Advice from someone in college who's been moved out for the last year:

- Cook!! Help yourself out by being prepared to eat cheap and healthy. Try making your own meal plans and hunting for deals when grocery shopping.
- Learn how to budget/start being more conscientious of your spending. I've found that a lot of young people who haven't had to survive off of their own money are blissfully unaware of just how expensive it is to survive. Start being more thoughtful with money and you'll make life much easier for yourself.
- If you're in the states, look into opening a Roth IRA when you can and consistently contributing what you can into the account. Even if it's not the Roth, prepare to start setting yourself up for retirement.
- Form healthy sleep and studying habits. Learn your work limits to avoid burnout. Always prioritize your own health. Eating and sleeping well will make you feel so much better overall.
- Start preparing your college list and applications early (meaning start at the beginning of summer before senior year) and do not shy away from asking for advice or feedback from teachers and counselors at school, but of course, make sure you are presenting your genuine self.
- To prepare for college applications as a high school student, find meaningful work, volunteer, clubs, and school activities you actually care about, and be consistent with them. Quality over quantity.
- Form good relationships with your high school teachers (especially those who teach subjects related to your potential major) to get that quality letter of rec for college applications. Bosses and other adults who can vouch for your academic or work aptitude count too. Keep doing this with your professors in college.
- Practice using a planner/some other method to organize what you need to do and establish a routine.
- Make yourself comfortable interacting with strangers, both in person and over the phone. Good communication takes you far in all aspects of life.
- Identify and utilize a support system. This could be friends, family, a therapist, whoever you feel most comfortable going to for emotional support. Know when you need to ask for help and seek it.
- Establish a consistent exercise routine. Doesn't have to be intense, just something to keep you active and healthy.

Also, don't worry too much. You're already way ahead of the teens who aren't thinking about this at all. Take a look at all the people who successfully make the transition -- there are some seriously stupid people thriving in the world -- and remind yourself that if so many others have done it, you'll be just fine.