Life Skills to Teach Teens Before Going to College

Essential Life Skills for College Success: Preparing Teens for the Next Step

As the director of college counseling at a high school and an independent college counselor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of students transitioning from high school to college. Beyond academic preparedness, there’s a crucial set of skills that teens need to navigate this significant life change successfully.

This article explores the essential life skills that every teen should develop before stepping into their college journey.

Self-Management and Responsibility

Time Management

One of the most critical skills for college success is effective time management. Teens should learn to prioritize their tasks, allocate their time wisely between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Techniques such as using a planner, setting goals, and breaking down large tasks into manageable steps can be invaluable.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the foundation of a strong work ethic. It involves setting personal goals, adhering to a study schedule, and resisting the myriad of distractions that come with newfound freedom in college. Encourage your teen to practice self-discipline in high school to ease their transition to the more independent environment of college.

Tips and Tools

Planner and Organizational Tools: A high-quality planner, possibly combined with digital organization tools or apps, can help teens manage their time, track assignments, and set personal goals. It’s invaluable for fostering discipline and organizational skills. Browse planners and organizational tools for your collegebound teen.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Ideal for creating a focused study environment, these headphones can help students concentrate in noisy dorms or common areas, promoting effective time management and self-discipline. Browse noise-cancelling headphones for your collegebound teen.

Motivational Books: Books that inspire and offer strategies on self-discipline, time management, and goal setting can provide teens with the mindset and motivation needed to succeed in college. Browse motivational books for your collegebound teen.

Financial Literacy and Independence

Budgeting and Managing Money

Understanding how to manage money is crucial for college students, many of whom will be handling their finances independently for the first time. Budgeting skills, knowledge of how to save, and the discipline to avoid unnecessary expenses can help students avoid financial stress.

Banking Basics and Financial Aid Awareness

Familiarity with banking basics, including how to open and manage a checking account, use a debit card, and understand the basics of credit, are essential. Additionally, an understanding of financial aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans will help students make informed decisions about their education financing.

Tips and Tools

Prepaid Credit Card or Student Account: A prepaid card or student bank account with a set limit can teach teens how to manage their finances, budget effectively, and understand the value of money without the risk of accruing debt. Browse best prepaid credit cards for your collegebound teen.

Financial Planning Workbook: A workbook or a guide to personal finance for young adults can help with aspects of managing money, from budgeting to investing, making it an invaluable resource for a college student. Browse financial planning workbooks for your collegebound teen.

Subscription to a Budgeting App: Many apps offer student versions that can track spending, savings, and budget goals, which is a practical gift to help teens manage their finances digitally. Browse best budgeting apps for your collegebound teen.

Emotional Intelligence and Resilience

Managing Emotions and Stress

College can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Teaching teens to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions and stress can equip them with the resilience needed to face the challenges of college life. Techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, and healthy stress-relief methods can be beneficial.

Building Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures. Encourage your teen to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Resilient students are more likely to succeed in the face of the academic, social, and personal challenges they will encounter in college.

Tips and Tools

Journal: A journal can be a private space for teens to express their feelings, reflect on their experiences, and manage stress, aiding in the development of emotional intelligence and resilience. Browse journals for your collegebound teen.

Stress Relief Kit: A kit including items like stress balls, essential oil diffusers, or adult coloring books can provide a quick and effective way to manage stress and relax. Browse stress relief kits for your collegebound teen.

Books on Emotional Intelligence: Books that explore emotional intelligence can offer strategies for recognizing and managing emotions, enhancing empathy, and building resilience. Browse books on emotional intelligence for your collegebound teen.

Social Skills and Communication

Effective Communication and Listening Skills

Clear communication and active listening skills are vital for academic and social success in college. Teens should practice expressing their ideas clearly and respectfully, as well as listening to and understanding others’ perspectives.

Networking and Relationship Building

College is a prime opportunity for networking and building relationships that can support personal and professional growth. Encourage teens to engage in campus life, join clubs, and participate in activities that align with their interests.

Tips and Tools

Communication Skills Workbook: Workbooks that focus on improving communication skills can provide practical exercises in active listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, helping teens navigate college life more effectively. Browse communication skills workbooks for your collegebound teen.

Networking Guide for Young Adults: A guidebook on networking can teach valuable skills for building relationships in college and beyond, including tips on making lasting impressions and leveraging social connections for future opportunities. Browse networking guides for young adults.

Portable Conversation Starters: A deck of conversation starter cards can be a fun and effective tool for breaking the ice in new social settings, fostering both social skills and friendships. Browse conversation starters for your collegebound teen.

Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Problem-Solving Skills

Teaching teens to approach problems with a critical and analytical mindset can help them navigate the academic and personal challenges they will face in college. Encouraging curiosity, open-mindedness, and the willingness to ask questions are key to developing strong problem-solving skills.

Making Informed Decisions

Decision-making is a daily part of college life, from choosing a major to managing time and commitments. Teens should be equipped with the skills to evaluate their options, consider the consequences, and make choices that align with their goals and values.

Tips and Tools

Critical Thinking Games and Puzzles: Games that challenge the mind, such as strategy board games, logic puzzles, or brain teaser books, can sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an enjoyable way. Browse critical thinking games and puzzles for your collegebound teen.

Decision-Making Workbook: A workbook designed to enhance decision-making skills can offer teens scenarios and exercises to practice evaluating options and considering consequences. Browse decision-making workbooks for your collegebound teen.

Subscription to a Learning Platform: Access to online courses covering a wide range of subjects can encourage continuous learning, curiosity, and the development of critical thinking skills. Browse learning platforms for your collegebound teen.

