28 Life Skills Students Need for College

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College is a whirlwind. Between classes, social events, and making sense of life outside high school, students often find themselves navigating uncharted waters. 

However, the reality is stark: 68% of recent graduates think their education failed to prepare them for real-world challenges. That’s not a small number, and it reflects what many teachers and students already know—we’re focusing so much on academics that we’re missing something crucial, life skills. 

According to a recent survey, a whopping 81% of college graduates wish they had been taught more life skills before stepping out into the real world. That statistic should give every educator pause. What life skills are they referring to? And how can we, as teachers, help our students step into adulthood better equipped for its demands?

Here are 28 life skills students need for college, and why they matter. 

What Are “Life Skills?”

Before we get into the details, what exactly do we mean by “life skills”? Think of them as the practical, day-to-day abilities necessary to function as a well-rounded adult. These are skills that help students manage time, cope with stress, make healthy decisions, and handle money, among others. 

While schools traditionally focus on academic knowledge, many students graduate with little understanding of how to succeed in various everyday scenarios. 

That’s where the disconnect lies. Institutions may churn out biology majors and future mathematicians, but they often neglect to prepare their graduates for something as simple as making a doctor’s appointment. 

28 Life Skills Students Need for College

Now, on to the list of life skills students actually need for college. 

1. Time Management 

This one’s right at the top for a reason. Without solid time management skills, students quickly find themselves overwhelmed by college schedules. Classes, extracurriculars, part-time jobs, and some semblance of a social life are tough to juggle without a basic understanding of planning. 

Teaching students how to prioritize tasks, set clear goals, and create realistic timelines can be life-changing. Encourage them to use tools like planners, time-blocking apps, or even a simple to-do list. Giving students these tools early on will help them hit the ground running.   

2. Stress Management 

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but college ramps it up to a whole new level. Between tight deadlines, social pressures, and adjusting to a new environment, students need effective ways to cope. 

Stress management skills can include simple mindfulness techniques, exercise, and knowing when to ask for mental health support. And no, “just relaxing” isn’t an option when a student has a five-page paper due tomorrow that they totally forgot about. 

Teachers can expose students to stress-relief strategies during school itself, like incorporating brief meditation breaks during lessons or hosting well-being workshops. These small adjustments plant the seeds for long-term resilience. 

3. Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices 

College dorms and fast-food options are a pairing as predictable as peanut butter and jelly—but much less nutritious. Students need guidance on choosing healthy meals, staying active, and understanding the importance of sleep. 

Healthier choices don’t have to feel overwhelming or restrictive. It’s about balance. Encourage students to learn how to cook a few basic meals, recognize the importance of hydration, and get six to eight hours of actual sleep more than twice a week. These foundational habits pay dividends in physical health, energy levels, and overall mental well-being.

4. Talking to Others in a Professional Way 

We’ve all seen those cringeworthy emails students send to professors that start with “Hey Prof” and end without a proper sign-off. Teaching students to communicate professionally can save them from a world of awkwardness. 

This includes crafting polite emails, knowing how to introduce themselves in professional settings, and using formal language when appropriate. 

Strong communication isn’t just for landing internships. It also builds confidence and opens up countless networking opportunities. Make this a priority in class by incorporating professional-grade email etiquette or mock interview exercises. 

5. Making and Attending Doctors’ Appointments 

While this might sound hilariously specific, plenty of college students haven’t had to independently deal with their health until they’re far from home. Knowing how to find a provider, book an appointment, and fill out medical forms might not feel like “essential” knowledge in high school, but trust us, it is. 

Make it practical. Offer students examples of how to call a clinic or explain insurance basics in a simple way they can actually understand. Practical steps like these can have real-life benefits long after graduation.

6. Handling Banking Services

Teach students how not to blow through their semester budget in two weeks. Personal finance as a whole can feel overwhelming for most young adults (79% of recent graduates find financial planning stressful). Tackling money topics early can make a huge difference. 

Start small by teaching students basics like opening a checking account, using a debit card responsibly, understanding credit scores, and avoiding predatory credit card traps. Want to go deeper? Covering concepts like budgeting and saving can empower them to take control of their financial future, one dollar at a time. 

7. Dealing With Different Opinions 

Welcome to college, where debates aren’t just limited to classrooms. Your students will encounter new ideas, beliefs, and lifestyles, and knowing how to respectfully disagree is a must. 

Teach them how to listen actively, assess perspectives, and respond thoughtfully. The goal is for them to keep their cool, not lose their heads over a dorm debate about pineapple on pizza.  

8. Storing Formal Documents

Nothing says “grown-up” like knowing where your birth certificate or Social Security card is. Students should have a clear system for storing critical documents both physically and digitally. 

Suggest a fireproof folder and, for their tech-savvy side, encrypted cloud storage. After all, the last thing they need is scrambling during an urgent passport renewal.  

9. Online Safety 

Your students will be connected 24/7, and that makes online safety essential. Whether it’s avoiding phishing scams, managing their privacy settings, or not sharing their Netflix password with a “friend,” understanding how to protect their digital footprint is non-negotiable.  

10. Understanding the Risks of Alcohol and Drugs

This topic isn’t exactly fun, but it’s vital. Equip your students with clear, judgment-free education about alcohol and drugs. Make sure they know the risks, legal implications, and how to prioritize safety—not just their own but their friends’ too. No lectures required, just straight, relatable advice.   

