How College Helps Build Life Skills
Photo taken by Ria Bansal
Developing essential life skills to help us thrive in the real world
When we think of college, the first things that come to mind are typically academics and late-night study sessions. But beyond textbooks and lectures, college is also a transformative time for developing important life skills. From doing your own laundry to cooking meals and managing chores, college, especially residential life teaches you essential skills that prepare you for life off campus.
In high school, some students might have the luxury of having their clothes already washed for them. But once you move into a college dorm or an apartment, laundry becomes your responsibility. For many students, learning how to do laundry is a rite of passage. You will learn the basics: how to separate colors from whites, which detergent to use, and how to avoid shrinking or ruining your favorite clothes. Beyond the technicalities, laundry teaches essential skills like managing your time (remembering to take your clothes out of the dryer before someone else does), respecting public facilities (cleaning the lint in the dryer), and responsibility (keeping track of detergent and spending). In short, mastering laundry is the first step in taking ownership of your personal space and maintaining your wardrobe.
College is also often the first time students are responsible for preparing their own meals. Ordering takeout or heating up frozen meals may be convenient, however, it is not ideal. Cooking can seem intimidating at first, but college is the perfect environment to experiment, learn, and refine basic culinary skills. At first, you might start with simple meals like ramen noodles, microwaveable rice, or pre-packaged salads. But as time goes on, you will likely discover a sense of fulfillment in preparing a real homemade meal. You may even learn how to cook a perfect omelet or experiment with different pasta dishes. Many students find that cooking is not only a necessity but also a creative outlet. Learning how to cook while in college teaches you the value of nutrition (learning how to eat healthier to maintain a healthy diet), budgeting (it is cheaper than eating out all the time), and time management (learning how to cook meals in between classes). It also teaches you the satisfaction of nourishing your body with food you have made yourself. Cooking, once a daunting task, can quickly become an enjoyable and rewarding part of independent living.
One of the least glamorous but most important life skills you will pick up in college is cleaning. Whether you live in a dorm room, an apartment, or a shared house, keeping your living space clean is a must. College is often the first time students are responsible for their own cleaning routines, and it is a crucial skill that will follow you for the rest of your life. Learning how to manage chores (such as vacuuming and mopping, wiping down counters, doing dishes, and taking out the trash) teaches you time management and organization. You will quickly realize that living in a cluttered or dirty space can impact your mood, productivity, and overall well-being. A clean, organized space can also help you focus better, sleep better, and feel a greater sense of control in your life. Many students start by taking care of their personal spaces and eventually work up to cleaning communal areas like the kitchen or bathroom. In doing so, they develop a sense of contentment and responsibility in maintaining a comfortable, clean environment.
Another vital life skill that college fosters is the ability to manage money. For many students, it is the first time they have to stick to a budget and plan finances. Learning to balance income (whether from a part-time job, financial aid, or family support) and expenses (tuition, groceries, entertainment) is a critical life lesson that extends far beyond college. Students quickly learn how to budget for necessities like food, toiletries, and transportation, while also factoring in the occasional night out or special purchase. Pacific offers many financial literacy resources to help students navigate budgeting, credit, saving, and managing debt—skills that will serve them well throughout adulthood. Through trial and error, students learn to make smarter choices about how to spend and save, preparing them for the financial independence they will need after graduation.
With all the responsibilities that come with college life—classes, exams, social events, part-time jobs, and chores—it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This insinuates one of the most important life skills: time management. Learning how to balance your academic workload with everyday life demands is essential for success, both in college and beyond. Students quickly figure out how to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and carve out time for self-care and socializing. Good time management is not just about completing assignments on time; it is about creating a routine that includes all aspects of life—academics, work, household chores, and leisure. As you experiment with different strategies (like using planners, setting reminders, or blocking out study time), you will refine your ability to manage multiple responsibilities. This skill will be invaluable as you transition into a full-time job or other adult responsibilities.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of college life, students also learn the importance of self-care. While college might be the first time you face the pressures of balancing a heavy workload and social commitments, it is also an opportunity to develop healthy habits for mental and physical well-being. Whether it is regular exercise, cooking nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, or practicing mindfulness, college provides the space for students to recognize the value of taking care of themselves. It is easy to get caught up in stress or having a drained social battery, but learning how to prioritize mental health and well-being can prevent burnout and promote long-term success.
While college is often comparable with academic growth, it is equally a place where students develop essential life skills that will help them thrive in the real world. From laundry and cooking to time management and budgeting, these skills may seem simple but are key to living independently after graduation. So, as you navigate your college life, remember that each lesson learned—whether it is perfecting your laundry routine or planning a week’s worth of meals—is an important step to learning these necessary skills in order to thrive in your future residences.