21 Things To Do When You Turn | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

21 Things To Do When You Turn

You've waited 21 years for this, make the most of it.

187
21 Things To Do When You Turn
hercampus.com

Ah, 21. The long awaited day of freedom from adolescence and embracing the captivity of adulthood. Maybe I’m the only one who has counted down to the miracle age for two years now (I seriously doubt it), but in honor of my recent age upgrade I have compiled a list of things you should do when you turn 21 and make the switch from teen to adult.

1. Take a trip

Let’s be honest, this is necessary at all ages. I recommend a monthly trip to some place new. It doesn’t have to be expensive or a week-long stay at a five-star hotel, but once a month, get out of your town even if only for a few hours and breathe in some new scenery. You can thank me later.

2. Read a book

Once again, necessary at all ages, but if you haven’t read a book in a while I say 21 is the perfect age to do it. We can all benefit from crying alone in the dark at 2:00 a.m. when our favorite character dies. P.S. If you need a recommendation, I’m your girl.

3. Watch a series on Netflix (Bonus points if you finish it)

Does anyone even have cable anymore, honestly? Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc. The list of entertainment platforms is endless. Find a series, watch it, love it, and cry when it ends. It’s good for you.

4. Get a pet

We could all use a furry friend (or scaly, feathery, whatever you prefer). Find a local shelter and give a lucky animal a forever home. They’ll love you even when you watch Netflix for 37 hours straight and cry over a book at 2:00 a.m.

5. Start a blog

Keep tabs of what’s going on in your life. You don’t even have to publish it, but it’ll make for a great keep sake later on in life.

6. Open a savings account

Let’s include something responsible on this list, since we’re in the adult club now. You don’t have to tell anyone it only has 29 cents.

7. Get a planner

I don’t understand how anyone survives without one at any age, however, with all your new found 21-year-old activities, you need a way to keep up with your busy adult life.

8. Treat yourself

Once a week (or once a month if that’s what the budget allows), go out to dinner with your friends. You deserve it. They deserve it. Don’t forget to order dessert.

9. Order dessert

Actually, dessert deserves its own number on the agenda. You know you’ve been dreaming about that triple chocolate meltdown since you sat down in the booth, buy it. Enjoy it.

10. Go for a run

Maybe not like, every day, I mean let’s not get crazy here, but once a week. Start small, maybe even with a walk. Get some fresh air, take a friend. Then have dessert.

11. Call your parents

College is a vacuum and it sucks you in. It sucks your time and money and sanity sometimes, but make time to call your parents. They want to know that you’re still doing okay and all the ramen noodles you’re eating haven’t put you in a coma yet.

12. Find a hobby

Find something that interests you. Whether it be another activity on this list or something entirely different, find something you enjoy and then get really good at it.

13. Try something new

Do something you’ve never done. Sky dive, scuba dive, rock climb, snorkel, anything you haven’t done before.

14. Learn something new

Whether it be an activity, a hobby, a song, etc. Stretch your thinking.

15. Listen to an entire album

Put a record on, one you’ve never heard before, and listen to it. From start to finish.

16. Listen to a new artist

Spotify is a great place to start. They have up and coming sections with artists you probably haven’t heard of before, start there and listen to someone new each week.

17. Encourage someone

It isn’t hard to find someone in need of a little positivity. Search for the chance to make someone smile, and be genuine with it. Make other people feel good.

18. Experience

Seems simple enough, but I think we miss out on experience oftentimes because we are so terrified of things we aren’t familiar with. Experience new things, explore the way you feel about them.

19. Figure out what you stand for

Our morals are instilled at a young age and are reflected in our personalities daily, but do we really know, at the root of it all what it is that we stand for? Can we defend it with knowledge and kindness?

20. Go to a concert

I will defend live music until my lungs give out because it is single-handedly the most amazing experience that one can have. Search your favorite artist or even someone that you just kind of like if you’re unsure, find out when they’re coming to your city (or nearby), buy a ticket and go. Experience it for yourself.

21. Challenge yourself to find happiness

Seems simple enough, but so many of us are just merely existing and not really living. We’re content with how things are because it’s what we know. Step outside your comfort zone. Find what makes your heart race and soul feel new again. When you find it, chase it. Pursue it.

So many of these things seem obvious and easy, and a lot of them are. However, my challenge to myself this year, and to you whether you are 21 or not: explore until you find what sets your soul on fire, and then let it burn inside you until you are consumed with happiness.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15414
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6657
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4917
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4321
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments