The switch from high school to college can be a mix of emotions—super exciting yet nerve-wracking too. Sure, college means a newfound sense of freedom and independence, but it also brings new hurdles that can be overwhelming if your kid isn’t prepared. But don't worry, we've got your back! To ensure a successful transition and make the most of college life, it is essential to equip oneself with the necessary skills and tools.

That's why we've put together the ultimate college survival guide for high schoolers, where we'll share some handy tips and strategies to help your teen not just survive but thrive in college.

A quick rundown of the basic life skills high schoolers need to make it big in college

• Housekeeping

So, when your teen heads off to college, it's important that they know how to live independently. That means they need to master some basic housekeeping skills that you may have been reminding them of for years, like taking care of themselves, doing laundry, making their bed, cooking a meal, and cleaning up after themselves.

• Financial management/budgeting

Teach your kids smart financial habits early. Help them create a budget and stick to it. Remind them to avoid unnecessary expenses and look into financial aid or scholarships if needed. A part-time job or internship can give them extra cash and experience. By teaching them responsible money management, you'll help set them up for long-term success.

Read our blog to discover strategies high school students can use to secure a top-notch spring internship.

• Self-care/ self-regulation

Teach your teen self-care skills to help them handle college challenges. Encourage them to prioritize physical and mental health, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. Remind them that it's okay to ask for help and that college mental health resources are available. Self-care activities like meditation, journaling, and taking breaks can help them stay resilient and successful.

College is a time for independence, and your teen will need to have ‘soft skills’ to make it easier. 

• Time management

Help your child stay organized by having them create a schedule using a planner or calendar app. Set aside time for classes, studying, and activities. Remind them to stay on top of deadlines and avoid procrastination.

• Communication

Help your kid prepare for college by practicing their social skills. Talk to people face-to-face, listen, ask questions, and show interest. Remind them to be polite and respectful both in person and online.

• Conflict management

Conflict is unavoidable in college, from roommates to academics. Teach your child how to manage conflicts, so they're prepared to handle them in a healthy way.

• Networking

Help your child build connections in college by attending campus events, joining clubs and organizations, volunteering, and contacting alumni. These connections can have a big impact on their academic and professional success.

Glance through our blog to learn about some of the other top soft skills high schoolers should cultivate before starting college.

Key practices high schoolers should adopt to stay organized in college

• Put together a suitable study schedule.
• Create a timetable based on assignment completion dates.
• Define goals and curtail unproductive time.

Let InternMart assist you in your child’s college journey

High schoolers can get a head start on their career goals and make a smoother transition to college and the job market with the help of this online career discovery platform's step-by-step career pathway program, which offers an interest mapper, quizzes, courses, and internships.

Schedule a no-cost one-on-one consultation to find out more about InternMart's offerings and how it has aided thousands of high schoolers in achieving their college aspirations.