Here are the seven moments every London student has to experience to know they’re an adult

There comes a time in every London student’s life when it dawns on you: you’ve officially crossed the line from “perpetually broke teenager” to “marginally less broke adult.”

But fear not, adulting isn’t all doom and gloom – sometimes it comes with snacks and a newfound appreciation for council tax (let’s be real, no one enjoys that).

Here’s a rundown of the seven defining moments confirming you’ve embraced adulthood’s wild side.

The great council tax discovery

The day you google, “am I supposed to pay council tax?” is the day you’ve been thrust into a world of adulthood and realise how serious it is.

This question is then followed by another: “Do students pay council tax?”

Cue the sigh of relief when you realise that, as a student, you are exempt. For now. The sheer joy of evading one more bill is enough to make you feel like you’ve dodged a bullet in some grow-up video game.

“Wait…Rent isn’t just for grown-ups?”

You finally thought you had things figured out: juggling uni deadlines, part-time work, and that six pound matcha latte habit. But then comes the real-world reminder: rent. Oh yes, you’ve officially joined the ranks of people who care about the first of the month. When your landlord reminds you that rent is due, your soul quietly leaves your body. Congratulations, you now know what it’s like to “live for the payday”.

Meal prepping is no longer a TikTok myth – it’s your life

You used to laugh at the Instagram influencers portioning out their quinoa and chicken like some kind of meal-prep royalty. But now? The realities have changed.

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It’s 8pm on a Sunday, and you’re chopping vegetables for the week and rationing your nine quid chicken from Sainsbury’s. Once upon a time, you were a hater. Now, it’s your reality, but honestly, you’re kind of proud. You’ve cracked the code of living in London without dealing away all your student loans in Greggs.

Choosing the library over the pub

Remember when you used to say “yes” to every night out? Wednesday student night? Absolutely. Thursday three pound pints at the Students’ Union? A must.

But now you’ve got an essay deadline looming and instead of cracking open a pint, you crack open your laptop. The moment you choose the library over happy hour, you’ll feel it: you’re adulting and your liver is grateful for it.

Booking your own dentist appointments – adulting level: expert

This one is monumental, a major milestone. The day you call up and schedule your own dentist appointment, and actually attend, is the day you know you’ve reached peak adulthood. The sound of the drill may haunt your dreams but at least you’re taking care of business like a proper grown-up.

Cheers to you for tackling those pearly whites!

The first time you bring your own bags to Sainsbury’s

There’s nothing quite like a smirk of self-satisfaction when you pull out your reusable bag at the checkout. You used to scoff at the idea, but now, after too many 10p plastic bag charges, you’ve finally learned.

You’re saving the planet one tote at a time, and frankly deserve a medal.

You care about home decor (sort of)

Gone are the days of living with nothing but bare walls and a single poster from your last music festival. Now you’ve ventured into the world of home decor, even if it means just hanging up fairy lights and putting plants on the windowsill. Your flat is now a cosy little haven (as long as you ignore the laundry piling up in the corner).

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