Leaving school is a huge milestone, and at this time of the year it’s getting nearer and nearer to becoming a reality. We know better than anyone that you’re probably buzzing with excitement, possibilities, and maybe a little bit of nerves too. No matter if you’re moving out or not, you’re gonna to have to start adulting once you leave high school – but don’t worry, because we’ve been there before and we’re here to help.

Here are 7 essential life skills every school leaver should have.

1. Managing money

One of the most daunting parts of becoming independent is having to understand and handle your own finances. Whether it’s saving up for something special, budgeting for daily expenses, or planning for the future, good money management skills will always come in handy. It’s best to start good habits as early as possible, so we’ve got a few tips to kickstart your journey to getting on top of your finances.

Budgeting: Learn to create a budget to track your income and expenses.
Saving: Start a savings habit, no matter how small. There are tons of apps out there that can be a big help with this.
Avoiding debt: Use credit responsibly and understand the implications of debt – don’t rely on buy now, pay later services either, because they can quickly spiral out of control.

2. Cooking basic meals

We all love Mums cooking, but you might not have that luxury for much longer. Being able to cook for yourself is not only healthier but also more cost-effective than eating out all the time. You don’t need to be a Masterchef; just having a few basic recipes under your belt can go a long way.

Meal prep: Plan your meals ahead to save time and money.
Basic recipes: Learn simple dishes like pasta, stir-fry, and rice.
Kitchen utensils: Understand what utensils you need and how to use them.

3. Doing laundry

Knowing how to wash, dry, and fold your clothes properly is a must, but we know that it’s probably not something you think about at the moment. You’ve got to be clean and presentable, so knowing how to do your own laundry will seriously be a lifesaver.

Sorting clothes: Separate whites from colours to avoid mishaps. Trust us, you really don’t want to be that person who washes their red sock with their white shirt.
Reading labels: If you’re not quite sure the best way to deal with your clothes, check the washing instructions on your clothing tags. If there’s specific instructions, it’s best to follow them.
Folding: Learn the best way to fold clothes to keep them wrinkle-free – not because you love folding, but because you love not having to iron.

4. Time management

Balancing study, work, and personal time can be super challenging, but there are some great techniques you can implement to help out in that department. Good time management skills help you stay organised and productive, so you can get everything done without experiencing burnout.

Prioritising tasks: Focus on what’s most important first, so you can reduce your stress levels. Some people find it helpful to make lists from most important to least important tasks.
Using a planner: Keep track of deadlines and appointments in a planner – this can be a physical or digital diary, planner or calendar, whichever works best for you.
Avoiding procrastination: Break tasks into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stop yourself from succumbing to procrastination.

5. Basic first aid

Look, it happens – no matter if you burn yourself on the stove trying to cook for the first time, or if your term paper gives you a nasty papercut, it’s best to have some basic first aid under your belt. Knowing how to handle minor injuries and emergencies is important for your wellbeing, and to keep you from freaking out if something does happen.

First aid kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home.
CPR and Heimlich Manoeuvre: Learn the life-saving techniques of CPR and Heimlich Manoeuvre, just in case.
Handling cuts and burns: Know the basics of treating common injuries like cuts and burns, so you can handle it calmly if it happens to you.

6. Communication skills

Having to go out into the big wide world, make new friends and talk to people you don’t know can be really scary, and we totally get that. Especially if you’re neurodivergent, it can be hard to know how to go about expressing yourself and communicating with others.

It’s ok if you don’t know how to communicate well yet – everyone’s gotta start somewhere, and we all had to learn how to communicate effectively at some point in our life. With practise and dedication, you’ll be an awesome communicator in no time. Here are some tips to get you started:

Active listening: This seriously makes all the difference. If you pay attention and respond thoughtfully, the person you’re talking to will appreciate the effort.
Clear speaking: Try to be clear and concise when you’re talking, but it’s ok to backtrack and say “let me try that again.” Trust us, no one will think anything of it.
Non-verbal communication: This is definitely way harder if you’re neurodivergent, but understanding body language and tone can really help carry a conversation. If it doesn’t come naturally to you, you can teach yourself – there are tons of videos and resources out there to help with this too.

7. Job search skills

Of course, getting a job is key to seizing your independence and being able to support yourself financially. That being said, landing your first job can be a challenge, but with the right skills, you can make a great impression and secure a position. Luckily for you, we’ve got a whole website dedicated to helping you become career ready and giving you skills for work. Here are a few to get you started:

Resume writing: Creating a professional and concise resume will go wonders toward nabbing you that golden job opportunity – check out our resume guide for more.
Interview preparation: Whether you’ve got to have your interview in-person or virtually, practicing common interview questions and answers beforehand can be a huge help.
Networking: We think networking is super important no matter how old you are, so focus on building connections with people in your desired field.

Want more?

Learning these essential life skills will not only help you navigate the adult world but also give you confidence as you embark on this new journey. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes and learn along the way. Each step you take brings you closer to becoming a capable and independent adult.

For more tips and advice on life after school, check out our other blog posts on our website here.

NCAT Young Women in Trade and Technology