I bought my first handgun (Springfield XD9 SC) when I turned 21. I was going to college and living in Statesboro. Obviously I couldn't carry on/near campus but I didn't spend much time there anyway. I lived in a 4 bedroom house with 2 roommates who were rarely home (one stayed at his GF's apartment and the other spent half the week in Athens with his GF).
Call me paranoid or scared if you want. I just don't like being in a large house by myself. Before bed every night, I would do a sweep of the inside/outside of the house with an Insight X2 light/laser. My gun was with me at all times. I would set even set it on the counter by the sink when I was taking a dump. If I was in the shower, it would be sitting on the back of the toilet, easily within reach if I needed to jump out naked to defend myself. You never know when you are going to need it so you might as well always carry.
Call me paranoid or scared if you want. I just don't like being in a large house by myself. Before bed every night, I would do a sweep of the inside/outside of the house with an Insight X2 light/laser. My gun was with me at all times. I would set even set it on the counter by the sink when I was taking a dump. If I was in the shower, it would be sitting on the back of the toilet, easily within reach if I needed to jump out naked to defend myself. You never know when you are going to need it so you might as well always carry.