Taelyr C. Roberts

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about where I was in my life last year as well as what I would have liked to know. As a college senior, I wish that I had had the forethought to create resolutions and start planning for my life post grad. Now that I am a full ten months out of college, I realize that there was a bunch of stuff I didn’t know. I think I’m now doing pretty okay (absolutely not without help) but as a result of those trials I thought I would pass on some of what I have learned to hopefully help the class of 2016 (and anyone else about to branch out for the first time) land a bit more soundly on their feet than I did.

•  Start building credit at least 6 months out if you can

Credit is this illustrious concept that I always thought I understood but now realize that I didn’t know the half. For a crash course in understanding credit check out “Building Credit from Scratch” from Better Money Habits (powered by Bank of America in partnership with Khan Academy). This really helped me out A LOT. Credit is really important when you start looking for an apartment to get better leasing terms and maybe even avoid a co-signer (or two). Which brings me to #2.

• First, Last, and Security

When you are apartment shopping, keep in mind that whatever your rent is, you will likely have to provide that times 3 up front to secure the apartment as yours before you sign the lease. Be sure that is a cost for which you are prepared.

• Savings

Start saving. Even if it’s $10 per week, in 10 weeks that is $100. You never know what incidentals you made need and you never know what circumstances may arise, so if you start saving before leaving college (and having your expenses increase exponentially) then you are much better off.

• Save up for a laptop

(or figure out how you are going to have to pay for one when you return the one given to you by your institution) Often times the college issued laptop isn’t worth what they are asking  you to pay for it as you likely weren’t the first user when you received it and they are still hoping to gain some of their investment back if possible. If nothing else, a new laptop is a signal of a new way of life and regardless having your own is quite useful especially if you aren’t employed just yet. Bonus: One with a hard drive is probably better. I currently have a Chromebook and I regret it so much. It is wonderful for Netflix. Terrible for doing real work.

• Use your student insurance before you graduate

When you become an “adult” you have to have an insurance plan by law and if you aren’t on  your parent’s insurance then you have to of course pay for this yourself. It is absolutely great to have if you have to randomly go to the emergency room (which goes back to saving for those incidentals), but if you have to get a physical, check your eyesight, get any shots, etc DEFINITELY go before you graduate. It is insurance you already paid for and is likely better than the minimum insurance you buy out of pocket post grad. Bonus: You likely don’t have to worry about driving, taking public transit, asking for a ride or taking a Lyft or Uber to your doctor’s office. You just have to walk across campus.

• Roommates

In looking for a roommate, be honest both with them and yourself. If you know that your neatness borders on OCD, say that. If you know that you are messy enough to rival a pig sty, say that. It may mean you have to find other roommates, but it will save you lots of anguish in the future. Also, talk about price ranges, rent & bill splits BEFORE looking for apartments. Discuss what your price preference is as well as your cap. Finally, if something bothers you, TELL THEM. Nicely of course, but you should establish pet peeves and rules on the front end, so if you need to add or modify then that is something that you both (or all if you have more than one roomie) have to discuss.

• Your first job may be great, but don’t bet on it

This period of time is meant to toughen you up, to teach you, to push you. There are days when you will go home in tears and days that you will feel like you could climb Kilimanjaro. In almost all of my conversations with friends from my class, their jobs suck some days and other days are okay, but by and large they dislike something about their current employment. Set goals, accomplish them. When you’re done, set more.

• Always have a few bucks in cash in your pocket

Simple. Especially if you take public transit, the bus does not take cards and unless the bus driver thinks you’re really nice or cool or cute or just doesn’t want to ruin your day, they will kick you off of it.

Lastly,

• Don’t lose hope in your ability to be a “grown up”

One of my second moms tells me (and never ceases to remind me) on a regular basis that your 20’s suck. Because they suck sometimes you are going to want your mommy or your grandma or whomever provides you that sense of comfort. Sometimes you are going to want your girls (or boys or crew). Sometimes you want that random friend who inspired you in college and didn’t even know it (here’s looking at you Sammy & Lizzie). Sometimes you want them all. Most of adulting is accepting that those people may not always be readily accessible and getting up and making up your mind to kick ass anyway.

I hope this helps at least a little,

Taelyr