In less than a month, I'll be celebrating my long-awaited 21st birthday. Because of this, I've had nearly twenty-one years to pick up a variety of knowledge and plenty of time to reflect on it so in honor of my almost 21 years on Earth, here are 21 things that everyone should know by the time they turn 21.

1. How to do your own laundry

This seems like a simple one, but it's surprising/ terrifying how many college students in their twenties have no clue how to use a washer and dryer. It's not that hard, you guys.

2. How to cook

You're an adult now. You can't live off microwavable foods anymore and expect to be okay.

3. How to clean

Clean. Do dishes. Don't let mold grow in your shower. Throw your clothes in a basket rather than the floor. It's basic stuff. If your mom would have a heart attack after seeing your apartment then you should probably crank up some tunes and get to vacuuming.

4. How to drink

Congrats! You can drink legally now! Don't make an ass out of yourself at the bar like you normally do at frat houses and apartment parties. Figure out what your limit is and don't cross it unless you want to spend the night in the dreaded drunk tank.

5. How to do taxes

Once again, we're adults now and while it's super comforting to know you can drive to your parents' house, shed a few tears, and guilt your dad into doing them for you -- you won't learn anything and it won't help you once you get into the *gulp* real world.

6. How to create an effective resume

Your resume that you made using a Microsoft Word template is cute, but it won't hold too much water in the real world.

7. How to build your credit (without maxing out a credit card before you're even out of college)

Credit cards and the Devil's form of currency. Unfortunately, building credit is necessary in order to apply for things such as apartments, cars, and even cable services. Make sure you get secure one of those coveted pieces of plastic, but don't get crazy. Buy a coffee or a pack of gum once or twice a month and pay it off immediately.

8) The difference between "you're" and "your"

"You're" means "You are." "Your" is possessive.

9. The difference between "their," "there," and "they're"

"Their" is possessive. "There" refers to a place. "They're" means "They are."

10. The difference between "to," "too," and "two"

"Too" means "also." "Two" is a number. "To" works for everything else.

11. The difference between "breathe" and "breath"

"Breathe" is a verb. "Breath" is what comes out when you breathe.

12. How to be responsible

Can you get yourself up in the morning? Can you get yourself to class? Can you do your homework without anyone telling you? If the answer is yes, then awesome. If the answer is no, then you need to figure some things out.

13. Basic hygiene

Brush your teeth. Shower daily. Don't be a gross mess. It's easy.

14. How to talk to people

Get to know your professors, your classmates, your bosses- these people can be friends, mentors, or job connections. Never underestimate the value of knowing people.

15. How to go to sleep early

Staying up all night is fun, but going to sleep earlier will make you a better, happier, more alert person all the way around. You're an adult now, you need to sleep.

16. How to be a friend

Friendship goes both ways. You can't be all about yourself all of the time and expect your friends to stick around

17. How to not get offended so easily

18. How to have self-control

19. How to save money

20. How to be a good person

21. How to live

If you don't already know everything on this list, don't fret. It's never to late to make yourself a better person. After all, while twenty-one may officially feel like the end of your childlike days, it's just the beginning of an even better chapter of your life.