College is often the first time students live on their own and manage daily responsibilities without direct support from home. From doing laundry and cooking basic meals to budgeting, time management, and navigating transportation, life skills are essential for independence and success. This section offers practical guides and tips to help you handle everyday tasks with confidence. You’ll also find advice on communication, civic responsibilities, and organizing important aspects of your personal life so you can thrive both on and off campus.
Tips for Living with Roommates
Living with roommates can be difficult! Here are some tips for living with roommates
Set clear expectations early (quiet hours, chores, guests, etc.).
Respect shared spaces — always clean up after yourself.
Communicate directly but politely when issues come up.
Consider using a roommate agreement template, like this one!
Housing Mediation Services
According to MSU Housing FAQ: "Students are required to fill out a roommate agreement during the first week of school. This typically helps to resolve issues prior to them arising. If you find that things are not working out we encourage our students to talk to one another. If at this point it seems that things are not getting better, students should contact their Resident Advisor (RA) to set up roommate mediation. If after this process is complete you still feel it would be better to remove yourself from your living situation we will help you identify other spaces on campus."
Off-campus renters: local tenant associations or legal aid clinics can help with landlord/roommate disputes
Laundry How-To (sorting, detergents, avoiding damage, etc.)
Sort: You should sort your laundry into lights, darks, towels/sheets and wash those separately.
Detergent: Use recommended amounts (too much leaves residue).
Avoid damage: Check labels, wash delicates on gentle, don’t overload machines.
Quick guide: Clothes Washing Symbols Explained
Cleaning Routines
Bathrooms: disinfect sinks/toilets weekly.
Kitchens: wipe counters daily, wash dishes promptly, clean fridge monthly.
Shared spaces: rotate chores to keep fairness.
Organization Hacks
Use vertical space (shelves, over-the-door organizers).
Storage bins for under-bed use.
Label containers so roommates know what’s yours.
Dorm Cooking Essential Items
Microwave – your #1 tool for quick meals and snacks
Mini fridge – for storing fresh food and leftovers
Electric kettle or hot pot – great for boiling water for pasta, oatmeal, tea, and more
Blender or smoothie maker – optional, but helpful for smoothies and sauces
Microwave-safe mugs, bowls, and containers – for mug meals, reheating, and storage
Can opener & basic utensils – the small things make a big difference
Dorm-Friendly Recipes
Spoon University – spoonuniversity.com
Written by and for college students. Lots of microwave-only and no-stove recipes, snacks, and budget-friendly meals.
Her Campus: College Recipes – hercampus.com
Quick and easy recipes geared toward dorm cooking with minimal ingredients.
The College Nutritionist – collegenutritionist.com
Focuses on healthy and simple meals, often dorm-friendly. Includes meal prep tips for busy schedules.
Tasty (Buzzfeed) – tasty.co
Large collection of 5-ingredient, one-pot, and microwave recipes. You can filter by “easy” or “student budget.”
Budget Bytes – budgetbytes.com
Great for students on a budget. While not all recipes are microwave-friendly, many can be adapted for minimal equipment.
Grocery Shopping Tips
Make a weekly list and meal plan before shopping.
Check store apps for coupons and deals (Kroger, Walmart, Aldi).
Buy store brands for savings.
Don’t shop hungry — impulse buys add up!
Food Safety
Check expiration and “best by” dates.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Reheat food to 165°F.
Ride Sharing Safety
Verify license plate, driver name, and photo before getting in.
Share trip status with a friend.
Sit in the back seat.
Always wear a seatbelt.
Vehicle Check-Up Basics
Check oil monthly; change every 3,000–5,000 miles.
Tire pressure: check with a gauge; recommended PSI is on driver’s door sticker.
Keep an emergency kit (jumper cables, water, flashlight, first aid).
Free Articles on common car problems: AAA Car Care Tips.
Time Management Strategies
Break tasks into smaller chunks.
Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 min work, 5 min break).
Prioritize tasks: urgent vs. important.
Planner & Calendar Apps
Google Calendar: integrates with email and reminders.
Notion: combines planner, notes, and to-do lists.
Trello: visual boards for projects or assignments.
Organizing Important Documents
Keep physical copies (passport, SSN card) in a safe folder or lockbox.
Digitize with a scanner app and back up to secure cloud storage.
Label clearly (e.g., “Banking,” “School,” “Medical”).
Professional Email & Phone Etiquette
Email: have a clear subject, always have a greeting, use full sentences, and always finish the email with a signature.
Phone: answer politely, speak clearly, don’t multitask while talking.
Avoid slang or texting shorthand in professional settings.
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Stay calm and listen actively.
Use “I” statements (“I feel…” instead of “You always…”).
Focus on finding solutions, not blame.
Ask for mediation if needed.
Voter Registration
Voter Registration Basics
Understanding FERPA & Student Privacy
FERPA = Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Protects your academic records; schools can’t share them without your consent.
You have the right to review your own records.
Quick guide: U.S. Dept. of Education FERPA.
