It’s official, you are 18 years old. I bet that you have been waiting for this moment for a long time. There have been many things that you can do now that were previously out of reach.
As you celebrate your 18th birthday, it is important to remember that this is not just any other achievement. It is the culmination of a long-cherished dream. You can now do all the things that you were hoping for as a child.
It feels like a new world has opened up for you. However, it is still a bit frightening and exciting because it is a grown-up world.
All the things you can do when you’re 18
The time has come for you to finally put all of the things that you were afraid of behind you. Being 18 years old can be liberating.
Nevertheless, you gain a multitude of responsibilities as a result of your newfound freedom. While this freedom undeniably comes with a heavy burden of making the right decisions, it also heightens the significance of your youthfulness.
Mistakes are no longer hidden away as they can be easily overlooked. The decisions that you make now will have a huge impact on your life.
It can be very challenging to get used to the changes that come with being 18 years old. You need to find a balance between being responsible and having freedom.
You have many things to do when you reach the age of 18. Although you may have already thought about many of these, there are still many that you haven’t considered.
There are so many things that you can do when you are 18 that it can be hard to keep track of all of them. So, it is important that you prepare for all of the exciting and scary things that will happen when you reach this age.
Things you can do when you’re 18
The age of 18 can be a fun one, especially if you are still in high school or college. With the help of an adult, you can perform daring and exciting activities that you have never been able to do before.
Before you start enjoying the freedom that comes with being 18, it is important that you take the time to learn about the various things that are available to you now as an adult.
1. Ditch your curfew and drive all night
Getting your adult driver’s license allows you to drive all night long, without worrying that you might get in trouble.
However, even though you can drive away and feel free, you still have to keep in mind that you can still get yourself in trouble.
If you are planning on taking a road trip, make sure that you keep in touch with your parents. Also, avoid texting and driving. Having fun doesn’t have to involve going wild.
2. Get a tattoo or a piercing
If your parents do not want you to get a tattoo, then don’t worry. As an adult, you are free to make your own decisions regarding your body.
As long as you follow their rules, living with your parents can be a fun and relaxing experience. Although they may not be able to tell you to remove your tattoo, they can still force you to pay rent or get kicked out.
Although you can get a tattoo or a piercing, it is important to think about what you would want in the future. As teenagers, permanence is not a prevalent idea. So, before you decide to get a piercing or tattoo, make sure that you are really thinking about it.
3. Donate blood or an organ
At 18, you can become an adult responsible enough to help the community. You can already donate blood, which means that each time you give blood, you can help three lives. You can also become an Organ Donor.
Being an organ or blood donor can be an amazing thing that you can do for the people in need. It can make you feel good about what you have done and help multiple individuals.
4. Get into extreme sports
As you get older, you can enjoy various activities, such as skydiving and bungee jumping, that you would never be able to do as a teenager. Having the necessary parent’s signature is no longer an issue.
If you are a fan of Six Flags’ Kingda Ka, then wait until you experience skydiving. You may discover that this is something you enjoy, though you must do some research first. Doing so requires the signature of an adult.
5. Buy fireworks
In a state that allows adults to buy fireworks, you no longer have to ask your parents or older siblings to purchase the explosive devices for you. You can go to the store and purchase the fireworks that you want.
You should be careful with fireworks. They should be set off in an open field and must be allowed by the municipality.
6. Buy spray paint
In case you are planning on pursuing a career in graffiti, or if you merely need a basic spray paint kit for an at-home project, you may now acquire the supplies at any store without having to rely on an adult chaperone.
This may not seem like a big deal, but you might not have thought about it before now.
7. Buy cigarettes or tobacco
In some states, the sale of tobacco and cigarettes was previously illegal. But, due to certain factors, the age to purchase these products has been raised to 21 in many places.
At 18, you may still make poor decisions. We’re sure that you’re aware that smoking can cause various health conditions, such as lung and heart diseases. It can also lead to an unpleasant cough and other early signs of aging.
Even though you may be able to buy cigarettes, you shouldn’t.
8. Sue someone
One of the biggest advantages of being 18 is that you now have the right to file a lawsuit against someone else. Before, you only had the option to sue with the help of an adult, such as your parent or guardian.
You can now go to court and sign all the necessary documents. Unfortunately, you’re also allowed to get sued. This means that you can spend a lot of time outside the courthouse watching TV instead of participating in a lawsuit.
9. Go to adult jail
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to being 18 is the responsibility you have to take ownership of your own actions. If you get in trouble, you’ll be tried as a grown-up and given the proper legal protections.
As an adult, you have to prioritize your safety and obligations, such as paying your bills and driving sober. While the law enforcers will no longer be bringing you home after a night of drinking, you will still be slumbering in your intoxicated state.
10. Be on a jury
You now have the opportunity to be a juror. You must be 18 years old and show up at a certain time and place to serve as an impartial member of the court.
This is a fast-but-important opportunity to make a big decision regarding a person’s life. Although you may feel that it’s exciting or enlightening, the experience is a big deal nonetheless.
11. Enlist or be drafted
If you’re 18 years old, you can now join the military. Although you can’t drink alcohol, you can still enlist in the Army. This is a huge commitment.
