1. Figure out home appliances such as gas stoves, water heaters, fans, aircon, ovens etc. I’m surprised how many people who have stayed with me can’t figure out the fixtures in my rented flat in HK and have had to get me to tell them how to operate those appliances. Well then, I can’t help but be a little smug about having figured those things out by myself.
2. Cook – for both survival and pleasure. While I’m nowhere at the level of the homecooks on MasterChef, I can say I’m a pretty competent homecook with quite a wide repertoire of dishes.

3. Revel in my own company. Ok, there are times when it gets so lonely it’s painful coming home to an empty flat. But I have learnt to keep myself busy with books, YouTube and downloaded TV shows.

4. Change a lightbulb. In having to buy new lightbulbs I’ve also learnt the coding system for different sizes of lightbulb – useful trivia.

5. Learn the meaning behind washing instruction symbols on clothes labels. Important knowledge otherwise I’ll end up with heaps of damaged clothes!

6. Multitask and plan my time efficiently. With no one to depend on to run errands and do chores, I have no choice but to plan my schedule such that I can get as many things done as possible in the least amount of time.