<p>I'm not sure how much people think about these things but what skills does a student need to go off to college if they've been used to living a life where the parents have provided everything for them or at least everything they could? I'm not spoiled but my parents just basically raised me with the mindset that if I do good in school I will always get their support and have the liberty to do most things I want. Because of that now there are things I just don't know such as cooking or doing laundry. (I do know how to drive, and that can be important, but not as essential as knowing how to cook during hard times) I think I have to learn how to do these type of things before I go off to college because I'll be on my own. What things would seem essential to know just to survive on your own? It could from knowing how to write a check to knowing how to cook. Any ideas? 5 months left til college, and might as well learn these things now.</p>
<p>Know how to do your own laundry
Know how to iron
Know how to use a credit card responsibly (if you're going to have one, which I recommend)
. . . and I still can't believe I'm running into guys who don't know how to tie a tie!</p>
<p>Know how to get to and through the airport...(if you're going that far away)</p>
<p>I'm with you right there. I think I lack most of the skills needed to go off to college. I can't do laundry, clean or anything of that sort. My parents always did it for me. I guess I'll have to learn too.</p>
<p>this is a great thread, cus I ll be going to college in September as well. So anyone else with other ideas?</p>
<p>Yeah.. i'll need to learn a few things as well..</p>
<p>One thing I am guessing I am going to need to learn is self-medication.. i.e. popping in pills if you have a fever or a cough or things like that which you do no need to visit a doctor for..</p>
<p>Do most college students simply visit a doctor when they have minor illness or will self medicate?</p>
<p>Learn how to cook easy meals with only a couple ingredients. You will get tired of the meal plan, but eating out is expensive! </p>
<p>Oh, and go grocery shopping with your mom (or dad) a couple times to get an idea of what to look for in meats/produce, get an idea for what a good price is for basic items, and the little tricks of the trade. Food is a big cost for you in your later college years (off the meal plan), and when you first move out, so you'll want to know how to get good food at a good price.</p>
<p>Know how to be responsible with money
Laundry
Know how much sleep you need. It is possible to get enough sleep, get your work done, and have fun; but you really need to put an emphasis on getting enough sleep
Know how to take care of yourself when you're sick. Health services will not see you if you only have a cold (most doctors wouldn't either). Know what kinds of meds you need, how to read a medicine label (so you don't OD), etc. Obviously if you're sick with something more complicated, go to health services, although you should really know what kinds of illnesses require a doctor</p>
<p>I would say most students self-medicate to an extent...knowing the basic medicines and what they do can help a lot. It saves you time and energy to be able to just take what meds you need rather than going in to a doctor. Of course, you may have to go to a doctor if what you're taking isn't working or you start to feel worse, but really, everyone should know what meds to take for a common cold/flu.
You may also want to make sure you know what is good to eat when you are sick. Stomach bugs get passed around frequently in college, and you will be a lot better off if you know what foods are mild and good to eat when your stomach is just getting back to normal.</p>
<p>Learn how to do things without spending much or any money. The temptation to spend a lot of money doing things in college is really hard to curb, so learning how to budget your fun money and stick to the budget is a really good idea.
Learn how to tolerate other people :-) Living with a roommate isn't always easy...the more you practice tolerance before college the easier it will be when you get there
Laundry is a must. Remember stain remover, it's a lifesaver! Ironing is probably a good thing to learn, but you probably won't do much of it if you are anything like the typical college student.
You can get away with only having basic cooking skills...pretty much anyone can follow directions on a box for making cake or cookies. It takes a bit more practice to learn how to tell when meat is done cooking, when baked things are done, how to get enough flavor in the food etc. You really should only need a little instruction on basic kitchen techniques, then the rest is mostly practice...it's good to get some of the practice out of the way while you're still at home!
Knowing how to write checks and balance your checkbook is a good idea.</p>
<p>While you probably will be able to get in touch with your parents most times that you do need something, it's much better to just be able to take care of things on your own :-)</p>
<p>Will you have a car at school?
If so, learn what you need to do to be responsible for it.
Can you read a map so as to be able to get around in a new place without getting completely lost?
Look into the parking situation at your school. Are you prepared to handle things like a flat tire, budgeting money for gas, getting it inspected on time, or a random breakdown?
All of these happened to my S in his first semester. Car broke down the first week of class and he had to be responsible for getting in touch with campus transportation (to keep it from getting towed away), calling a towing company (to get it taken to a garage), talking with the dealership about the problem with the car, and finally getting transportation to go pick the car up when it was fixed ( he took a taxi-a first for him- because it was his only option).</p>
<p>Bottom line is that you'll be on your own so you'll have to be unafraid to step out and handle things that your parents have probably done for you up until now. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions if you don't know how to do something.
Start practicing right away.</p>
<p>Great thread!!!</p>
<p>Love the idea of this thread, why don't we compile a master list?</p>
<p>Cleaning the bathroom.</p>
<p>Guys, you know it's inevitable. Most colleges don't have maids to pick up after yourself...</p>
<p>And it's so much better to have a clean bathroom than a disgusting one.</p>
<p>I guess I should probably learn to make my own bed as well :p</p>
<p>Spend responsibly.
Party to your limits!
Drink to your limits...so that you won't regret in the morning after you get laid with .....</p>
<p>Seriously, know about alcohol - know your limitations and know how to drink safely (on a full stomach, alternate with non-alcoholic drinks, etc)</p>
<p>oh, and no one in college makes their bed . . . or at least the guys dont, know how to do it for when your parents come and thats it</p>
<p>amazingly enough, i heard george washington has maids. but then again, it costs like 50grand.</p>
<p>i dont need maids. my bed makes itself for me.</p>
<p>You only have to clean your bathroom if you live in a suite. Community bathrooms are cleaned by housekeeping</p>
<p>Doesn't it depend on the school though?</p>