As a recent 20-year-old, I can say that leading up to this birthday was kind of a drag. Much like 19, nothing super exciting happens when you're 20. You're out of the teen years and (hopefully) beat teen pregnancy, but you still have one more year until you're officially legal.
Well, instead of moping about the fact that your 20th birthday isn't anything too special, use your first year of full-fledged adulthood, outside of the teens, to set yourself up for success in the next chapter of your life.
1. Join a co-ed sports league. It's a great way to spend time with your friends outside of a party scene and a fun way to stay active.
2. Open a credit card. Post-grad life is slowly creeping up on you and you're going to want to have credit built up before then so you're able to buy a car or rent a house.
3. Find your perfect shade of lipstick. Something that's not too flashy or bright but subtle and says "I'm a young professional but still look fabulous."
4. Travel. Whether it's studying abroad or a road trip with friends, now is the time to do it.
5. Take a crazy spring break trip. You're young and will never get the chance to do this again after graduation.
6. Spend time with your family. You never know where your job is going to take you and you can learn a lot more from your parents than you think.
7. Go to a concert. A surprising number of people haven't ever done this, and they're one of the most fun things you can do.
8. Read a book series. Even if you don't like to read, the sense of accomplishment you'll feel afterwords is great. I recommend the Harry Potter series.
9. Date someone different. Give someone a chance you might usually not; you never know. Your future husband, or maybe just a new friend, may be hiding in unusual places.
10. Update your wardrobe. While crop tops and leggings are fun, they're not going to be in style forever, and you'll need more professional clothing soon anyways. So have fun with this!
11. Cleanse your body. Eat well and treat yourself right. It will make you feel 100 times better about yourself.
12. Do hot yoga. It will relax your mind and body.
13. Go to a drive-in movie. This may feel a little retro, but it is a fun and inexpensive thing to do with friends.
14. Get a brazilian. They're super underrated and 100% worth the pain.
15. Treat yourself to a spa day. Because everyone needs a little pampering.
16. Go camping. Getting in touch with yourself and nature provides an inner peace you've never known.
17. Be spontaneous. Get a piercing or tattoo or dye your hair -- anything to step out of your comfort zone!
18. Make a photo album of college so far. It will be fun for you and your future kids to look back on someday.
19. Be bold. Ask out the cute guy you thought you could never get or stand up for yourself if someone is pushing you around. Take control of your life and don't settle for anything less than you deserve.
20. Focus on you; be selfish. Your twenties are the years for you to make your life what you want it to be. Go out, get what you want from life and don't let anything hold you back.