Although the signing bonus may seem appealing, it’s important to consider the implications of enlisting in the military. Whether it’s the Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Army, it’s an honor and a big risk.
12. Be a stripper or go to a strip club
As an adult, you have the right to make your own decisions regarding what you want to do with your life. That means that you can still make money doing whatever it is that you want to do.
If you’re a more reserved person, then you can now enjoy going to a strip club.
13. Try your luck at the lottery
The age of 18 provides you with many opportunities to earn money. One of these is playing the lottery. You can purchase a ticket every day and use it for games or give scratch-offs as presents.
Although you can’t gamble at the casino, you can still try your luck at the lottery. Although it may not be as exciting as playing in Vegas, winning a $20 scratch-off is something that’s exciting right now.
14. Work more hours
The age of 18 provides individuals with many opportunities. It also allows them to have more fun, though it comes with fewer limitations on how much they can work.
Working beyond the hours that you’re allowed to under humanitarian restrictions is also a great way to boost your earnings. It provides you with more money in your pocket and enables you to purchase essential items.
15. Break the bank
First, open a bank account. Once you’re an adult, you can deposit all of your accumulated overtime earnings into your own bank account. If you haven’t used any of it on luxuries such as traveling, tattoos, strip clubs, or the lottery, then you should have one.
Although you may earn as much as you desire as an adult, it’s crucial to consider how you’ll use the money.
16. Write a check
One of the most boring activities that you can do as an adult is to write a check. It’s not something that will make you feel like a grownup, and it’s not something that will allow you to make a lot of money.
As digital technology has advanced, this mundane yet fulfilling activity is still a viable option.
17. Get a credit card
You may have to decide whether you like it or not, as you can now have your own credit card, though it may be a problem depending on your spending habits. Although you can get a credit card to invest in a laptop, you can also do it without thinking about your future.
You can start building a good credit history by carrying out transactions using your card. You can use it for gas and groceries and pay it off every month.
By becoming an adult and possessing access to such funds, you may become prone to accumulating debt, which can severely affect your financial future.
18. Buy a car
As you are now 18, you can acquire a car without asking somebody else to co-sign for it. No longer do you have to rely on others to finance the vehicle. Owning a car is more exciting than renting one.
19. Find your independence
As you turn 18 years old, you can finally purchase a home, which will allow you to feel more independent.
If you’re still living with your parents, then it’s likely that you’ll be staying there for a while. But if you’re ready to move on and purchase a home, then the market is your oyster.
20. Adopt a child
You can now legally adopt a child if you’re 18 years old and feel like you’re grown up enough. Unfortunately, most agencies won’t allow 18-year-olds to have parental rights. But, it’s not impossible.You can start developing a resume by working with foster kids.
21. Pawn something
If you’re having a hard time managing your finances due to all the grownup fun that you’ve been having, then you might want to consider pawning something to get some money. Make smart decisions.
Although you can pawn old coins from your childhood, doing so is considered an uncool act and could lead to a fine.
Performing pawning isn’t the best way to earn money. Instead, try looking for quotes from different sources and never accepting the first offer.
22. Change your name
If you’re embarrassed by your name, or you’re getting teased about it, then it’s time to change it. Deciding to have a name that sounds like a joke may be amusing, but taking your mom’s maiden name is a better option.
23. Vote
One of the most important rights that you’re now able to enjoy is your ability to vote. Since you’re old enough, you can now make your own decisions regarding who should be elected to office.
The results of the election will affect your life, so make sure that you thoroughly research all of the candidates. Who can offer you the best vision for the future?
24. Get married
You’re now 18 years old, which means that you can officially get married. If you’re planning on getting married to your high school crush, then go for it.
A lot of people who get married at the age of 18 are satisfied 40 years later. But, this is not the case for everyone. If you’re planning to get married before your 21st birthday, then it’s important that you think about it seriously.
25. Buy porn
Aside from being able to watch erotic movies, you can now buy and subscribe to adult-rated content. In an adult shop, you can buy various sex toys and other adult-related materials without asking questions.
26. Drink outside the US
Although the drinking age in the US is 21, in other countries such as Italy, the drinking age is 18. This is not a reason to travel, but it can help you determine your drinking limit before heading back to the states.
27. Use a meat slicer
Although this is a very specific and random rule, you can still run a deli if you’ve always wanted to. Until you’re older, you can’t use a meat-slicing machine behind the counter. With that in mind, you can now make cheese and meats your own desires.
28. Get vaccinated
Consenting to your vaccinations is one of the best things that you can do as an adult. You can protect yourself and other people by getting vaccinated for various diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19.
29. Consent to sex with another adult
Satisfying an adult is legal as long as you are 18 years old. In most states, individuals under 18 are not allowed to give consent.
As you approach the age of 18, your decision-making abilities are regarded as mature and sufficient to enter into adult relationships.
30. Book a hotel
Until now, you were not allowed to book a room using your name. However, as you turn 18 years old, you can now enjoy a variety of activities, such as prom, a relaxing weekend getaway, or even your own room.
At the age of 18, there are so many things that you can do that you’ll have no choice but to take advantage of them.