College is exciting. After 18 years you finally get to go out and experience the world. However, before you start life's next journey, there are a few things you need to know in order to survive out there.
Being an adult comes with adult responsibilities. After all, your mom and dad aren't going to be there to do things like laundry and cleaning for you. And there are some things, like basic repairs and basic sewing, that will save you a lot of money — and you'll need every penny as a broke college student. So, before you move out to start your life, make sure you know how to do these 16 things.
1. Laundry
Come on guys, it's not THAT hard. You don’t even have to iron anything.
2. Basic sewing
Look, you don’t need to be a world class seamstress, but you need to know the basics of working with a needle and thread. Learning how to sew a button or darn a sock or mend a tear isn’t that hard — and it doesn’t have to look pretty as long as it’s functional. If you can, just follow along with what’s already sewn.
3. Unclogging a toilet and/or shower
You don't need to immediately call the plumber if your shower or toilet is clogged. Always make sure you have a plunger on hand. A plunger usually works for both. If it doesn’t, then call the plumber, and don’t touch any pipes if you don’t know what you’re doing. Also, don't stick anything down the shower drain to try and fish out a clog.
4. Using basic hand tools SAFELY
Hand tools are very, very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing — even a screwdriver. ONLY USE THE TOOL AS INTENDED. That is the number one way to avoid hand tool injuries. And make sure it’s the right size and right tool for the job. Don’t be using your flat-head screwdriver on something that needs a Phillip’s head (if you don’t know the difference, please do not be using screwdrivers until you learn).
5. Writing professional emails
A professional email really goes a long way, and it leaves a good impression.
6. Following a recipe
Take out every night is bad for your health and expensive. But if you know how to follow a basic recipe, even if it’s on the back of a box, then you’re good.
7. Basic first aid
Small cuts, bruises, and burns typically don't require you to go to the hospital, so know how to take care of them yourself. And have a basic first aid kit on hand. If it’s infected or won’t stop bleeding, go to the doctor. And obviously remember 911 for all emergencies.
8. Scheduling your own appointments
Inevitably, you’re going to have to go to the doctor. And most doctors are going to have you CALL ahead of time to schedule an appointment. Scary, I know, but it’s actually not that bad. You set up the time you’re available and make sure to ask if they accept your insurance before you actually schedule the appointment.
9. Keeping track of your bank account
You need to be able to manage your finances. Banks charge you overdraft fees when you don’t have the money in your account to cover a check or a charge on your debit card. Keeping track let’s you budget and monitor your accounts to make sure nobody has gotten ahold of your bank information.
10. Writing a check
At some point in your life, you’re going to have to write a check — usually to pay bills. Know what the different lines are for and how to fill them out.
11. Signing your name
For the rest of your life, you’re going to be signing documents of all kinds, so make sure you know how to write your name in cursive. Yes, it needs to be cursive because anyone can print your name. But luckily for you, that’s literally the only cursive you need to know.
12. Basic self-defense
Hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but you should always know basic self-defense to protect yourself. The world is a dangerous place, unfortunately. Luckily, your college should offer some self-defense classes.
13. Fire safety
Have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it. Don’t just pour water on fires — particularly grease fires and electrical fires.
14. Deep cleaning
When you leave apartments, dorms, and houses, you have to clean them or else they’ll charge you an extra fee. Know which products to use where and how to use them safely. Remember, don’t just mix chemicals. You could accidentally kill yourself from any noxious fumes produced.
15. Basic repairs
You don't need to become a master carpenter or anything, but knowing how to do basic repairs around the house/dorm/apartment will save you a lot of money.
16. How to navigate around town
You're not going to just stay on campus 24/7 are you? You need to learn bus schedules, streets, and everything else you need to get from point A to point B. Yes, getting lost can be an adventure, but there are some places that you just don't want to be lost.
There are so many other things I could have put on this list, but these are all basic things you should know how to do before leaving your parents house. Being a grown up living on your own is exciting, but it really does come with a lot of responsibilities. Knowing how to do all this will save you time and money, and will help you become the mature adult you now are.
Welcome to adulting, kids.
