1. Know what is worth spending money on.

This works on two levels. The first is really simple. Do you really need that new video game when you also need to be able to buy groceries and pay the heating bill?

A little deeper is the quality debate. It is important to know, especially for a young adult on a zero budget, what is okay to spend a little more money on. Some items, like plastic cups, can be bought at the dollar store and hold up for a fair while. Other items, like light bulbs, are better to spend a little more money on because the cheap ones don't last very long. (As I sit here writing this in the dark.) Things like cookware and a knife set are also good investments.

Also consider how much you will use it and how long you plan on having it. You probably don't plan on keeping those plastic cups when you get married, but A good cookware set will last you forever-my mom still has the pots and pans she had when she was in college. (And except for a little wear and tear, you'd think she'd only have them five years instead of... a lot longer. She's only had to replace one!)

2. Learn to Use the Word No.

Yes, It's important to help your friends and co-workers. Yes, you know the PTA is understaffed, and the soccer team needs an assistant Coach. Yes, there needs to be someone to bring in doughnuts on Wednesday.

But there is a point where you need to stop.

It's really, really easy to take on one too many tasks and find yourself overloaded. And it's also easy to feel like you're going to let people down if you don't do it, because you've always done it. But your physical and mental health is just as important as anyone else's. Don't be afraid to say "No, I can't cover your shift for you, I've had this weekend planned for a month!" (Had to say that myself recently.) Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry, but I can't take you out shopping this week." Because you're home sick. Don't use it as an excuse or a way to get out of work you SHOULD be doing, but use it to stop yourself from taking on more than you need.

3. Know Your Limits

This ties into #2 a bit. Know how much work you can do in a day, and strive to meet that, not exceed it. Okay, you can push yourself a bit, but don't try to write a 20 page thesis in one night. It's not healthy.

On a similar line of thought, know your limits outside work. How well do you tolerate others in a social setting? Do you reach a point where you want nothing more than to go home and curl up with a book? Don't push yourself into places where you obviously don't feel comfortable. Feel free to push the boundaries, but don't throw yourself into the deep end when you haven't learned to swim.

4. Don't be afraid to work.

A common misconception is that fast-food work, or grocery clerk work, or any other kind of minimum wage job is demeaning. You know what? It's not. It may feel like it, but will you feel demeaned when you're sitting in your nice warm apartment with hot food on the table and clean clothes? No.

Do NOT be afraid to work a minimum wage-job, or any job that may come up. I've met people who avoid such jobs at any cost, because "They don't like working in that area." And wanted to work a specific store or area. They were also the ones to come to me for a meal because they ran out of food money or cafeteria meals for the month. Those minimum-wage jobs can teach important skills, ones that can be applied in almost any area. Not the hamburger-flipping: The Teamwork and communication skills. Sure, it may not pay extremely well and not be very fun, but it's an important stepping stone to get to where you need to go. (And it keeps you from going further into debt while in college.)

5. Have a separate e-mail for personal and promotional

Yes, this one seems kind of stupid, but it can be a great help in the long run. Have a personal e-mail for friends and family, and a professional/promotional one that you give to employers and companies. Have a good address, one that reflects who you are and will still look professional for that boss you really want to impress. (It's also really handy for sorting out the junk mail.)

On a similar note, be aware that many companies these days will check out the social media pages of potential employees. If you're job-hunting, keep a clean profile. It could make a difference.

6. Try New Things.

This is a really great one for college students. It's the start of the rest of your life! Go ahead and try out for that theatre production! Sure, you'd love to try some sushi! Thinking about studying Abroad? Go for it! (Especially since going abroad will get a LOT harder once you're out of college and have to start paying back those student loans.) Even later in life, be open to new ideas and activities. Swing dancing? Well, it can't hurt! (Unless you're 70...)

7. Make Your Bed.

Not only does it make your room feel a little bit neater, but nothing beats coming home at the end of a long day and seeing that freshly made bed with your favorite toy, just waiting for you to fall on it with your shoes still on. It's that little accomplishment that, when done at the start of the day, can lead to a much better rest of the day.