My parents’ message in my high-school graduation advertisement is something I’ll never forget.

“Go out and spread your wings daughter, just remember you’ll always be welcome at home.”

I never knew how true those words would be until college. With my parents’ house only 25 minutes away from the UW and my dad working on campus, I knew I couldn’t completely escape. But I tried.

Now, after three years of happily living the sorority life and enjoying the copious amounts of freedom, I’m back at home.

College is all about independence, and living on your own is a defining moment in a student’s life. We may make decisions we regret or not remember, and leaving the comforts of home can be both exciting and nerve-racking. To help alleviate the swirl of emotions when it comes to home-hunting, here’s the Housing Guide. Happy hunting!