Band 7+: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: In some countries university students live at home with their family while they study, whereas in other countries students attend university in another city. Do you think the benefits of living away from home during university outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

The amount of students who live with their parents while studying at university or going to study abroad varies according to each country. However, some students find living away from their elders’ houses an enriching experience despite the disadvantages it may bring. I believe that living away from home while studying at university is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows us to grow and prepare better for society. In this essay, I plan to explain the reasons why I hold this position.

First of all, when you are studying abroad you become in charge of yourself, nobody is going to be taking care of you, so things like meals, laundry, and cleaning become your responsibility. Some may consider doing all these chores a disadvantage, nevertheless, becoming familiar with these kinds of habits helps improve our sense of responsibility and independence, plus, it gives us some valuable lessons on how to take care of ourselves and the space we live in when we are going to buy a house in the future. For example, while living abroad, you need to learn how to cook, because generally, you can’t live out 3–5 years eating only take-out, so, this is a great opportunity to learn how to cook and even eat healthier.

Secondly, you don’t answer to anyone. At your parent’s house, you need to follow their rules, and what they demand you to do, but, when you are studying away from their house, you are able to create your own rules and see which habits or plans for organizing your space fit you best. For instance, while at your parent’s house, you might be forced to wake up at a certain time to do the weekend chores; at your own place you could decide when you are doing them, at what time, and how frequently you plan to do it.

In conclusion, living away from your parent’s house outweighs the disadvantages that come when making this decision, because you are forced out of your comfort zone and must learn new abilities (like cooking, cleaning, and organizing your time) in order to succeed. This might sound trying, but in the long run, it would help you to become more independent and responsible, preparing better for when you are ready to have your own place to live.