13 Things To Know How To Do Before Going To College
Start writing a post
Student Life

13 Things To Know How To Do Before Going To College

22
13 Things To Know How To Do Before Going To College
HuffPost

College can be the time of your life, but you need to know a few things before you can really succeed in your four years away from home. These simple life skills can help you after college as well when you are in your professional field and when you grow up, get married and start a family. You will need to know how to do these13 things before going to college.

1. Laundry.

Laundry is a life skill everyone will have to learn to do. Unless you want people to avoid you because you smell like a skunk, pull out the Tide and learn how the washer machine works.

2. Time management.

Everyone has procrastinated at least once in their life, but in college it gets to a whole new level. Not having a class every day can make it easy to put assignments off until the last minute. College is a lot easier if you do assignments in a timely manner so you do not have to worry about deadlines and the quality of your work.

3. Travel alone.

With colleges all over the country, many students travel hours by bus, train, car or plane to get to their university. If that's you, when coming home for holidays and breaks, there is a good chance you will be on your own in an airport or vehicle at one point. Learning how to read maps and understand signs can make a world of difference.

4. Call for an appointment.

I hate phone calls. I have never called and made an appointment and I dread phone interviews. However, once you get in college, your parents are not there to hold your hand and call for an appointment for you. It's all on you.

5. Change a car tire.

Again, college students may travel far to get to college. If a nail finds its way into your tire, you are not going to want to look up YouTube videos on "How To Change A Tire" on the side of a highway. Knowing how to change a tire can make life easier when you find yourself in some sticky situations.

6. Pump gas.

I am a Jersey girl and I can proudly say I have never pumped my own gas. That being said, I am going to college out of state, and I am going to look like an idiot at the gas station outside of Jersey. Learning how to pump your own gas is something most people know, but I am of the few who need to learn how to do it.

7. Make a three course meal in a microwave.

The only cooking you will be doing your freshman year of college is in the microwave. Directions on the back of packaged food is pretty self-explanatory, but knowing the general ideas can help -- like that pasta needs water to cook in for mac and cheese. Also, you really do not want to start experimenting and end up setting your whole dorm on fire.

8. Avoid the freshman 15.

Lots of kids can get away with not going to the gym and still maintain their weight. Yet, in college, you will be partying and eating pizza at 1 a.m. every night, which will definitely rack on the pounds over time. Learn to eat a balanced, healthy diet and try to make it to the college's gym at least twice a week.

9. Live with another person.

Unless you shared a room with your siblings, you most likely had your own room at one point. Going to college is a whole different lifestyle. You share a small space with another person and share a bathroom with a whole floor of people. Just learning to respect some else's space and things can make your relationship with your roommate so much better.

10. Use WebMD correctly.

In college, WebMD can help you through all of your health problems if you use it correctly and know your self-diagnosis is not usually right. Just make sure you do not freak out over a wrong diagnosis that makes things seem worse than they really are. Also make sure you seek out a medical professional when deemed necessary.

11. Survive a fraternity party.

Fraternity parties are know for being full of guys, girls and alcohol. Make sure you know your limit and do not get yourself in a situation you know you do not want to be in.

12. Become friends with your professor.

Professors in college truly want to help you and see you succeed. They have set aside office hours specifically for students to come in and ask any questions they have regarding the class, assignments or just to say hi and get to know you. Becoming friends with your professor can be helpful in the long run when you need a recommendation letter for a job or advice on a career path.

13. Stay awake.

Coffee. Coffee is a lifesaver in college. Whether it's dealing with assignments or partying all night, coffee is the key to get you through your classes and make sure you stay awake to finish homework and go out with friends. Once in college, everyone becomes addicted to coffee and do not think you are the exception.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70766
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132381
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments