You actually did it! Congratulations, you’re heading off to college! You made it through those SAT/ACTs. College apps, and even the AP exams. Now, you’re officially college-bound.
Wait though, there are still some simple things that you might not know how to do. Here’s a quick look at a few of them.
You need to always be conscious of how you’re perceived by other people. Whether you want a job in Clinical Psychopharmacology or Engineering, try to maintain a body language that’s comfortable and a voice that’s calm. A good rule of thumb is to remember that everyone enjoys being around people who’re welcoming and warm. Express an interest in others, and make it clear that their ideas and company are valued.
More than likely, you’ll need to have a physical before you get to campus. This means that you’ll only need to go to the doctor when you’re injured or ill. Either way, you need to know how to make an appointment. Be proactive and call your doctor anytime you notice something isn’t right. You don’t want that untreated cold to turn into pneumonia!
This goes against what our parents taught us as children and can be difficult to do. That said, you have to know how to talk with strangers and not be afraid to do it. You never know when the next stranger you talk to might turn out to be your life partner, best friend, or even employer. Compliment people, tell them what’s on your mind, and ask their opinion. It might be a bit intimidating to put yourself out there, but most of the time, it’s well worth it.
Face it, you won’t go through life without seeing a bug. After you freak out a bit, just grab the closest paper towel or shoe, and smash it flat. You’ll never have any peace of mind until you know it’s gone.
When you’re going to do laundry, the first thing to do is ensure that all of your clothes can be washed as opposed to needing to be dry cleaned. Some clothes are a bit more delicate than others and will require professional care. Once you’ve checked for this, separate the laundry into multiple loads by dark and light colors. Put each of them into the washer separately, put the detergent in, and select the temperature.
When they’re done, remove them from the washer and put them into the dryer. Choose the right temperature and let them dry. Once the dryer is done, take the clothes out, fold them or put them on hangers, and put them away. Laundry is now done!
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef heading to college, but you do need a few basics. Not only will this save you money and time because you won’t need to eat every meal out, but it’s also healthier. Just start with the basics, such as grilled chicken or scrambled eggs, and work your way into more complicated dishes.
Use Google Calendar or invest in a good planner. Keep a to-do list and keep up with it. Write down all of the things you want to accomplish throughout your day and set aside a block of time to accomplish it. Typically, it’s best to leave more time for tasks than what you need so that you don’t get off schedule. Having a schedule that’s planned well can save you quite a bit of stress.
There are a lot more things you’ll need to know how to do before heading to college, but you’ll have a good start with these.
