College is a learning experience. It's your first taste of pure independence outside of your parent's home and a chance to learn how to do things on your own. Of course your family and friends will still be there for you, but for the most part, it's a chance to find out how much really goes into being on your own. Here are a few things every college student should know by senior year and some tips on how to accomplish them.

1. How to properly do laundry

You'd be surprised by how many people come to college with no idea how to do laundry, let alone iron or stain-treat clothes. I know I was pretty thankful for the directions inside the lid of the washer when it came time for the first mountain of clothes that I had procrastinated on my freshman year. Before that, I had been banned from using the washer at home a long time ago due to the fact that I accidentally poured half a jug of soap into it and overflowed the laundry room with bubbles. Proper laundry skills are good to have, as they can be the difference between that pristine white tee you rock for the party and a dingy, wrinkled, hot mess that you pull from the dryer.

Pro Tip: If you don't have/don't want to iron clothes, just hang whatever you need pressed in the bathroom while you're taking a bath. The steam will help smooth out all those wrinkles.

2. How to cook a proper meal

Living off-campus means that you're probably not going to have that good of a meal plan. Flex points run out pretty fast, and living off microwavable foods and cereal sucks (trust me). This is a good chance to figure out how to make something for yourself using the amazing invention called an oven. I know, it can seem daunting at first, and you might accidentally set something on fire, but it'll be worth it. Remember, the fastest way to make friends and fall in love is with food.

Pro Tip: If you do set something on fire, use baking soda to put it out. Never use water for grease or electrical fires. It won't end well.

3. How to clean up after yourself

Nobody wants a nasty roommate, and nobody wants to nearly die every time they try to navigate their way through your living space. Cleanliness is important. No one wants roaches or spiders as freeloading roomies, so invest in a Swiffer and learn how pick up after yourself. It'll make room checks that much easier and have mom and dad pleasantly surprised when they come to visit. Bonus: happy roommates!

Pro Tip: DO NOT cram everything in your closet or under your bed. I know it seems tempting, but you will never be able to find anything ever, and you'll hate yourself when it's time to move out.

4. How to dance

Sorry, not sorry, but twerking is not dancing, and neither is grinding. Everybody should know how to do at least one partner dance. The Waltz isn't too hard, and neither is swing dancing. These will come in handy at formal events like all the weddings you'll be invited to in the next few years. Cringe. So take a dance class, or get on YouTube and figure out some basic moves to do. Besides, this gives you a great excuse to get close to some cute guy/girl.

Pro Tip: Take a ballroom dance class as an elective. They have one here at Troy, and it's a very fun and fairly easy class to take.

5. How to dress professionally

This one is kind of a no-brainer. Dressing professionally will come in handy for job interviews and internships. It can be the difference between whether you get a job or not, so go out there and buy yourself a nice suit or a tasteful dress. It's more than worth the splurge.

Pro Tip: A blazer will business-ify anything. I always keep one in my car just in case.

6. How to put together a resume

This is one of the most important skills you can possess. Resumes are a vital part of securing internships, landing jobs, and advancing in your career. Hopefully you'll be fortunate enough to take a class that teaches you how to put one together. Knowing how to put together a resume and how to properly word it will give you that extra boost you need to accomplish your career goals.

Pro Tip: Remember to always keep your resume updated, and try to have some copies of it on hand whenever you go in for an interview. Resume paper is good, but card stock is also a great option to print it out on.

7. How to hold a decent phone conversation

This is one that I still struggle with. I hate talking to people on the phone, even more so when I don't know them that well. In today's age of texting and social media, sometimes this is a skill that can be forgotten. Be sure to have a tasteful voicemail message and refrain from having a ringback tone just in case someone important calls. This skill will come in handy when you have a phone interview or need to call and schedule your own appointments.

Pro Tip: Smile while you are talking; people can hear it through the phone, and you come off a lot more inviting.

8. How to write a proper thank-you letter

Writing a thank-you letter is not something that our generation tends to think a lot of. Nowadays, we tend to think of texting and email as our main way to communicate, but a handwritten note can go a long way. It's good practice to send one after an internship or job interview. Taking the time to write out your thanks in a letter and sending it or delivering it by hand communicates a lot more than simply saying "thank you" or sending a quick email.

Pro Tip: Always have some blank thank-you cards on hand for whenever you might need one. If you write them often enough, it might be a good investment to get some personalized.

9. How to use proper table manners

This has saved me on several occasions. One instance that comes to mind is when I was invited to be the date of a fine gentleman to an ROTC formal. Failure to follow proper etiquette would lead to a drink from the grog and a mixture of rather foul ingredients, so most of the table looked to me to set them straight on formal dining procedures, such as how to properly eat the bread or cut the meat. It turned out to be quite the interesting night, and it made me so thankful for the etiquette classes that I have taken throughout the years.

Pro Tip: Leadership and honors students all take at least one class that gives you a full rundown of dinner and professional etiquette, but if neither of those apply to you, try to do some research on your own. It will definitely come in handy.

10. How to have good study habits

College will run you ragged if you're not careful. It is meant to be harder than high school, and once you get into your upper-level courses, it really shows. Good study habits really help a lot and can make or break you when it comes to passing a course.

Pro Tip: Try not to study in your dorm, as it makes you more likely to get sidetracked or fall asleep. It also helps to invest in a planner so that you can purposely set aside time to study.

So there you have it! These are the top 10 things that I think you should know by the time you finish college. Good luck!