8 Life Skills to Know Before Heading Off to College

Do prospective students need to know some life skills to survive at college? They sure do, and without them, they might not survive.

It becomes very clear to other students when their peers have not been taught some of the basics that life has to throw. While college is supposed to be a safe place where they can make mistakes and extend their education, students are adults and should know what that means.

Laundry – Who’s Going to Do it?

It’s surprising how many college freshmen have no idea how to do their own laundry. Many students will ruin that favorite outfit because they have never had to do laundry on their own. Strangely enough, this is a skill that could be done by a youngster, but a legal adult seems to have trouble mastering this task. Before going to college, make sure this skill has been mastered.

Money Management – Avoid the Phone Calls Home

One of the most common phone calls that college students make is one to their parents to ask for some extra money. While there are many students who don’t come from much and understand the value of money, there are also many that have never had to manage their money. It can be a rude awakening to find out that money isn’t always available to pay for things and managing this is one of the most important life skills college students need to learn.

Cleaning – Where is That Smell Coming From

Some parents avoid going into their teen’s room because of the mess but pass it off as respecting privacy. If college students don’t know how to clean, they might become one of the least desirable roommates on campus. Learn to clean up and what cleaners are used for different activities and enjoy the fresh smell that makes you feel good.

Waking Up – Mom isn’t Your Alarm Clock

It would be interesting to be a bird on a college campus on that first day of classes. What you might see is a large number of students running to class because they didn’t get up to their alarm clock. One of the most important life skills is learning how to get up and be on time for things. Whether this requires several alarm clocks or a bucket of water, it’s important to learn.

Time Management – Procrastination is Not Your Friend

College classes are set up to treat students as adults. Some professors only expect assignments to be turned in at the end of the semester and many classes require term papers to be completed. It’s up to students to understand how to work at something a little at a time to complete the required assignments by managing their time appropriately.

Making Healthy Choices – You Can’t Eat Snickers for Every Meal

College students often find themselves faces with being ill more often than they did as they grew up. Why does this happen? Because they are making bad food choices compared to when they lived with their parents. Learning to choose healthy options and only have sweet treats once in a while is something that can be a life skill that will last an entire lifetime.

Advocating for Yourself – Who is Going to Stick Up for You?

Some students are shy, others try to hide in the shadows, and others are loud and confident. The group of students that are shy and reserved need to learn to stand up for themselves and advocate for things when they know they are right. Those that are loud and confident have to learn what to say and what not to say to get the most out of a potential conflict.

Coping Skills – Everything isn’t Going to Go Your Way

Some students seem to have the world figured out when they are in high school but lack the coping skills to survive in college away from their parents. This is one of the most important life skills that can be taught. Students need to understand what disappointment is, how to fail gracefully, and how to learn from a negative situation.

Bonus: Trying New Things – Spread Your Wings and Fly

College life offers many opportunities for students to get to know who they are and what they enjoy doing. One of the most important life skills a young student can learn is how to try new things, especially if the activities are sanctioned or sponsored by the school. This is a great way to get out of the comfort zone and begin to learn about different areas of life. Some students find their passion this way.