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One of the more exciting aspects of going to college is the independence it offers you. But that independence comes with its own set of challenges. You have to know how to budget, cook, and clean while navigating class work, homework assignments and dorm living. Don’t wait to get there to figure it all out. Pick up these five life skill books and you’ll be prepared for anything college life throws at you.
Adulting: 101 #Wisdom4Life by Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty
College can be a huge shift from living at home. A whole host of new responsibilities come rushing at you. Cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, policing yourself to study, getting up on time, making choices… It’s a lot. Suddenly, you’re trapped in uncharted waters, where you have to fend for yourself. Don’t freak out. Just read this book. Burnette and Hardesty cover a wide range of “adulting” tips. From prioritizing purchases, to navigating the job search, to the basics of investing. It’s a handy life skill book to have around when you start your freshman year.
Do Your Laundry Or You’ll Die Alone by Becky Blades
Do Your Laundry Or You’ll Die Alone: The Advice Your Mom Would Give You if She Thought You Were Listening is certainly a mouthful. Despite its title, this book is not just about doing your laundry. That’s only one of the many things you’ll learn within its pages. Do Your Laundry is filled with coming of age wisdom and tricks written in an easy, humorous tone. It’s about minding your finances, how to choose the company you keep, and of course making sure you do your laundry.
How to Cook Everything: The Basics by Mark Bittman
Sure, you could live off ramen and take-out . . . but why? With this no-nonsense, no-frills cookbook, you’ll learn everything there is to know about cooking and eating at home. This book truly has everything you need to know about making easy and nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to eat healthy and learn cooking basics. Learn how to dice and roast, group flavors together, and even how to store food with helpful, instructional images.
Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living by Heather Solos
Not sure how to remove stubborn stains from your favorite sweater? The light bulb needs changing but you don’t know where to start? Looking for ideas for quick, healthy meals? This handy little volume of all-American common sense for the modern twenty-something has all the answers you need. It covers laundry essentials, cooking tips, cleaning know-how, and even basic fix-it rules. This book is all about Independence; knowing how to do home care means you don’t have to hire a handyman or bribe a friend to help. Looking for well-rounded life skill books? Be sure to add this one to your list.
99 Personal Money Management Principals to Live By by Cary Siegal
Buy this book now, before you get your first job, your first credit card, or even consider taking out a loan. These skills used to be taught in US Economics classes, but that has since mostly fallen from the national education system. Thankfully, this book fills that gap. Learn how to save, invest, and manage your money to your advantage.
You don’t have to struggle in college. College is fun when you’ve mastered a few basic habits. These life skill books can help you develop them.
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