18 Things to Do Before You Turn 18

You might have heard a lot about the things to do at 18. But how about the things to do before you turn 18? I believe it should be a thing as well.

So, follow me as I take you through some of the things you should definitely consider doing before turning 18.

Important Things to Do Before You Turn 18

1. Learn How to Drive

Getting your driver’s license before you hit 18 gives you a sense of freedom, independence and a taste of responsibility.

However, ensure that you drive safely.

2. Cook from Top to Bottom, Unassisted

Try to make a dish all by yourself; you might just discover your culinary skill.

Even if you didn’t do well the first time, keep trying; practice makes perfect.

And just in case you need an incentive to learn how to cook, how about saving a lot more.

Most people who know how to cook save a lot from what they would have, otherwise, spent buying take-outs. And not to mention, a home-cooked meal is usually healthier.

3. Apply to Colleges/Universities

Have a list of the schools that offer courses in your field of interest or that aligns with your passion. Having them ready would make the application process much easier. And then, start applying.

18 is like the start to your adulthood, so if going to college/university is important to what you want to do in life, you should do what you can to achieve it as early as possible; before 18

4. Determine Your Friends

You probably have a lot of friends from high school but are all of them aligned to your newfound goals as you head to adulthood?

It doesn’t mean they are bad people but do you share common values? If not, it might be time to let go. Determine the right friends and be a good friend to them as well.

5. Apply for a Job

It doesn’t have to be a full-time thing especially if you are doing other things like going to school.

So, it can be weekend jobs or part-time jobs like babysitting, waitressing, lawn mowing, house cleaning and so on.

It gives you a sense of independence, affords you the experience and of course, the extra money always comes in handy.

6. Travel Out of Your State

Explore your country, take a road trip, find other places, meet other people, experience diverse cultures.

There’s a thrill that comes with experiencing life outside of your home state.

Bucket-list Things to Do Before You Turn 18

7. Do Something that Scares You

We all have fears but we cannot afford to let our fears rule us; we have to rise above them.

The comfort zone is always safe but it is not the best place to be; not if we want to grow. Most people had to grow up after learning the hard way.

You don’t want that to be your story; so one way to practice going outside your comfort zone is to start doing things that scare you but are great.

It could even be something like going on a scary ride at the amusement park. When you come down and see there was nothing to fear, it could spur you to write that book that you should write but are scared to start.

I’m simply use writing as an example; I’m sure you see what I’m getting at though. Whatever your thing is but you are scared to do, start from somewhere.

8. Host a Party

Pick a theme, send out the invitations to your friends and have a fun get together.

However, if you are into big parties or looking for an excuse to party, you can go all out.

Tell your friends to come with their friends, ensure there’s a lot to munch on and drink and of course, music!

I mean, once you all get busy being adults, you might not have the time to throw a big party again.

So, why not enjoy it while it lasts?

9. Re-decorate Your Room

It is time to do away with those cheesy decorations and wallpapers in your bedroom and replace them with more appealing ones.

You can also repaint; explore with colours.

10. Volunteer

Commit to a good cause.

Be a source of happiness to others, it will give you a sense of fulfilment and there is so much to learn from it.

11. Prioritize Yourself

Learn how to watch out for yourself and do things that only involves you.

Give yourself a treat, go see a movie, go shopping, indulge in that junk food (minimally), go kayaking or do karaoke.

Whatever – legal thing – will make you happy and feel good, ensure you do them.

12. Start Saving

Adulthood is fun but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, especially financial ones.

Therefore, you want to ensure that you have an emergency stash and this can only be done when you cultivate a savings culture.

Learn how to put away a little from the money gotten from your part-time jobs or from your pocket money; they definitely come in handy in dire situations.

And you can take out of your savings to invest.

Childish Things to Do Before You Turn 18

13. Build a Tree House

It may not be there anymore when you come back from college or may have been replaced by an upgraded version by your younger siblings but who cares? Right?

A treehouse is one of the fun and childish things to do before you turn 18, so don’t miss out on all the fun.

Besides, it is a perfect hideaway for you and your siblings and/or friends to play as much as you want to.

14. Late-Night Swimming

This is even more fun if you do it with friends in a neighbour’s swimming pool or the local centre’s swimming pool.

If you can find your way in at night and not be caught, that’s something you should consider trying.

The quietness of the night and the fear of being caught at night swimming is part of the thrill of late-night swimming.

15. Sneak out of the House

It is exhilarating, fun and thrilling and a must-do before turning 18.

Leaving the house while your parents are asleep and returning before they wake up is totally a childish thing to do but also really fun.

However, make sure to keep it safe, so it doesn’t become a thing of regret.

16. Explore your Neighbourhood

There’s no one who knows a neighbourhood better than children – even though teenagers would argue they are not children.

However, the point is at that age, most know every nook, cranny and shortcut that can come in handy when you need to be alone with your thoughts.

So, don’t miss out on the fun, step out of your house, take a stroll around your neighbourhood and learn the layout while you still can.

And as I mentioned earlier, it might come in handy in the future when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

17. Ditch a Class

A high school experience is probably incomplete without ditching a class and playing hooky for at least, a day.

Ditching class comes with a certain thrill and works better in high school so don’t miss out on the fun.

However, don’t make it a habit; just do it for fun, experience and culture.

18. Wear an Embarrassing Outfit on Purpose

I know, I know; there is probably no group of people who take themselves more seriously than teenagers.

And to be fair, peer pressure will make anybody shy away from doing anything embarrassing. However, if you can get away with it, this is something you should try once in your life.

You don’t have to wear it to school; you and your friends can organise a themed party where you dress like clowns or you could wear an embarrassing outfit to a park with friends.

It’s always better with friends, especially if it’s too much to handle alone.

Well, there you have it; 18 things to do before you turn 18! What else would you suggest? Let me know in the comment section.

You can also enjoy reading: 20 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU TURN 20 and 30 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU TURN 30