NewsHillsborough County

Actions

Simple tricks to help your high school graduate prepare for college

Some things cannot be learned in high school
How to pay off student loans over time
Simple tricks to help high school grads prepare for college
Quick and healthy dorm room meals
Life skills for high school graduates
Posted
and last updated

TAMPA, Fla. — Do you have a high schooler who is about to graduate? If so, we are helping you prepare your graduate for college. From dorm rooms to balancing a budget, there are some things teens just cannot learn in high school.

COOKING IN YOUR DORM ROOM

  • Breakfast: Try cooking an omelet in a mug. Eggs, milk, tomatoes and cheese!
  • Lunch: Make a Chipotle bowl from home. Warm up brown rice, add black beans and avocado.
  • Dinner: Try substituting your mac and cheese w/cauliflower.
  • Late night snack: Pizza in a mug. Marinara, cheese and pepperoni for 2 minutes in your microwave.

LAUNDRY

Maybe your graduate's never done laundry before. Make sure they know the basics before sending them away.

  • Never mix colors with whites.
  • Dry your clothes in cold air to avoid shrinkage.
  • Wash your sheets at least every two weeks.
  • Hang up your nice clothes.

INTANGIBLES

  • Time management — Teach your soon-to-be grad about how to run a calendar on a smart phone and keep a running to-do list.
  • Professional quality e-mails — Text-speak and emojis probably won't go over well with their professor or manager with a job offering.
  • Money management — Pinching pennies can be necessary on a college student budget.
  • Present yourself as a professional — Look and act professional but also know how to give a good handshake.

Your soon-to-be college student can get more financial advice at College Guru Academy.