Welcome to the exciting, sometimes overwhelming, world of independent living! "Adulting" might sound like a huge leap, but it’s really just a series of small steps. In this course, you’ll discover practical advice with a friendly hand to help you navigate everything from managing your money to keeping your space (and your mind) in tip-top shape.

Unit 1
Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
Your well-being is the foundation of a fulfilling independent life. The assignments in this unit are as follows:

Prioritize Self-Care (30 points)

Establish a Routine … and Stick to It (20 points)

Stay Connected (20 points)

Recognize Warning Signs (10 points)
Be alert for persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite or overwhelming anxiety.

Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help (20 points)
Therapists, counselors and support groups can provide tools and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression and other challenges.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support, education and advocacy
• The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ young people
• Local community health centers often offer affordable (or even no-cost) services.

Unit 2
Fueling Your Body
Your physical health directly impacts your energy levels, mood and ability to tackle daily tasks. Complete the following assignments to succeed in this unit.

Eat Smart (20 points)

Move Your Body (20 points)

Prioritize Sleep (20 points)

Stay Hydrated (20 points)

Get Regular Check-ups — Doctor, Dentist, Specialist (20 points)

Unit 3
Sharing Your Space (and Your Sanity)
Living with others can be a fantastic experience, but it requires patience, communication and mutual respect. Complete the required tasks below to pass this unit, and try the extra credit for bonus points (and fewer awkward roommate fights).

Required
Communicate Openly and Respectfully. If an issue arises, address it calmly and directly. Don’t let resentments fester. Use “I” statements (“I feel frustrated when … “) rather than accusatory “You” statements.

Share Responsibilities. If someone else is handling a bill, make sure you pay your share on time.

Respect Boundaries. Everyone needs their personal space and quiet time. Be mindful of your roommate’s schedule and needs.

Extra Credit
Set Expectations Early. Before moving in, discuss everything: rent, utilities, chores, guest policies, noise levels and pet rules. Write it down if it helps!

Divide Chores Fairly. Create a chore wheel or schedule to ensure everyone contributes equally to keeping the common areas clean.

Unit 4
Keeping House
Maintaining a clean and organized living space contributes to a sense of calm and control.
Note: These assignments are evenly weighted.

Daily Tidying

• Make your bed
  Wipe the counters
  Do the dishes or load the dishwasher
  Don’t put it down; put it away

Weekly Chores

• Vacuum
  Clean bathrooms
  Clean kitchen
  Take out the trash
  Do laundry

Weekly Chores

• All-purpose cleaning spray
• Dish soap
• Sponges and wash rags
• Trash bags
• Toilet plunger
• Basic tools: screwdriver, hammer, tape measure

Unit 5
Budgeting and Financial Management
Taking control of your finances is one of the most empowering aspects of adulting. This unit’s assignments include:

Create a Budget (50 points)

Distinguish Needs vs. Wants (10 points)

Build an Emergency Fund (10 points)

Pay Bills on Time (30 points)
Set up automatic payments wherever possible.

• NerdWallet has budgeting tools, credit score explanations and financial advice.
• Investopedia provides comprehensive financial education.
• Your bank may also offer free budgeting tools and financial counseling.

Final Exam
To demonstrate your expertise in adulting, you’ll be asked to complete the following tasks:
Learn a few basic recipes, or prep a full week’s meals. Instagram is full of ideas for saving money while eating healthier.

Learn how to fix simple things around your home, research solutions to problems and use online tutorials.

Note: Use of AI tools to help with recipes or home repair will result in automatic failure of the course. Using AI is unreliable and potentially even dangerous for such tasks.

Stay organized: Use planners, calendars, or apps to organize your tasks and appointments.

Embrace imperfection: Learn from your mistakes. Take the “L” and move on.

Celebrate your wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.