I was 17 for most of my first year of college. I didn’t turn 18 until the end of March. I was the second youngest person in my class, and there were a few things that no one ever told me that I had to figure out on my own.
1. Get a bank account.
You need one either at home or as soon as you get to college with your parents. Obviously, if you are emancipated, this is different. But if you are not, it will be incredibly difficult to get a bank account later in the year without your parent. You will need a bank account for direct deposit for work study or a regular job and if you wait until you absolutely have to have it, you will have fewer options of where you can bank and it will be a bigger hassle.
2. Make sure to have a driver’s license or ID card.
Whether you get one when you live at home or get one in college (if you consider your college’s state your permanent residence), make sure to get one as soon as possible. You will need this to get a bank account as well as to vote, among other things.
3. Have your social security number memorized.
This goes for anyone of any age really, but make sure that you have in memorized just in case. Probably, you will remember it from filling out so many college applications that require it, but if not, learn it ASAP.
4. If you are going out of state for college, learn the age of consent.
If you think you might have sex, be sure to know what is legal and what is not. The age of consent under certain conditions varies from state to state; some states have it where a 16 year old can be with someone up to 21 while some states have it where a 16 or 17 year old can’t be with anyone older than 18. Make sure what you’re doing is legal.
5. Know the policies your insurance company and doctors office have about minors.
Although you live without your parents and feel as much an adult as your 18 year old cronies, some medical institutions won’t allow you to make your own appointments or even go to the doctor without an adult accompanying you. Often schools have doctors’ offices they associate with that understand some college kids aren’t 18, so talk to the medical staff on campus if you need help.
6. Be prepared to be teased about being the baby.
This is probably not new to you since you were likely one of the youngest people in your high school class, but be prepared for it. It will probably be good natured but if it isn’t, say something about it. Show your 18 year old friends that you are just as “adult” as they are.
