Young Adults: Life Skills for Launch
Mental Health
The following list was created by our University of Washington School of Education Intern. As a college student, here are some things I needed to know how to do or wish I had thought to ask before I left:
Make lists/planner
- Work on how to set up a planner:
- Daily calendar
- Agenda
- Bullet Journal
- Your preference
- Online + Google calendar (Google Calendar tutorial here)
Budgeting
- Food
- Rent + utilities + WiFi
- Books + notebooks/lab books + course companions
- Clothes
- Going out + fun
How to clean the bathroom
- Don’t clean the toilet, sink and shower with the same brush
- How to use toilet cleaner
- How to clean a shower
- How to use drain cleaner
Shopping
- When you notice something is running low, buy it before it runs out (e.g. toilet paper)
- Make sure to buy foods for balanced meals
- Keep a running shopping list on your phone
How to amend an inexpensive packet of Ramen
- Adding vegetables
- Adding meat
- Seasoning
- Eggs
- Sauces: soy, sesame, chili paste, even peanut butter
- Garlic
- Find these and more by clicking here
Microwaveable foods
- Eggs
- Steamed vegetables
- Baked potato (recipe here)
- Mug brownies/cakes
- Pasta
- Find these and more by clicking here
Provide a Sewing Tutorial
- Buttons (click here for a tutorial)
- Holes on a seam (click here for a tutorial)
- Tears (click here for a tutorial)
- Hemming (click here for a tutorial)
Train them to do their own Laundry
- How to separate clothes
- What not to dry
- Removing stains (find some examples here)
- Where/when to put in detergent, softener, bleach
Basic tool usage
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Following instructions
- Especially when building furniture
Communication skills
- Communicating with new roommates
- Setting expectations
- Sharing schedules
- Discuss supplies
- Who brings what?
- Who buys toilet paper and when?
- Be honest and friendly
- Conflict resolution (find tips here)
Mindfulness Apps
- Headspace
- Ten Percent Happier
- Calm
- Insight Timer
Self-soothing techniques
- Hot shower
- Nap
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Distractions
Podcasts
- Mindful Meditation
- Daily Meditation Podcast
- Sleep with Me
- Guided Sleep Meditations
You can also start making a list of everything they might need when they start living away from home. Here is a list of things that could help to start a list:
Hygiene
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & Cover
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Soap/body wash
- Hand soap
- Cotton swabs
- Baby wipes
- Shower shoes
- Lotion
- Razors
- Nail clippers + file
- Tissue/Kleenex
- Towels
- Hand towels (at least 2)
- Washrags
- Bath towels (at least 2)
- Shower caddy
First aid
- Band-Aids
- Antibacterial ointment
- Rubbing alcohol
- Peroxide
- Steri-strips
- Pain relievers
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
Cleaning
- Bleach or bathroom cleaner
- Toilet cleaner
- Brush for cleaning toilet
- Brush for cleaning shower + squeegee
- Kitchen cleaner
- Sponges
- Dish soap
Laundry
- Detergent
- Softener
- Dryer sheets
- Stain remover
- Lint roller
- Iron
Dishes
- Water bottle! Stay hydrated
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cups + mugs
- Make sure to have microwaveable safe stuff!
- Pots + pans (if stovetop available or single burners)
- Storage containers
- Can opener
Bedding (if moving into a dorm, make sure to check if the beds are Twin XL)
- Sheet set
- Comforter or Duvet and cover
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Extra pillowcases
- Sheet straps (so they don’t slide off, especially if bed is lofted)
- Mattress protector
- Mattress pad
- Storage bags + totes (especially for under the bed or closet storage)
- Shoe rack, can be shared with roommates by the door to help keep floors clean
- Closet organization
- Hangers
- Closet dividers
- Hanging shoe organizer
Misc.
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Tape
- Superglue
- Broom + dustpan
- Step stool
- Sewing kit including extra black and white thread
