Living on your own for the first time is exciting… until you realise your room won’t magically clean itself. Most students handle the basics — doing laundry, taking out the trash — but there are a few sneaky household chores that tend to be forgotten. Here’s a light but useful list to help you level up your adulting game.

1. Cleaning the Shower Drain

Hair, soap scum, and mystery gunk build up fast. If your shower starts draining slowly, this is probably why. Quick tip: once every two weeks, lift the drain cover and remove any buildup (gloves recommended!).

2. Wiping Down Light Switches & Door Handles

You touch them every day, but when did you last clean them? These high-touch surfaces collect more grime than you’d expect. A quick wipe-down with disinfectant goes a long way.

3. The Inside of the Fridge

Spilled sauce from a month ago? That half-used cucumber? Yep, it’s time. Every few weeks, toss old food and wipe shelves with warm water and a bit of baking soda or vinegar.

4. Under Your Bed (Yes, Really)

Dust, lint, socks, wrappers… the space under your bed is basically a time capsule. Clean it out once a month — your allergies will thank you.

5. The Microwave

It only takes one spaghetti explosion to turn your microwave into a science experiment. Wipe it down inside (and the outside too!) with a damp cloth or some lemon water.

 6. Your Trash Bin Itself

You take the trash out, but do you ever clean the bin? It builds up smells and bacteria. Rinse it out every now and then and let it dry before putting in a new bag.

7. The Air Vents or Filters

Some student housing has built-in ventilation or portable units. These need cleaning too. Dusty filters = poor air quality. Ask your landlord if you’re unsure how to clean them safely.

Conclusion

Living independently means learning as you go — and no one gets it perfect from day one. But taking care of these small (but important) tasks can help keep your space fresher, cleaner, and more liveable. Plus, your future self will definitely appreciate it.