You know it is going to be one of those days when you are awakened by a child jumping on a bed in a room above your head and a man deemed “epic beard man” by your roommates screams obscenities at a friend about a woman who did him wrong next door.

Apartment living may not be the best, but for many college students, it is home.

At this time in our lives, we college students are given freedom in many areas. In college, we can make our own class schedule, are treated as adults by professors and, like many, can move away from home.

Moving away from mommy and daddy can seem exciting, but we shouldn’t let this new flap of adult wings steer us away from our original goal, school. Living on our own or with roommates can be a great feeling. No one telling us to turn down the television or music and the feeling of having personal belongings besides a wardrobe are invigorating.

What the MTV and ABC Family movies don’t show are the downsides of these newly found freedoms.

More than likely, bills need to be paid, food needs to be bought and laundry is a must. It’s hard sometimes to function with so many things going on. Do our homework. Study for that test. The dishes can wait.

It’s hard enough being a full-time college student, but having to worry about that night’s dinner or the laundry in the basket can make it 10 times worse.

This freedom can be quite enjoyable if it can be handled. Organization is key. Communication with roommates about plans for dinner can really help. If schedules are tight with work or school, let them know they can eat without you or make that a routine take-out night. Make a list of chores each person should do and on what days. Little things like that can really make a difference and bring the stress down.

And word to the wise: Don’t be taken in by $3 sets of cookie sheets … they are only $3 for a reason.