As you grow up, there is a natural progression of things for many people. This is especially true if you are a university student or on the path to becoming one soon. Growing up is not always seamless and easy. You study, learn, sit for exams, and keep moving on. But there are some basic life skills you need to know along with your university education. Keep reading to learn about some helpful adulting tips.
How To Rent a House
Living away from the house you grew up in is exciting. It is a major milestone as a university student and the first big step in growing into adulthood. You should go into the process of renting your first house with eyes wide open.
Some tips to keep in mind as you are looking for a house to rent should include:
- What is the house’s proximity to the university?
- What utilities are included?
- What are the crime statistics of the area?
- How close is public transportation?
- Does the home appear to be in good condition?
- If applicable, are pets allowed?
By asking these questions and doing your best to research the house and location before signing any paperwork, you will find the experience more enjoyable and achieve a better result.
How To Clean
A big part of growing up is learning how to clean and then using those skills to maintain your home. By keeping your house clean it will be more comfortable, deter bugs and rodents, and make it more inviting overall.
Watch this video for tips on how to clean your home.
How To Do Laundry
If your parents have been caring for you and your laundry, you may not know how to do it successfully. When it comes to your clothing, you need to know how to properly attend to it so it lasts longer. Here are some tips to live by:
- Cotton will shrink in the dryer, especially when you have never dried or fully dried cotton-based clothing before. Air drying it will be a better option and preserve the size.
- Turn your dark clothing inside out to prevent black, for example, from fading.
- Always check your pockets before washing any item of clothing.
- Place your delicates in a mesh laundry bag to protect them.
- Separate the colours so white clothing does not become dull, or pink when you launder a red sock with a white shirt.
- Most clothing can be washed with cold water to preserve it and save energy.
- Towels should always be washed with hot water to remove bacteria.
- Use the right detergent for the specific washing machine you are using.
- Laundry can mould. Separating used towels from your regular clothing will prevent this problem as will creating a washing schedule.
Know Important Numbers
Technology fails, batteries die, and phones are lost. If you find yourself in an emergency where you cannot rely on technology to connect with the people you trust and rely upon, you might find the situation getting worse very quickly. You need to memorize the important numbers in your life. Some of these should include:
- It is important to memorize your National Insurance Number as you will use it throughout your lifetime.
- Know your cell phone number.
- Know your emergency contact’s phone number.
- Know the phone numbers of family and friends
- Learn the emergency and police numbers for any country you reside in or travel to.
- Know your landlord’s number in case of a house-related emergency.
Even though the above recommendation is to memorize those specific phone numbers, it can be difficult, if not impossible to memorize every important contact. Some essential phone numbers to keep in your phone are:
- If you have pets, enter their contact information to include the address and phone number.
- Any utility company that services your home should have a separate contact and include both emergency and non-emergency contact numbers.
- Add a trusted neighbour or two into your contacts so you can contact them should you need a home check or a package pick-up, etc.
- Enter all of your family and friends into your phone. It is just good practice.
- Add your home and auto insurance companies. When an emergency occurs, you do not want to scramble to find this information.
By following these tips you will give yourself the gift of responsibility. Moving into a house and adulthood are big steps in your life’s trajectory. Go forward with the confidence you gain from knowledge and preparation. Be sure to have a little fun along the way, too.
