College is a transformative period for everyone who attends it. It’s not just that you’re absorbing knowledge for your future career and developing study habits, you also stop living as carefree as you did back at home. It is a period of maturing and exploration, while you’re working on things that can help your future career. Your chores become your responsibility, and you think about cleaning your room, paying the bills, and buying groceries on your way home from classes. Next to choosing the right major, these changes in your habits also affect your future career, in terms of learning how to handle your responsibilities and not leaving things unfinished.
Don’t think that your current lifestyle can’t affect your future career. The person you become now can shape your career in more ways than one. Just pay attention to these lifestyle traps that students often get caught in.
1. Always pay your bills on time
One of the most important things to do is pay your bills on time. It’s a good habit to acquire early in life, and your credit score depends on it too. If you have a credit card, make sure you pay your dues in time, as well as for your water, electric or other utilities.
2. Save money whenever you can
In case an emergency comes up, it’s good to have some money on the side as a cushion to land on. However, it can be hard sometimes, when you’re barely scraping by, but there is a way. First, don’t spend more than you have to, open an interest-bearing account, and set aside the money you didn’t spend. Cut back on your credit cards, rent, cable, and power if you’re juggling to keep up with them. Sell your used books and buy used books with that money. Make a list of your monthly costs and eliminate those you don’t need, and revisit your priorities. Do you really need that expensive blouse or a new shirt?
3. Don’t spend freely
Staying concerned only about the present is good – as is being satisfied with yourself and conscious about your surroundings. However, finances require planning, and if you live on a smaller income – there’s much planning that needs to be done. You want to experience as much as you can while in college – going out, travelling, dating, and a rich social life. But can you afford it? With all the books, supplies, transportation and tutoring, college expenses are big, but are also your top priorities. Create a budget and spending plan, and spend wisely. Also, never plan on a potential income that may kick in in a few years, because it’s a nasty trap. These habits can be of hand in the future.
4. Find a decent-priced place to live
There’s no such thing as perfect accommodations, and they all have their pros and cons, whether they’re private or shared. Private accommodation is often more expensive, but on the other hand, you can choose different living options and be in charge. As for shared accommodation, such as communal areas and student halls, you can save more money just by living there, as they’re more affordable. Those who don’t mind sharing a room and enjoy a good social life should consider this living option. Next year, great new student accommodation in Melbourne, Australia, will be available as well, so if you plan to go to college there, you can be the first to occupy a room in a freshly-built dorm.
5. Get used to disturbed sleeping patterns
There’s a motto that can be heard on some campuses, and it goes “sleep, grades, social life: pick two.” Going to college is a challenge for your time management skills, when not everyone can afford eight hours of sleep per night. At one point, you’ll find yourself falling asleep on the bus, between classes, or at the cafeteria. Spending nights finishing work, studying, or partying will sometimes disturb your sleeping pattern completely, but this will also build your endurance and prepare you for your future career and the fast and busy environment that awaits you.
Learning how to take care of your chores and responsibilities is a crucial point in your personal growth and development which can help you with starting and building your career. In order to start your life after graduation the right way, find a way to spend wisely, mind your budget and spending plan, and get to know the concept of pressure and stress.
About the author: Marie Nieves is a student and lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. She is an avid lover of photography interested in interior and exterior design and a regular author for several blogs. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter, G+ and Pinterest.
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