11. Cooking 

Ramen is fine for a night. It’s tragic when that becomes a daily diet. Teaching students how to make a few simple, budget-friendly meals can save their health and inspire weekend potluck credits with new roommates. Start with pasta, one-pot meals, and, of course, how to properly roast anything in the oven (timers included). 

12. Doing Laundry

Explaining laundry is more necessary than you’d think. Trust me, that one kid who dyed all their whites pink will appreciate it. Cover sorting colors, checking washing labels, and which things never, EVER go in the dryer (hint: wool sweaters). Pro-bonus tips encourage cold washes to save energy and prevent disasters.

13. Paying and Filing Taxes

Ah, taxes, the universal adult hurdle. Understanding how to file taxes might just end up being your students’ most-used math skill. 

Teaching them the basics of income, tax brackets, deductions, and how to file online or with software can go a long way in fostering financial independence. Don’t forget to emphasize deadlines!

14. Living With Someone

College often means shared living spaces, whether it’s a dorm room, an off-campus apartment, or Greek housing. Equip students with skills to handle roommate relationships, including communication, respect, and resolving conflicts. 

Need help? The Living With Others program by Stanfield can provide structured guidance, teaching cooperative skills and conflict resolution basics to help students live harmoniously.  

15. Cleaning

Dorms can turn into disaster zones fast. Teaching basic cleaning habits like vacuuming, organizing, laundry tips, and keeping shared spaces tidy ensures they’re not that roommate. This skill makes everyone’s lives better!

16. Maintaining Good Hygiene

From washing clothes regularly to keeping up with personal hygiene like regular showers, this is crucial not only for physical health but also for social acceptance in a community. Students who understand the importance of hygiene are more likely to present themselves confidently.  

17. Managing Social Boundaries

Knowing where to draw the line in relationships is just as vital as making friends. The Circles Complete program by Stanfield is an excellent tool for teaching students how to manage social interaction, respect personal space, and establish healthy social boundaries.

18. Understanding and Monitoring Your Credit 

Help students grasp the concepts of credit scores, building credit, and avoiding debt. Whether it’s navigating their first credit card responsibility or understanding credit utilization, this knowledge might just save them from financial headaches in the future.  

19. Maintaining Your Car

For students commuting to college or exploring internships, car maintenance is a must-have skill. Basic tasks like checking oil levels, tire pressure, and scheduling routine maintenance appointments could save them from avoidable breakdowns (and hefty bills).  

20. Finding Their Voice

Encouraging students to advocate for themselves in college is key. Whether it’s discussing concerns with professors, asking for extensions, or participating in campus activities, they’ll need to practice speaking up while building their confidence.  

21. Setting Goals

Goal-setting is critical for academic and personal success. Teach students how to break bigger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Apps like Trello and Notion may help organize their plans in an effective way.

22. Meal Planning

The dreaded “what’s for dinner” question feels different when you’re doing meal prep in a dorm kitchen. Teach students how to plan meals, balance nutrition, and work with a budget. It doesn’t have to be gourmet, but knowing how to whip up a simple, balanced meal is a lifesaver.  

23. Navigating the Grocery Store 

Grocery shopping can feel overwhelming without guidance. Teach your students how to stick to a list, look out for deals, read nutrition labels, and avoid impulse purchases. They’ll thank you when they avoid an $8 cereal habit.

24. Writing a Resume 

A polished resume often opens the first career door. Teach your students how to structure a resume that highlights their accomplishments, education, and relevant experiences. It’ll come in handy when they start applying for internships or campus jobs.

25. Participating in a Job Interview

Great resumes get interviews, but having interview skills lands jobs. Go over the basics like making good first impressions, dressing appropriately, and practicing common questions. Mock interviews can help ease their nerves and improve performance.

26. Etiquette for Dining Out

Dining out with a professor or potential employer? Students need to know their way around table manners, tipping etiquette, and how to manage social interactions in a professional setting. Nobody wants to be caught glaring at a bill, unsure of how much gratuity to add.

27. Conflict Management 

Disagreements are unavoidable, but teaching students conflict resolution strategies can prevent unnecessary drama. Learning to stay calm, communicate effectively, and find mutually agreeable resolutions makes life easier in shared spaces and group projects.

28. Organization

From managing course materials to staying on top of deadlines, strong organizational skills can make or break a student’s first college experience. Teach them how to use tools like planners, digital calendars, and study apps to stay on track.

Final Thoughts

Teaching students practical life skills ensures they feel confident and prepared as they transition into college life. 

To bring this preparation full circle, consider using Stanfield’s Transitions Complete Bundle. It’s packed with comprehensive programs designed to teach essential social and life skills students need to thrive in the real world.  

Remember, preparing students for college isn’t simply about making sure they can ace their midterms. It’s about providing them with real-world skills that foster independence, resilience, and adaptability. 

By teaching your students these life skills for college, you’re setting them up for years of success. 

FAQ

What are the 7 essential life skills for students?

While opinions vary, most consider critical thinking, effective communication, financial literacy, self-care, time management, basic cooking, and interpersonal skills as essential.

How does college help with life skills?

College provides opportunities for students to practice responsibility, independence, communication, and critical thinking through academics, social settings, and managing their own lives.  

What skills do students need for college?

Students need a mix of academic, financial, organizational, and social skills to succeed. Examples include managing their time effectively, preparing meals, and navigating roommate relationships.