So you’re out in the big wide world all on your own for the first time–so exciting! But…do you have the basic homemaking skills that you need to not just survive but thrive at college? In this post, I’m going to list some basic things everyone should know how to do so that they can be safe, healthy, and avoid awkward or embarrassing mistakes!
Use a microwave
Many residence halls allow students to have a microwave in their own room or in a shared suite. My undergrad had a microwave in the union where people normally congregate to eat for lunch and it was amazing because I brought my lunch from home nearly every day. While using a microwave is something that may seem like a simple task, I have literally seen a student START A FIRE in a microwave because they didn’t understand the number one (in my opinion) rule:
- Do not put metal in the microwave! This will literally cause a fire and can be a very serious hazard. This includes aluminum foil and items that are wrapped in a paper/foil wrapper like a fast food burger.
- Use microwave safe containers. Some containers aren’t good for heating up and can melt and injure you like Styrofoam. Use glass and plastic containers that say “microwave safe” on them.
- Cover the food. Sometimes reactions happen and foods explode in the microwave. Don’t be the guy who doesn’t cover their food or worse the jerk who doesn’t clean up after himself.
Wash your laundry
Laundry appliances can vary from country to country. There’s nothing wrong with not knowing how to use the machine. But you should at least know the basics to getting your clothes clean.
- Learn how to use laundry detergent. Try both liquid and powder if you can. With the little packs that you toss into the wash, it’s easier than ever.
- Know how to separate colors. Don’t let your favorite red socks to stain your favorite white shirt right before an on-campus job interview.
- Learn how to dry clothes. If you don’t want static, you will probably need to buy dryer sheets or save money and live sustainably by buying a set of wool dryer balls. One set will last you all year!
- Set a timer. If you’re going to leave your laundry in the dryer and leave for a long time, it’s probably going to get moved and possibly pieces will go missing. Set a timer on your phone and put up a post-it note saying the time you plan to be back.
Basic cleaning
There was nothing more revolting than going to a friend’s on-campus apartment and using their bathroom only to discover they had not cleaned the toilet in what looked like 100 years. I’m serious: basic cleaning will go a long way when it comes to your mood and how others see you.
- Buy cleaning and disinfectant supplies. Split the total with your roommates or have each person be assigned to refilling a supply when low.
- Create a schedule. Even if that schedule is not terribly regular, set time aside such as at the beginning of the term you clean the bathroom so you have a fresh start to the semester.
- Organize items. Nobody wants to come over to hang out with you if your room/house looks like it belongs on an episode of Hoarders. Have a clean space for guests (and yourself) to sit.
How to plunge a toilet
Speaking of toilets…everyone “goes” and sometimes the old toilets in a dorm just don’t want what you have to offer. It will save you a ton of embarrassment, effort, and money (and potentially getting kicked out of your housing assignment, true story!) if you know how to do this gross but necessary skill.
- Buy the correct kind of plunger. Did you know there is a correct kind? I only found out last year!
- Learn how to use it before you need it. Watch a Youtube video.
- For the love of god, please do not put ANYTHING down drains that is not toilet paper or human waste.
These are things that, like many college aged students, you might not have ever had to do before! Someone else always took care of making your meals, cleaning, and fixing things. The cool thing about being an adult is getting to do whatever you want–but with great power comes great responsibility. You also have to do the things you don’t want to do because they are good for you.
The final tip I’ll give is this: please don’t feel bad about asking for help. You’re an international student and you are constantly having to learn all sorts of new things. It can be difficult and you might feel silly for asking how to do something that seems easy or basic. But I promise, if you took any of your American peers and put them in your home country, they’d have a bunch of questions about how to do “basic” things too! If nothing else, ask your international advisors what their advice is. If you’re lucky enough to have a good roommate, friend, or host family, ask them if you can learn from them. It will help you and can create a fun bonding experience.
Do you have a funny story about a time something went wrong while adulting for the first time in college? Is there another homemaking skill you think should be featured? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for stopping by,
Sara