We know you are excited about going off to college, but are you ready to live on your own? There are some things you may not even realize your parents have been doing for you all these years under their roof. In order to help you and your parents feel better about you making your big move, here are some tips for managing life as an adult!
But don’t worry, everyone calls their mom and dad for help when they first move out.
1. Wash Your Own Laundry
If you’ve never been responsible for your own laundry, start now while you still have mom and dad to show you the ropes so you don’t end up ruining your favorite outfit! Pro Tip: Hang those clothes up as soon as they come out of the dryer so they don’t wrinkle. If they do get wadded, throw them back in with a damp towel.
2. Practice Cooking
And we don’t mean only learning how to cook a frozen pizza. Look up different recipes and try to cook healthier options. Sure, fast food is way more convenient but believe it or not, pretty soon you’ll be longing for homemade meals…and even leftovers!
3. Take Safety Measures
We promise this isn’t a commentary on your aforementioned cooking skills, but you need to know about different kinds of fires and how to put them out. Did you know you can’t put outa grease fire with water? Smother it with a pan or baking soda, but don’t forget to turn off the stove or oven first.
4. Get Moving
Even if you feel like you don’t have time, try to take an hour at least a few times a week to be active. The more you stay active, the better you’ll feel. Plus, exercise is a great way to combat stress!
5. Balance Your Bank
It is important to know how to pay bills and actually check on your account regularly. It takes a lot of discipline, but you don’t want to end up over-swiping your card and having to pay overdraft fees! Pro Tip: Need cash and don’t want to pay the ATM fee? Buy a pack of gum and get cash back at the grocery store!
6. Look for Discounts
You want to save as much money as possible, so take advantage of any and all discount codes. Pay attention to online and in-stores sales. A lot of places in “college towns” offer student discounts when you show your student ID at checkout, so make sure you always ask! Pro Tip: Publix offers BOGO items—you can buy just one of the items listed on sale and it will be 50% off.
7. Set Aside Extra Money
It’s important to have money put back for emergencies, future needs, and even just for fun. Sometimes it’s hard not to spend every dime as soon as you get it, but with a little consistency, you’ll probably find that you enjoy watching your savings balance grow. And, you’ll enjoy getting to say yes to that fun evening with your friends because you saved!
8. Call For Yourself
Calling to make hair appointments or scheduling a dentist visit can be stressful, but the best way to get more comfortable with it is to just make yourself do it. You will begin to feel more comfortable each time! Pro Tip: If you can help it, don’t call on a Monday morning or on a Friday, which can be their busiest times.
9. Set Decent Sleep Hours
No, you’re not an old person if you go to bed early. Sometimes you need to in order to get enough sleep for the day ahead of you. Everything is a bit easier and life runs much more smoothly when you are getting the sleep you need.
10. Wake Yourself Up
Listen, you can tell us…is Mom still waking you up every morning? We get it. Mornings are hard and Mom is a dependable alarm, but no one will make sure you are up for work or school once you graduate except for you!
