My Adult checklist

So as of this year I'm officially a 20-something, but I in no way feel like an adult. Actually, quite the opposite- I have a tonne of things that I still need to get done. So, here's my checklist of things you need to have sorted to be an adult, Some of them are fun, some of them are serious, but all of them are important!

1// Get your Driver's Licence

Learning to drive is just useful to have out of the way. Plus, driving gives you more freedom. If you don't get it done now, you might even miss out on job opportunities- there's a few I've seen that a car is a requirement. Also... having a driver's licence as your ID is waaay cooler than dragging your passport with you on a night out. (Did you know that your student card doesn't count as ID in the UK?) You can get some really good deals on driving lessons when you're a student, so this is something I'll be chasing up when I get back home.

2// Build up your CV

Ideally, your CV should be up to date and ready to go at all times: make sure you have all the good stuff like work experience, volunteering, and maybe an internship on there. Writing a CV from scratch is honestly a pain, and not something you want to rush- applying for jobs is competitive so you wanna give yourself the best chance, right?

3// Sort out your finances

Ugh, this one's big and scary for sure. But. finance is something you really want to be in control of from the start. Try and start saving as soon as you can! Also start thinking about your pension- the sooner you start one the better, and lots of companies have schemes where they'll match your contribution. Another thing is to get a credit card and start building up your credit rating (but use it carefully). If you're looking for a place to get started with finance, try Personal Capital's free Net Worth Calculator.

4// Learn how to take good care of yourself

Because when you're a real adult, no one's going to do your washing for you. Make things like paying bills, getting enough sleep and exercise a habit, and learn how to cook healthily and cheaply. Don't neglect mental health either! Self care is so important. Make sure you're catching up with friends, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

5// Get your own place (and your own pet) 

If you have a puppy, you've made it tbh. Also, in case you were wondering, my personal dream is to have a Pomeranian named Vlad.

6// Study abroad/ travel

Of course I'm biased on this one, as I'm in Japan studying abroad right now... but seriously studying abroad is such a cool experience! Lots of unis will offer a year out as an optional part of your degree, and there are scholarships (and things like ERASMUS if you're studying in Europe) that can help with the cost. Another option is to work abroad for a bit! Japan has things like the JET programme and the Working Holiday scheme, and I'm sure other countries have similar programmes. Apart from being an amazing experience anyway, studying abroad might give you an edge in today's competitive job market. But mostly it's just awesome.

7// Road trip

Now this is another reason for wanting a driver's licence! My dream road trip has got to be either California or Tohoku in Japan, but honestly a drive to the beach with my friends in good ol' Blighty wouldn't be so bad either.  

8// Dye your hair a crazy colour at least once

It's nearly summer, and some hair dyes like Bleach London's Rosé only last a couple of days... Live while you're young, right?

9// Make sure you've always got exciting plans to look forward to!

Be it a gig, catching up with your friends, or netflix and chill with your significant other, make sure you use your free time for something that makes you feel good! Try and make some big exciting plans too!  Go make some memories and do ALL THE THINGS. Try and do your 'bucket list' things: start a band or a blog, and book that plane ticket <3

So that was my adult checklist, thanks for reading! Is there anything I missed? What are your 'bucket list' items? I'd love to know!
-Amy xoxo