“Oh, so you’re an only child? As in, you don’t have any siblings? How is that?”

Growing up, telling people you’re an only child can get mixed reactions. Not only are “our kind” stereotyped as selfish, spoiled, anti-social and petulant, but we constantly have to remind people that we’re not some crazy, faraway species suffering from an incurable disease.

Here at Uni Junkee, we’re working to break that stigma and give you the lowdown on why being an only child at uni is seriously the best.

#1 Being Comfortable Living On Your Own

Miss Independent, is that you? Growing up, you quickly get used to your own company. So it makes sense for you to want to branch out and live on your own at some stage.

It’s even more sweet when you’re trying to study for mid-sem exams and you don’t have a younger brother storm into your room asking for help on his Year 9 geography project. Ah, the serenity.

#2 You’ve Got It All To Yourself

Being a siblingless child in uni (even if you are still living with your parents) means you don’t have to argue over which study space is yours, what item of clothing was stolen last, and better yet, who your cute AF pet loves more. Being in uni is hard OK? And if you’re an only child, you may as well make the most of having one less thing to worry about.

#3 You Have No Trouble Meeting New People

Over the years, you’ve gotten used to the fact that being an only child means you need to work extra hard to make new friends. It may start off a bit rocky in the kindergarten playground, but by the time you get to uni, it’s all smooth sailing.

#4 Nailing Week One Ice-Breakers

Being great at meeting new people means you absolutely smash those week one ice-breakers. It’s all part of the job, really.

#5 Always Being Known As The Responsible One In Your Friend Group

You’re just that on top of things, people like to (not-so) subtly remind you of your adult traits. You know when to let loose, but you can also get back into the daily grind better than most of your uni pals. Study now, party later.

#6 People Confuse You For A Mature-Age Student

As a child, you were constantly surrounded by adults. At dinner parties, family outings, barbeques, holidays, you name it, you were probably one of the only people your age at these events. In other words, you basically had no other option but to engage in topics and discussions you had absolutely no clue about.

Fast forward a few years at uni and you’re so well versed in property pricing and stock markets, people often confuse you for a mature-age student. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with being a little bit more informed and worldly wise than your peers.

#7 You’re The Best At Giving Advice

Mainly because you’ve seen so many over 40s go through at least one mid-life crisis, you most likely (read: definitely) have a solution to any of your friends’ problems.

#8 Incredibly Self-Sufficient

As an only child, you learned from a very young age that nothing is going to come to you unless you chase after it. This is especially true in uni when it’s all down to you to complete the coursework and stay ahead. After all, no lecturer or tutor is going to hunt you down for that assessment piece.

#9 Higher Levels Of Creativity And Imagination

Look, it’s not entirely proven by science at this stage, but surely all that time playing alone as a child has to amount to something.

Making a tote bag out of this week’s leftover ramen noodle packets — that’s creative and imaginative, right?

#10 Forging Your Own Path In Life

Having no siblings in uni means there’s no one your parents can compare yourself to. So you do you, boo!

(Lead image: Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants/Alcon)