High school tends to act a launching point for adult life. Formative years that shape the trajectory of your student’s future; a chance to instill lifelong, healthy habits.

As your high school senior nears graduation, they’re likely facing their first experience of living independently. It’s imperative that your student heads into the world with certain knowledge and skills that inform the habits they develop during these determinative years. Healthy habits surrounding studying, time management and financial responsibility are essential tools for leaving the nest.

Study Time  

College classes tend to be a much more independent learning experience, requiring more hours of study and research to keep up with the curriculum. Even for students who’ve excelled in their high school studies, college courses can prove to be a serious wake up call.

As a rule of thumb, spending two hours studying for each hour spent in class tends to be a safe baseline that produces positive results. Settling into healthy study habits early gives your student the best chance to a develop and maintain a robust study routine.  

Time Management

Fomo, combined with a busy schedule, can prove arduous for any student. It’s important that students identify time-wasting activities and choose an agenda that favors their educational obligations. Finding time for work and/or hanging out with friends is also an essential part of the college experience, so it’s critical that students moderate and thoughtfully balance their time.  

Prioritizing time using a daily or weekly schedule – that can be adhered to – can be a vital tool for successfully managing time. Establishing a routine provides structure that students rely on to survive their demanding schedules. As their schedule becomes more manageable, further commitments or activities could be added to their weekly itinerary.

Financial Responsibility

College is a make-or-break time when it comes to building a solid financial future. Focusing on learning doesn’t leave much time for earning, leaving most students with a limited expenditure. Creating a budget is a simple, effective way of establishing healthy habits surrounding finances.

A budget can help students identify their true needs versus money wasters that are chewing through their spending cash. Designing and sticking to a budget can also lend to maintaining healthy habits surrounding dietary choices and impulsive behavior. Maintaining a budget requires discipline; it can take time to get used to, setbacks are normal.

Building credit is crucial. Bright financial futures begin when fiscal responsibility is prioritized. Students that properly manage their funds, paying their financial obligations (credit card, phone bill, streaming services, etc.) on time can look forward to a healthy, established credit history prior to graduation. A credit score is often required when applying for jobs, apartments, mortgages or other loans. Leaving college as a proven, reliable lender can be a gamechanger.

It's Never Too Late

Good habits are always in style. Regardless of your current standing, it’s never too late to instill new, healthy habits to positively affect the life of your student. Initialing small, deliberate changes can have a compounding outcome towards building and maintaining healthy habits.