Are you prepared to live on your own in college?

Beyond the Three “R’s”

You’ve demonstrated mastery of reading, writing, and arithmetic. You’re ready for college, right? WRONG! The new existence awaiting college students holds a wide assortment of responsibilities that extend well beyond the classroom walls. Are you prepared to live on your own in college?

Ease your transition into adulthood by practicing the following prior to moving into your dorm.

Organizational Responsibility

Use a planner to block time for work or school obligations and record due dates.
Break tasks into smaller steps and schedule in your planner when you will accomplish tasks prior to due dates.
Honor your responsibilities to yourself and others. Meet deadlines for others by completing tasks when you say you will.
If a week looks particularly full, back up some tasks into the previous week. It’s okay to complete assignments ahead of schedule.

Financial Responsibility

Open a checking account and practice writing checks.
Check the mail regularly. Pay attention to due dates and mail checks a week prior to allow processing time.
Use the monthly statement provided by the bank t verify transactions and monitor your balance.
Understand which activities are cause for fees and avoid such actions (ATM machines, minimal balances, overdrafts, etc…)

Self-Management

Practice preparing meals and make healthy food choices. Pay attention to portion sizes. Many college campuses provide a buffet style dining experience, so it will be valuable to thoughtfully choose food options.
Your body needs sleep in order to function. Recognize times of the day when you feel especially productive. Set a sleep schedule to maximize your time.
Establish your code of conduct prior to social situations that may put you in uncomfortable positions. Decide ahead of time the sorts of activities you will and will not engage in. Practice ahead of time what you will say when someone asks you to participate in an activity you are not comfortable with. Learn how to remove yourself from a situation that has changed into one that no longer meets your code of conduct.
Surround yourself with people who care about you and support you.
Manage the role you allow stressors to play in your life. Help your body process stress through exercise, journaling, yoga, music, or whatever works for you. Remember to take care of YOU.

Ask for help

Acknowledge what you do not know and seek guidance. The washers at college may operate differently than the ones at home. It is okay to ask for assistance. In fact, it is better than okay.

Your college years will provide multiple opportunities to practice responding to your newly acquired adult responsibilities. Establish some patterns for success now. Before you know it you will be loading the car and settling into your dorm room. To help you prepare for the move, read my post, College Dorm Living, and download the Dorm Checklist.