In a previous post we talked about life skills to know before heading off to college, but there are plenty more that aren’t taught in schools or at home regularly anymore! If you don’t know how to do any of the tasks listed below, now is the time to ask or look it up. You don’t want to be lost on how to proceed when life happens, or you have to make professional connections.

Some of these you’ll definitely already know how to do, but make sure to set aside some time before freshman year to figure out the ones you don’t.

Home Care

• Use small space efficiently

• Make a bed

• Clean the bathroom

• Organize your clothes

• Tell if food is spoiled

• Handle clogs or other plumbing issues

Life Management

How to…

• Balance a checkbook

• Track internet accounts and passwords

• Check your credit and credit score

• Use your checking and savings accounts

• Grocery shop without buying too much

Transportation

How to…

• Check your car’s oil and other fluids

• Check tire pressure

• Talk to a mechanic

• Read a car manual

• Not get towed

Personal Stuff

How to…

• Eat healthy and properly to avoid freshman 15

• Live with new roommates

• Recognize your limits

• Do exercises and stay active

• Motivate yourself

• Relax

• Deal with anxiety or reduce stress

• Vote

• Pack a suitcase

• Use health or car insurance

Professional Stuff

How to…

• Set up a job interview.

• Apply to jobs or do an internship interview

• Research potential opportunities

• Find volunteer opportunities

• Tie a tie

Student Stuff

How to…

• Ask for help

• Getting a tutor

• Use school resources

• Read quickly yet efficiently

• Research professors

• Buy textbooks without spending a fortune

• Organize your notes

• Deal with a difficult printer that says it’s out of ink, but absolutely isn’t

• Create a study and homework schedule

• Follow a college syllabus

• Track your financial aid and student loan repayment process

• Type correctly