Life Skills for College: Does Your Teen Have Them?

I remember the thrill and excitement I felt as my dad helped me move into my first college apartment. I was 18 years old and about to start my freshman year of college and my first season as a college volleyball player. I don’t know how my dad got in the car and drove away. He must have been terrified, but there comes a point in every child’s life when they leave home and must draw on the life skills they have developed through adolescence. However, not all college students are finding success away from home.

When we think about college students, we don’t normally think about them having problems with anxiety, stress, sleep difficulties, depression, and other mental conditions. According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), these conditions are amongst the most reported reasons why college students suffer academically. In addition, college students are reporting feeling concerned about their financial future and their ability to make a living. With so much transition and change happening in these teens' lives, it’s important that these students have the skills necessary to thrive and compete in an uncertain future.

One of the challenges students face in college is the inability to deal with stress and adversity. Unfortunately, students are turning to food as a way to deal with stress. According to the ACHA 2010 report, 21 percent of college students are overweight and 7 percent are obese. This has to do with late night snacking, overeating, eating food high in fat and excessive amounts of alcohol and binge drinking. It’s no surprise that only 19 percent of the college students polled reported getting the recommended amount of exercise and only 27 percent reported eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. So it would seem like a good idea to promote healthy eating and exercise before they leave for college.

According to collegeboard.com, another important life skill for college students is how to manage money. They recommend having the student open a checking account and learn how to stay on a budget. In addition, learning how to cook, clean, do laundry, and maintain a living environment is important for excelling in college.

College is an exciting time for students, but it can quickly become overwhelming and stressful if they are not ready with the necessary life skills. Take the time now to prepare so that your college student will enjoy their experience away from home.