Leaving Home 101

So, you're about to leave the nest. You think this is going to be the best time of your life. Well, it can be or it can be a nightmare. It is entirely up to you. But before you go:

Things to Remember

Why you're at college and what it cost. You're here to get an education. This is NOT free. Somebody had to pay for it, even if you got a "scholarship". Make the best of your education, even if you don't think you'll ever do anything with it. Glean everything you can from this experience. Make sure the counselors and professors hide when they see you coming because you have asked every question in the book and then some.

Who are You Now? - REALLY?

Remember that there is a huge difference between a dependent adult and an independent adult. You are still a dependent adult because you still rely on your parents, even though you won't have their having hands-on guidance. Always keep the importance of good decision making at the forefront of your mind. Don't just make a good decision; make the BEST decision - all the time. Pay close attention to:

• Long term effects

• Short term effects

• Ramifications of bad and/or impulsive decisions

Take Care of Your Things

Personal hygiene is vitally important. If you can smell it, so can everyone else. Please, shower daily. Wash your hair. Deodorize everything. Don't leave empty food or drink containers in your room.

Clean your room - your mother/maid is not here and you are sharing a space. If you drop it, pick it up. If you spill it, wipe it up. Once you've used it, put it up. Tidy up every night. Make up your bed every morning. Put your dirty clothes in a hamper and your clean clothes in their place. Hang your towel and washcloth up so it will dry and not get sour and wash them at least once a week. Febreeze ™ your rug and top linens at least twice a week and invest in Clorox ™ Wipes and wipe EVERYTHING. Always have a trash can by the door. The last person out in the morning should grab the bag and dispose of it. The first person re-entering the room in the afternoon should replace the bag. When you can, open your windows for at least thirty minutes to let the fresh air in. Daily would be great, even if it's cold outside. You will sleep better if the air is not stale.

Do Your Laundry Weekly

Wash your clothes regularly so you won't lose items and so they won't start to smell. Don't mix colors with whites or they'll all be colors. Read the labels on your clothes so that you won't ruin that sweater you love so much. Follow the directions on the detergent bottle. Completely dry the clothes so they won't get sour. Put laundry up immediately, preferably folded, but... Invest in Febreeze ™ - spray shoes regularly

R-E-S-P-E-C-T - Yes, It's Still Something You Have to Earn

You are still not an elder even though you consider yourself an adult. You don't have to say ma'am and sir, but you should still recognize who is older than you and should respect the experience they have that you are trying to gain. You will expect the same in fifteen years. Respect other's space and property. Don't borrow without asking. Don't let other's take things that do not belong to you or them. Don't let your friends sit on your roommate's bed. Don't put others in uncomfortable situations. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. If you don't care how you are treated, treat others the way you expect others to treat your grandmother.

Money Counts, So Count Your Money

PAY ALL BILLS FIRST. You are living with a budget now, not an allowance. Be sure you know how to change your spending habits. If you don't have the cash, you probably don't need it. Say "NO to all credit card offers. When you are in so far over your head you are thinking of doing something stupid, wrong, dumb, or desperate, its time to call home for help. Don't worry; they already know you probably will.