Practical Skills Every High School Senior Should Learn Before Heading to College
By Bethany Scott and Tonya Post, College Advisors
Transitioning from high school to college is an exciting time filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and independence. However, it can also be overwhelming if you’re not equipped with the right skills to navigate your new environment. To make the transition smoother, here are some practical things every high school senior should learn before entering college life.

Photo credit: shironosov
1. Time Management
In college, your schedule is largely your responsibility. Learning how to manage your time effectively is crucial for balancing classes, assignments, extracurriculars, and social activities. Here are some tips to start developing this skill:
- Use a planner or a digital calendar to keep track of deadlines and appointments.
- Prioritize tasks by distinguishing between urgent and important activities.
- Practice breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable steps with specific deadlines.
- Experiment with time-blocking, dedicating specific hours of the day to different activities. These might include:
– Classes.
– Homework assignments.
– Reviewing and practicing what you’ve already learned (independent study, study groups, office hours).
– Extracurricular activities.
– Exercise.
– Meals.
– Social events.
– Downtime and rest.
2. Basic Financial Literacy
Understanding how to manage your finances can save you from unnecessary stress and debt in college. Key areas to focus on include:
- Budgeting: If your parents can contribute to your expenses in college, have an honest conversation about how much they plan to provide each month. Learn to create a monthly budget that accounts for tuition, housing, phone, and other expenses. Practice living within your budget to avoid overspending on quick purchases like coffee and fast food.
- Banking: Understand how to open and manage a checking and savings account, as well as the basics of online banking. Learn how to write, deposit, or cash a check and how to use a debit card safely. If your parents will access your bank account, develop a plan together for when and how money will be moved to or from your account.
- Credit Cards: Know the pros and cons of using credit cards and how to avoid debt by paying your balance in full each month. If you choose to use a credit card, research interest rates and benefits such as airline miles or cash back to get the most out of your card.
- Paying Bills: Familiarize yourself with paying rent, utilities, and other recurring expenses on time to avoid penalties. Go through the process of paying bills with a parent or trusted adult to gain an understanding of how much things cost.
- Sources of Income: Research the financial aid options available to you and carefully investigate the terms of any student loans you take out. If you plan to hold a job during college, begin looking for job options near campus to understand how much you might expect to earn and the kinds of hours you would need to work. Apply for school-year jobs as early as possible.

Photo credit: Moment Makers Group
3. Laundry and Basic Housekeeping
Maintaining a clean and organized living space is important for your health and well-being and fosters a positive relationship with roommates. Before heading to college, make sure you know how to:
- Make your bed and wash your sheets at least every 2 weeks.
- Do laundry. Sort, wash, and fold/hang your clothes and personal items properly.
- Clean common areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Take out the trash and recycle appropriately for your area.
- Handle minor maintenance tasks such as hanging a picture, changing a light bulb, or unclogging a drain.
- Neatly organize your closet, desk, and other spaces.
4. Cooking and Nutrition
Living away from home means you’ll likely be responsible for preparing some meals. To avoid a diet of instant noodles, learn some basic cooking skills:
- Understand the importance of a balanced diet and how to incorporate fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains into your meals.
- Learn basic cooking techniques like boiling, sautéing, and baking and how to measure different types of ingredients.
- Master a few simple, healthy recipes like pasta dishes, stir-fries, and salads.
- Collect favorite family recipes to take with you.
- Learn how to meal prep and plan your grocery shopping list to save time and money.

Photo credit: DGLimages
5. Self-Care and Health Management
College can be stressful on the mind and body, so knowing how to take care of your mental and physical health is vital. Important self-care practices include:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule to ensure you’re well-rested.
- Engage in physical activities such as working out, playing sports, or walking with a friend.
- Take any medications at the same time every day.
- Practicing mindfulness techniques like praying or journaling.
- Recognize when to seek help and know where and how to access medical and mental health resources on campus.
- Ensure you know your personal and family medical history and have access to any medical, dental, and prescription insurance information. Practice filling out your own medical forms at doctors visits.
6. Basic First Aid and Safety Skills
Knowing how to handle minor injuries and stay safe in emergencies can make all the difference when away from home. We recommend learning:
- How to stay aware of your surroundings to ensure personal safety.
- Basic self-defense. Take a class or watch videos online and practice with a friend.
- Basic first aid such as treating cuts, burns, or sprains and how to treat common illnesses. Purchase a first aid kit, thermometer, and standard over-the-counter medications and learn how/when to use them.
- How to contact emergency services and access campus security.
- Fire safety protocols and evacuation procedures.
Did you know that Providence Classical School provides Life Seminars throughout the year for all 7th-12th grade students? These quick courses are built into our regular school day and include topics such as personal finance, home repairs, self-defense, and study skills.
Schedule a tour to learn more!
7. College Policies and Resources
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the resources and policies your college offers. Key areas to explore include:
- How to find information on courses and professors.
- How to add and drop courses. Pay close attention to deadlines!
- Academic resources like tutoring centers, libraries, and writing labs.
- Campus health services, including counseling and medical facilities.
- Policies on academic integrity, such as plagiarism and cheating.
- Opportunities for internships, jobs, study abroad programs, and research projects.
8. Transportation and Navigation Skills
Getting around campus and the surrounding area is an important part of college life. Learn how to:
- Navigate maps and apps to find buildings, classrooms, and local attractions.
- Maintain a bike or car if you plan to bring one to campus.
- Use public transportation, including buses and trains.
- Plan trips and manage travel expenses effectively.

