All throughout your life, you have been able to depend on your parents for everything. They tell you what to wear, what you’re going to eat, where you’re going, when it’s bed time, and more. However, once you move to college, you won’t have them to lean on anymore. Being out on your own is exhilarating yet terrifying — you have unlimited freedom, but you have to learn how to manage your life. To make the transition easier, learn these five skills before you move away from home.

How to Do Laundry

Once, a freshman boy, Kevin (names have been changed) was in a coin-operated laundry room with his roommate during finals week. His roommate, Brad, put in his laundry, quarters, and started the load. Kevin looked puzzled and asked “Aren’t you going to put soap in there?” Brad looked even more confused and said “Isn’t that what the quarters are for?” Turns out, Brad had been rinsing his clothes all year, never once adding soap to the washer.

To avoid being like Brad, learn how to do laundry the right way! Learn how to sort your laundry so you don’t end up with pink dress shirts or blouses that used to be white, as well as what clothes you should and shouldn’t put in the dryer so that you don’t shrink or ruin anything.

Money Management

You want to learn how to be in control of your finances, rather than the other way around. To avoid being the average broke college student, learn how to create a budget and keep it, how to save money rather than spend it, how to price match (especially textbooks,) and most importantly, self control.

Planning and Scheduling

Many college students, thrilled by their newfound freedom, stay up all night and sleep in all day. Unfortunately, if you do that too often, you might miss class and reduce your focus, consequently lowering your grades. You also need to prioritize your schoolwork, social life, work, and sleep. Learn how to plan and schedule yourself so that you can do more with your time.

How to Study

In college, your professors are not going to hold your hand letting you know exactly what will be on the test, or offer late work or do-overs. Take personal responsibility to learn how to study effectively, as well as how to take notes during lectures.

How to Cook

Before you go off to live on your own, you need to learn how to cook, even if your school offers a cafeteria (besides, eating at the cafeteria is the best way to gain the freshman 15). Learn how to make a meal plan, as well as how to shop for a recipe. You’ll be much healthier and save money while doing so.