As a first-gen college grad, it took a long time for me to figure out the life hacks that make college easy–and maybe even fun. If you have a parent or older sibling who’s been through the experience before, college is easy. If you don’t, it can be a world of “unknown unknowns”—things you don’t know you don’t know.
The same ended up being true for me after college. Entering the real world is no easy feat, especially given today’s economic uncertainty.
To help you go further, faster towards living a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life as a newly-minted adult, here are 15 life hacks I wish someone had told me sooner.
1. Get roommates.
Roommates make it easier to meet people, get referrals, and save on rent.
2. Go to housewarming parties and get-togethers.
It’s easier to meet people when you know people. If you do have roommates, become a “plus-one” wherever possible (and return the favor).
3. Add people you meet and work with on LinkedIn.
Your next career (or life) move will be a lot easier if you already have a long list of potential people you can contact.
4. Get a credit card.
Find one that offers a sign-up bonus, points and/or cash back, and no annual fee to build credit and save money. Just make sure you pay it off on time each month.
5. Start a chat with your close college friends—and keep it alive.
You’ll soon realize that those who don’t will envy those who do.
6. Look up the perks your company offers—and use them.*
You’re leaving money on the table if you don’t.
7. Pay off your student loans ASAP.
You’ll have more freedom to do what you want to do when you’re not tethered financially.
8. Invest your earnings.
Go on YouTube and search for “compound interest” if you aren’t familiar with the term.
9. Get into a routine that prioritizes your goals.
Want to be healthy? Start working out, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. Want to become a published author? Start writing regularly. Want to start your own startup one day? Start making a list of ideas.
10. Keep a list of everything you’ve worked on.
Tracking the projects you’ve owned, fires you’ve fought, presentations you’ve delivered, and contributions you’ve made will make it a lot easier to update your resume.
11. Pursue a side project.
Whether it’s an Employee Resource Group (ERG), personal passion project, or community service effort, you’ll learn new skills, build your network, and discover what you’re good at and interested in.
12. Work backwards from where you want to be.
Imagine yourself in 5 years. Where do you see yourself? Start LinkedIn stalking the people you most want to be like—and reverse engineer the steps they took to get to where they are today.
13. Skim the news headlines every day.
You’ll be more informed when making decisions for your career. You’ll also find it easier to contribute to conversations at work and in life. Many local libraries offer The Wall Street Journal (a favorite of many executives) for free.
14. Join projects at work that allow you to meet people and travel.
You’ll expand your network as well as your worldview.
15. Come up with a point of view.
The most successful people I’ve met have a point of view. Come up with your own and you’ll be more impactful in meetings at work and more strategic with your own career choices.
Bonus! Mentor someone.
You may not feel ready, but you’re living the life that someone else wants to live. Help them get to where you are today!
*My favorite underrated company perk that others should know about: Tuition Reimbursement Programs—where your company pays for your enrollment in a degree or bootcamp. Not sure if your company offers this perk? Ask HR!
