The Best Advice for 21-Year-Olds on Getting Your Sh*t Together (2024)

You are FINALLY a 21-year-old human. You can go to the liquor store! You can get ID’d at the bar—and they won’t turn you away! Whether you’re searching for post-grad internships or just getting drunk on espresso martinis, it’s a milestone worth celebrating.

When you’re 21, lots of other life events are ramping up too: Graduating from college, securing jobs and internships, and moving to a new city could all be on the horizon. TBH, it’s definitely a super-exciting and slightly terrifying time. It can feel like your life is escalating at rapid speed.

Navigating all of the things is hard. So we asked readers to weigh in with the advice they’d give their 21-year-old selves. You may have to buy clothes outside of the “clurb” and “class” categories and avoid staying out past 2 a.m. (sad face), but you’re going to crush the rest of your 20s with these tips and a Lot. Of. Coffee.

The Advice

1. “It’s not all downhill after you turn 21. Your best years are yet to come!” —Sarah
2. “Find a type of workout that you actually like and is fun for you.” —Maggie
3. “Go on that Tinder/Bumble date. You might not find your soul mate, but you’ll never regret putting yourself out there.” —Laurel
4. “Not every decision is a make or break. It can feel like every time you have to choose something, it’s a huge moment that you could never take back. But that’s not true. Give yourself a break. Everything works out in the end.” —Abbey
5. “You don’t need to be anxious that people are focusing on you, because odds are they’re not. Just be yourself.” —Claire
6. “Never be the smartest person in the room! Seek out opportunities that stretch you, not just ones you know you’ll be comfortable in.” —Mackenzie
7. “Don’t forget to moisturize your neck. You may not realize the importance of it now, but you’ll be so happy you did.” —Hannah
   
   
8. “There is never any reason to take a shot at 2 a.m.” —Ronnie
9. “Success isn’t linear. The detours, the false starts, the roads that lead to absolutely nowhere are some of the most important moves you’ll make. I’ve learned so much more from what hasn’t worked out the way I hoped than from what has.” —Lindsay
10. “You don’t need to post every single thing on social media. Live in the moment!” —Katherine
11. “Stop comparing yourself and your life trajectory to others. They’re probably lying or only showing the good parts anyway.” —Estee
12. “The loser you dated in high school does NOT define you. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can move on.” —Chloe
13. “Make connections with college faculty members. Not only will they be useful for references down the line, but they’re great advisers for anything from school-related questions to things happening in your life.” —Laila
    
14. “If you start a job and realize it’s not what you thought or you just don’t love it, don’t be afraid to pivot. You still have so much time to figure it out. Now is the time to try everything that interests you.” —Chelsea
15. “Wear the damn outfit! You look good as hell and no one will remember it anyway.” —Emily
16. “Just enjoy this time because it’s time that you’re never going to get back.” —Pady
17. “Chill on the daily to-do list. Your worth is not defined by how productive you are in a day.” —Ellen
    
18. “Be nicer to your parents! They’re only looking out for you.” —Rachel
19. “If things take a second to fall into place or speed up right now, that is fine—actually, it’s amazing. Take walks in the middle of the day. Get a weird part-time job while you’re looking for something steadier. Enjoy this unstructured time.” —Ellie
20. “Don’t be so hard on yourself in college and in your first job. You’ll put a lot of pressure on yourself later in life. Now is the time to simply enjoy.” —Anastasia
21. “Always go out when you have the opportunity. If you’re really not feeling it, don’t force yourself, but you’ll regret not having done SOMETHING when you find yourself bored on the couch at 10 p.m.” —Brooke
22. “Don’t stress out so much about the future! What’s meant to be will be, no matter how much planning you do.” —Briana
23. “Take all the vodka and tequila shots now. Soon, your body will not be able to handle it.” —Paige
24. “No matter what you do, there will always be someone who is going to have some sh*t to say. So just do what makes YOU happy.” —Henry
25. “Realize your worth and surround yourself with people who encourage and support that. It’s not worth hanging out with people who don’t add value to your life.” —Bria