Photo credit: Roseborland
9. Effective Communication
Whether it’s emailing a professor, resolving a conflict with a roommate, or networking with peers, good communication skills are essential in college. Practice the following:
- Always speak respectfully to others.
- Learn how to listen actively and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Write professional emails, using proper grammar and an appropriate tone.
- Develop assertiveness to advocate for yourself in academic or social settings.
- Use empathy and diplomacy to navigate conflicts.
10. Networking and Building Relationships
College can be a great time to develop lifelong relationships because most students are making a fresh start with new friends. Start developing social and networking skills now. You can:
- Practice introducing yourself to new people in various settings like group projects or extracurricular activities.
- Learn how to listen actively and ask thoughtful questions to show genuine interest in others.
- Be the kind of friend that you would want to find.
- Join clubs, sports teams, or community organizations to get comfortable being part of a group.
- Volunteer or participate in leadership roles to build teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Become familiar with social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and other tools for connecting with peers and mentors. You can use these to begin connecting with other incoming students and families even before heading to college.

Photo credit: Valeriy_G
11. Adaptability and Resilience
College life comes with its share of challenges, from academic pressure to homesickness. There are ways to cultivate adaptability and resilience starting now:
- Embrace change and challenges as a natural part of growing up.
- Build a support system of friends, family, and mentors.
- Be honest with yourself and others about how you are doing academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
- Learn from setbacks and focus on solutions rather than problems.
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
12. Spiritual Growth
For Christian students, college can offer opportunities to grow deeper in their faith, or it can present a series of stumbling blocks that distract and disorient them. To prepare now:
- Seek out wisdom. Speak to your parents, teachers, or trusted Christian mentors about how they nurture their faith regularly.
- Practice the habits of daily scripture reading and prayer. Try out Bible reading plans and various bible formats to determine which ones resonate with you. Begin praying now that God will help you remain faithful and guide you toward Christian friends and mentors in college.
- Read devotional books. Ask for recommendations for books that are meaningful to those adults in your life who have spiritual walks you would like to emulate.
- Check out churches. Make a list of qualities you hope to find in a church and discuss it with your parents, pastor, or youth pastor. Once you’ve committed to a college, research churches online or visit them in person with your family. You might find a church home before you even arrive on campus!
- Connect with Christian student organizations. Most colleges offer opportunities to connect with fellow believers on campus for worship and spiritual growth. Reach out to organization leaders to learn what they offer, and prioritize opportunities to walk with faithful friends.
Final Thoughts
The transition to college is a significant milestone, but with preparation and the right mindset, it can also be a rewarding experience. By mastering these practical skills, high school seniors can set themselves up for success both in college and beyond. Start practicing now, and you’ll be ready to tackle whatever challenges and opportunities come your way.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
For more information on classical Christian education at Providence Classical School, watch our film, and schedule a tour today!

About Bethany Scott:
Bethany was first introduced to helping students navigate higher education when she served as a Peer Advisor while completing her business degree at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, she joined the UT Admissions team as an Admissions Officer working with high school counselors and students, facilitating the application process, and evaluating applications from prospective students. She completed her UCLA Certification in College Counseling in 2016 and joined College Direction Counseling Services as an Independent Educational Consultant. She joined the Providence College Advising office in 2021 after being a PCS parent for more than 10 years. Bethany believes that preparing for the years after graduation requires prayerful consideration, meditating on God’s word, and keeping an eye toward our greater mission as Christians to impact the culture for Christ. Bethany and her husband, Kyle, have two PCS Paladins — Brady (Class of 2023) and Berkeley (11th grade).

About Tonya Post:
Tonya earned her degree in speech communication with a minor in marketing from Texas A&M. She worked in the corporate world for several years before leaving to stay home with her children, homeschooling each of them until they enrolled at Providence. She and her husband, Christian, have been married for 36 years and have four children who all graduated from PCS — Carter (2011), Caitlin (2014), Colin (2018), and Cara (2021) — and two beautiful grandchildren. Tonya has served the PCS community since 2014 helping Upper School students and families prepare for and navigate the college admissions process. In her free time, she loves working out, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Read more about College Advising and life after high school on the Providence Classical School blog!
The New FAFSA: What You Need to Know for 2025-2026
Everything You Need to Know About the Common Application: A Guide for College Applicants
Header image credit: Antonio_Diaz