Many students can't wait to dive into the adult world after high school, but let's face it, becoming a pro at adulting takes time. While we spend years preparing for academic futures, we often forget about essential life skills. Equipping ourselves with these skills is crucial for a solid start, no matter where our paths lead us.
Here Are 10 Things Every High School Student Should Know Before Becoming a College Freshmen:
Basic Self Care: College life can be demanding, so it's crucial to prioritize self-care. This includes practicing good hygiene, eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will help you stay healthy and focused on your studies. Trust me, you don't want to be that one stinky roommate. 🤢
Managing Finances: College often involves managing your own finances, because if you don't you can be broke REAAAAL quick — I learned this the hard way. Learning how to create a budget, track expenses, and save money will help you make informed financial decisions. You'll gain independence and avoid unnecessary financial stress by practicing responsible money management. 💰
How to use public transportation: Public transportation can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to get around in college. Familiarize yourself with bus routes, subway systems, or other modes of public transportation in your college town. This skill will enable you to navigate the city and commute to classes or other destinations efficiently. Especially if you're from out of state and need to get to the airport often, you'll want to get comfortable with this! 🚌
How to stay safe: College campuses may have their own safety considerations. Understanding personal safety measures, such as being aware of your surroundings, securing your belongings, and knowing emergency protocols, will help you stay safe and confident while navigating campus life. Often campuses have their own security patrol and a night walker buddy system that allows you to call them when it's dark out and you don't want to walk alone. Check you school's website if they have this. TIP: Buy a pepper spray for extra precautions.🚶♀️
Time management: College brings increased responsibilities and a busy schedule. Developing effective time management skills, including prioritizing tasks, creating schedules, and avoiding procrastination, will help you balance academics, social life, and extracurricular activities successfully. Start good habits while you're in high school and take advantage of all the help you can get from your parents! ⏰
How to do Laundry: Knowing how to do laundry is essential because, in college, you'll be responsible for washing your own clothes. Understanding different fabric types, sorting laundry, using the right detergent, and following proper washing instructions will help you keep your clothes clean and in good condition. Trust me, you do not want to have to go to class with a pink shirt that was originally white. 🧺
How to Network: Building a network of connections is vital for personal and professional growth. In college, you'll have opportunities to meet professors, classmates, and professionals in your field of interest. Developing networking skills, such as making genuine connections, maintaining professional relationships, and leveraging networking platforms, can open doors to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities. While college can be intimidating and big, you can start by joining clubs and events! 😊
A Trial Run of a Day in College: Before entering college, it's beneficial to have a trial run of a typical college day. This involves waking up early, attending classes, managing study time, navigating campus, and experiencing college routines. This experience will give you a glimpse of college life, allowing you to mentally and practically prepare for the upcoming transition. 🎓
Independence: College often serves as a stepping stone toward independence. Learning to make decisions, take responsibility for your actions, and solve problems on your own will empower you to navigate college life successfully and become a self-sufficient individual. Especially if you are going to college out of state, you'd want to be able to rely on yourself and know what to do! 😃
Socializing: College is a unique social environment where you'll meet diverse individuals and form new friendships. Developing socializing skills, such as effective communication, active listening, and building connections, will help you create meaningful relationships, engage in campus activities, and make the most of your college experience. Remember, college should be the best 4 years after your high school years! 🥳