting to face more of the challenges ‘adult life’ had to offer” by flatting. Since she’s now a Masters student, Annie cannot work as many hours as she used to and is also no longer eligible for student allowance. Her finances compelled her to move back home, but to her it felt like “taking a step back.” 

I’d like to dispel the idea that moving back home is shameful. As much as we want to challenge ourselves, not all of us find it worth the ever-increasing price tag. The cards are stacked against students, and picking the ‘easy way out’ isn’t regressing—it's realistic. 

There are two sides to this week’s Housing issue. 

We have our news and feature stories, which investigate and report on the housing crisis and student accommodation. Our news discusses halls not paying residents their bonds back, why students can’t afford to study in Wellington anymore, and an update on the Gordon Wilson flats. In our features, Zoe Mills breaks down student homelessness, and Azaria Howell explains what to do when you get Covid-19 in your flat or hall. 

To maintain balance, this issue also includes fair share of dumb bitch-ery: housing memes, a quiz, a caramel slice review, and a photo essay of iconic student flat décor. No matter what your living situation looks like, I hope this issue resonates with you. 

Ngā manaakitanga, 

Janhavi Gosavi (she/her)