Health and Well-being

Nutrition and Fitness

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Educating teens on the importance of nutrition, regular physical activity, and sleep can help them maintain their well-being amid the demands of college life.

Mental Health Awareness

Awareness and understanding of mental health are critical. Teens should know the signs of mental health issues, how to seek help, and how to support friends who may be struggling.

Tips and Tools

Fitness Tracker: A fitness tracker can motivate teens to stay active and monitor their physical activity, sleep patterns, and overall health, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle in college. Browse fitness trackers for your collegebound teen.

Healthy Eating Guide and Cookbook: A cookbook focused on quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meals can help teens make nutritious choices and develop basic cooking skills. Browse healthy eating guides and cookbooks for your collegebound teen.

Mental Health Apps Subscription: Subscriptions to apps that offer meditation, mindfulness exercises, or mental health support can provide valuable resources for managing stress and promoting mental well-being. Browse mental health apps for your collegebound teen.

Practical Life Skills

Daily Living Skills

Basic life skills such as doing laundry, cooking, and keeping a living space clean are essential for living independently in college. These skills contribute to a sense of self-reliance and confidence.

Personal Safety

Understanding personal safety, including knowledge of campus resources and safety tips, is crucial for students living on their own for the first time. Discuss the importance of being aware of their surroundings and making safe choices.

Tips and Tools

Compact Laundry Essentials Kit: A kit containing compact, portable laundry supplies, including detergent pods, a stain remover pen, and a folding laundry bag, can ease the transition to doing laundry independently, teaching responsibility and self-sufficiency. Browse compact laundry essentials kits for your collegebound teen.

Basic Cookbook for College Students: A cookbook specifically designed for college students, focusing on simple, healthy, and few-ingredient recipes, can be invaluable for teens with limited cooking experience and kitchen access. Browse basic cookbooks for college students.

Personal Safety Alarm: A personal safety alarm that can be attached to keys or a backpack provides an extra layer of security. It’s a practical gift that emphasizes the importance of safety and preparedness in various situations. Browse personal safety alarms for your collegebound teen.

Academic Preparedness

Study Skills

Effective study techniques, note-taking, and time management strategies specific to academic work are crucial for college success. Encourage your teen to develop a study routine and seek out academic resources.

Research Skills

The ability to conduct research, evaluate sources, and engage in academic discourse is essential for college-level work. Teens should be familiar with using libraries, academic databases, and credible online resources.

Tips and Tools

Quality Note-Taking Supplies: A set of high-quality notebooks, pens, and highlighters specifically designed for effective note-taking can encourage organization and retention of information, key skills for academic success. Browse note-taking supplies for your collegebound teen.

E-Reader or Tablet: For accessing digital textbooks, academic journals, and other resources, an e-reader or tablet can be an invaluable tool for research and study, promoting efficient learning and convenience. Browse e-readers and tablets for your collegebound teen.

Subscription to Academic Journals or Online Libraries: Providing access to a range of academic journals or an online library subscription can support in-depth research, enhance understanding of subjects, and foster a habit of continuous learning. Browse subscriptions to academic journals and online libraries for your collegebound teen.

Career Preparation and Work Ethics

Exploring career interests and gaining experience through internships, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities can provide valuable insights and skills. Understanding the importance of work ethic, professionalism, and commitment is also crucial.

Tips and Tools

Professional Dress Gift Card: A gift card to a store offering professional attire can prepare a teen for interviews, internships, and job fairs, teaching the importance of a professional appearance and making a positive first impression. Browse clothes gift cards for your collegebound teen.

Resume Writing Software or Service: Access to resume writing software or a professional service can help teens create a compelling resume, a crucial step in securing internships and jobs, emphasizing the value of presentation and preparation. Browse resume writing services for your collegebound teen.

Book on Professional Etiquette: A comprehensive guide on professional etiquette, covering everything from email correspondence to networking, can be an essential resource for teens entering the professional world, teaching them the nuances of workplace communication and behavior. Browse books on professional etiquette for teens and young adults.

Digital Literacy and Citizenship

Responsible Use of Technology

In an increasingly digital world, being a responsible digital citizen is essential. Teens should understand the implications of their digital footprint, the importance of privacy settings, and how to use social media wisely.

Tips and Tools

Cybersecurity Software Subscription: A subscription to reputable cybersecurity software can protect against online threats, teaching teens the importance of digital safety and responsible internet use. Browse cybersecurity software for your collegebound teen.

Online Course on Digital Literacy: An online course covering digital literacy, including understanding digital footprints, privacy settings, and the ethical use of digital resources, can equip teens with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Browse online courses on digital literacy for your collegebound teen.

Social Media Management Tools: Access to social media management tools or apps can help teens learn to curate their online presence thoughtfully, emphasizing the importance of a positive and professional digital footprint. Browse social media management tools.

Takeaway

Preparing teens with the life skills they need for college goes beyond academic readiness. It involves fostering a well-rounded set of skills that include financial literacy, emotional intelligence, social skills, critical thinking, and practical life skills.

By equipping teens with these tools, we can help them navigate the challenges of college and lay the foundation for success in adulthood. Encourage your teen to embrace these skills, practice them, and continue to develop them throughout their college years and beyond.

The journey from high school to college is a significant transition, but with the right preparation, it can also be an incredibly rewarding one.

Regarding the Tips and Tools…

Some of the links may be affiliate links. That said, each of the above tips and resources not only serve practical functions but also carry with them lessons in independence, responsibility, and preparation for the future.

By choosing gifts that align with the life skills necessary for success in college and beyond, parents can provide their teens with tools that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers.