7 adulting skills that will make university a better experience
Leaving home and being responsible for your life can be challenging, but it's much easier if you develop these competencies before (or soon after) you move.
Good grades may be responsible for getting you your place at university, but academic prowess will only get you so far once you're there. Do you know how to deal with a really bad cold, or the flu, if your mum isn’t there to take care of you? Do you know what to write in an email to someone who isn't a friend, family member or teacher, or how a credit card works? Here are seven important life skills everyone needs when they leave home, or as soon after as possible!
1. Deal with differences the right way
How do you act when someone is differently abled? Do you know what to say (or what not to say) to a person who is blind, or in a wheelchair, without causing offence? What about someone who is gay, or who practises a different religion to you?
Make sure you come across as the friendly person you are, and not the person people might think you are if you say the wrong thing.
2. Figure out how money works
What happens when you don’t have your parents looking after your money for you? If you’re not careful, you’ll end up short of cash before the end of the month.
7 money management tips to make sure you'll never be broke
Figure out how much money, if any, you’ll need to pay for your tuition fees, and how long it will take to pay it back.
It might be a good idea to set budgets for how much you want to spend, or at least make a note of what you’re spending your cash on. Look up how credit cards work, so you don’t end up owing the bank money you don’t have.
3. Learn how to take care of yourself
When you’re far from home and you fall ill, it’s up to you to get help, if you need it. Learn how to call your local clinic or doctor to make an appointment to see them, and where to pick up medicine.
However, not every illness needs a doctor or pills to fix it. It’s in your best interest to find out what foods, drinks, or actions will reduce the symptoms of something that will go away on its own. Sometimes, a good night’s rest will be all you really need.
