Congratulations, you’ve made it to college! You’re now a quasi-adult, meaning, you think you’re an adult, people around you think you’re adult, but you have no idea how to adult.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there (maybe, quite possibly, still are). But the good news is, we’ve picked up some tips and tricks along the way. So don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
1. Make a Schedule
Yes, yes, I know. You already have a schedule! They gave it to you after orientation week! That’s not the kind of schedule I’m talking about (that is not to say your classes shouldn’t be included). Make sure to design a schedule where you write down what you should be doing at certain times during the week. Set out that block of time for your study date, or your actual date. Write down when you have to do that lab report so you don’t have to pull an all-nighter to finish it (again).
2. Set up your morning routine
I cannot stress enough the importance of a morning routine, especially when you’re adjusting to a whole new lifestyle. Too many of us rely on our ability to do things quickly, and forget the usefulness in taking our time and attuning to our habits. This ritual can be as short as just twenty minutes and it can help decrease levels of stress and anxiety (like this particular routine); not to mention that it also helps you get in the zone before heading off to your seven am lecture.
3. Set up your weekly routine
We live our lives in week-long spans of time, and this is crucial to how we interpret time as a whole. While a lot of us will claim to hate routines saying that it gets us “stuck” (whatever that means), it’s imperative to note that a routine is exactly what gets us through each week. Set up staples in your schedule and follow them religiously. Do you always go back to your parent’s once a month? Which week? Make sure to plan inconsistencies in advance. Trust me, a planned week is a stress-free week.
4. Design your budget
Designing and planning your budget is key to efficiently managing your money. Track (or estimate) how much money you spend on each category you design (food, school essentials, fun time, etc.) and set a maximum amount to spend on that category. Another way to manage your money is to set a maximum amount to spend per week/month and make sure to follow it. Or personalize it yourself! Just keep in mind that the goal of your budget isn’t necessarily to spend less, but to spend efficiently.
5. Sleep
Find a sleep cycle that works for you. For some, it’s your eight hours each night, for others, maybe not so much. This handy guide has a variety of sustainable sleeping cycles which can help you find one that is right for you. Sleep is a key part of staying healthy, and health is an important part of adulting.
6. Meal Plan
By far, this is one of the the hardest things for a college student. We always say we’re going to do it, and we never do. Truth is, meal planning can be an essential part of actually eating and saving money. When you establish a meal plan, you’re able to prepare yourself for the week, making so you’re less likely to starve and less likely to spend all your money eating at fast food restaurants. Find efficient meals that are both healthy and budget-friendly, this way you’ll actually be motivated to eat properly.
7. Exercise
Not many of us particularly enjoy this one, but the benefits of exercising have been extensively researched, and they’ve been proven time and time again. The benefits include: helping you feel happier, increasing energy levels, improving brain health and memory, among others. Incorporating exercise into your life might be a struggle at first, but the benefits it brings are worth it.
8. Read
Find time to read, whatever your favorite genre or topic is. Bonus points if you’d rather pick up a book on self-help or self-awareness. Developing your knowledge of yourself is imperative for your own growth, and the sustainability of your success. Not to mention, all the benefits that come with knowledge, reading for just six minutes a day has shown to reduce stress levels, improve memory, and help understand people better.
9. Set goals
Set monthly goals, weekly goals, even daily goals! Goals with due dates are important, and they should be separate from your usual task list. Goals grant a sense of purpose and meaning that spark motivation and maintain consistency. It’s important to know what you’re working towards in order to not stray from the path you’ve set.
10. Know when to ask for help
It’s often difficult to know when to ask for help, particularly if we’re not sure when we need it, but it’s important that you know yourself well enough to know when help is needed. There’s nothing wrong with calling your mom asking how to make that dish you like, or asking her (again) which is the most efficient way to clean the kitchen. None of us are sure how to adult properly, so, who better to ask than a proper adult?
This is it! Ten hacks on how to work out this whole “adulting” thing. Remember that, above all else, your health is the most important thing. So deep breaths, and even though this list isn’t complete, at least you’ve got a fair idea on how to begin your adulting journey. Good luck!