Most individuals enter their freshman year of college directly or shortly after graduating high school. Making a transition like this can be very stressful and overwhelming. For recent graduates, this transition can represent entering adulthood and learning to be independent. Whether the student is close to home or far away, they must learn to live independently. Here are some tips for developing independence as a college student.
Budgeting & Saving
For many freshmen and even returning college students, this stage of life may be the first time they have had to learn how to budget—learning how to budget while in college is important because many students must learn to live with very few financial resources and freedom. After graduating college, some individuals may choose to continue to budget to maximize their quality of life.
- Calculate monthly income.
- Take care of needs.
- Know your limit for wants.
Start budgeting by first assessing your monthly income. Calculating the amount of money you receive in a month will help you know how much to spend weekly, allot for necessities, and save just in case of an emergency. The monthly income may be money received for a job, work-study, family member, grants, or scholarships. After finding your monthly income, determine how much you spend on your needs. This list may include any monthly bills, laundry, hygiene products, gas, or groceries. However much you spend on necessities, set that amount aside. Doing this in weekly increments may be necessary. After calculating your needs, the rest of the money can be used at leisure, but try to save a little each time. Maintaining savings as a college student can be very difficult, but it can really come in handy.
Taking Care of Your Space
There are lots of different options for housing when students go away to college. They may live on campus in a traditional dormitory-style building, an apartment-style dorm, a cross between both, or off campus. Wherever students end up, it is extremely important always to maintain a clean and safe space. Some individuals grow up doing chores, so they know how to clean, but this is not the case for everyone. Take care of your space by keeping up with a weekly or biweekly cleaning schedule. Make a list of weekly chores. This would include tasks like sweeping the floor, cleaning the bathroom, disinfecting countertops, and washing bedding.
Keeping your space clean is just as important as keeping it safe. Avoid doing things that may cause a hazard or danger to yourself and others in your building. If you use electrical hair tools such as flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers, do not leave these items unattended and plugged in for long periods of time. This is also true for irons, wax melters, and lit candles. Whenever you leave your room, lock the doors, and encourage your roommate to do the same. This is a good habit to start building even if your campus is perfectly safe.
Try New Things
Moving to a new area or even just being away from your family can be uncomfortable. Out-of-state and In-state college students may end up in an unfamiliar area surrounded by unfamiliar faces. If this is your reality, look at this as an opportunity to try new things and build new relationships. We must not be afraid to make the most out of our circumstances. Introduce yourself to new people and nurture these relationships. Look for new restaurants, cultures, and activities to do in your area.
Be a Successful Student
Dedicate enough time to your studies to excel. Attend your classes, submit your assignments on time, join organizations, and familiarize yourself with your professors. College is an opportunity to earn a degree, build accolades, and network. The homework and studying part of being a student can be difficult sometimes, so make sure you know what tutoring services are available at your institution. Part of becoming an independent adult is staying consistent with school and/or work.
