There are many things college teaches you, from learning about your study habits to who your true friends are, how you handle alcohol, how to balance different aspects of your life to what you are passionate about. However, there are some things we need to teach ourselves that are important life skills. These things are usually not taught in the classroom but are things that every college-aged person should learn how to do.
1. Cook a meal for yourself.
Does not include: mac and cheese, instant Ramen, canned soup or frozen meals.
2. Grocery shop.
This means actually creating a list before going to the store, adhering to that list (Don't cave into buying those potato chips!), going through the store methodologically and sticking to your grocery budget.
3. Make a budget.
Speaking of that grocery budget, you should definitely learn how to budget your expenses. This could include everything you buy, or be split into categories, such as food, alcohol, clothing, rent, books, groceries, social life, etc.
4. Be a renter or homeowner.
Many college students do this, but it is important to understand how to sign a lease, be accepted as a renter or homeowner by your landlord, stick to the rules of that lease and pay your rent on time
5. Make your own appointments.
Yes, this means that Mom can no longer schedule your appointments for you. It is time for you to take control of your own health, pay attention if something is wrong and get it addressed.
6. Travel and plan a trip.
Whether this means studying abroad, taking a road trip stateside or simply planning a weekend away for you and your significant other or group of friends, every student should learn how to plan and budget for a trip, arrange transportation and accommodations, plan food, pack properly, plan out what you will be doing and learn to deal if something does not go as planned.
7. Have a job.
Many college students work, but it is important you understand how to search and apply for jobs, fill out the required financial forms, how to communicate with your boss, get along with your coworkers, show up to something on time and adhere to a schedule.
8. Have an internship.
This is not the same as any old job because as an intern, you typically are learning how to behave professionally in your future field. it is important to learn how to do basic tasks, understand what your future might look like and get a foundation for your career. You usually have to dress professionally and conduct yourself in a more serious manner.
9. Do chores regularly.
Whether this means doing your own laundry for the first time, doing dishes immediately after using them or actually cleaning your bathroom, it is important, now, to actually learn how to properly clean things, separate laundry and look after your own space.
10. Live with roommates.
We all have to deal with good and bad roommates at some point. This is crucial for your development to learn how to live with people you might not agree with!
11. Learn to care for something.
Whether this be a plant, a fish or a cat, it is important to have to take care of something other than yourself at some point because you will realize the world does not revolve around you.
12. Work to maintain relationships.
As we get older, we often realize maintaining and putting effort into relationships takes work. This is true for all kinds of relationships from old friendships to family members to significant others.
13. Maintain acquaintances or end friendships maturely.
On a related note, as important it is to maintain friendships, it is important to understand how to maturely end a relationship, or how to keep good acquaintances with people you may not necessarily be good friends with.
14. Set goals for yourself.
It is important, now, to think about what you want for yourself in the future and how you are going to achieve these goals.
15. Keep a planner or schedule.
This is critical!
16. Record your memories in some way.
Whether this be photography, a diary, a blog or a sketchbook, the possibilities are endless. It is important to record your memories in some other way that is not just social media!
