College Life
15 Exciting Things You Can Do at 21: Experience and Enjoy Things at This Milestone Age
Discover 15 things you can legally do at these 21 ages. From new freedoms to unforgettable experiences and exploration. Make your most of life at 21!
21 years old. The age of true adulthood and responsibility. By the time you turn 21, you are completely free from all restrictions that plague you as a minor and are considered a full-fledged adult.
With all your restrictions lifted, you receive many new freedoms but also new responsibilities, and it can be a lot to navigate.
I’m nearly 22, so I’ve spent a year experiencing and navigating my new freedoms and responsibilities with fresh eyes.
I’ve made this list to recount what I learned and give you some tips that will help you manage this new stage of your life.
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In This Post:
• Is 21 Officially an Adult?
• Embracing Legal Milestones
• Expanding Your Horizons
• Financial and Legal Freedoms
• Personal Growth and Adventures
• Final Thoughts
Is 21 Officially an Adult?
In America, you legally become an adult at 18, but in a lot of ways, it doesn’t really feel like it.
18 years old is the age of majority in the United States and many other countries, which allows you to do things like vote or enlist in the military, however, there are many other laws that are not tied to 18, leaving you not feeling as free as you might’ve expected.
By reaching 21, you are seen by the federal government as a true adult and are free from all of those restrictions.
Even though I wasn’t legally at 18, I still felt like a child for the most part, but at 21, I felt much more like an adult.
Embracing Legal Milestones
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert Kusk• Enjoy Alcohol Legally (Where Permitted)
Alcohol is probably the most well-known freedom you gain at 21. The drinking age can vary throughout the world, however, in the United States it was set to 21 in 1933 after the repeal of Prohibition to match the voting age at the time.
Alcoholic drinks can be very delicious however, it is important to be mindful of the risks of overconsumption.
When I started drinking, I limited myself to only one drink on weekends as I tried different drinks. It’s best to keep your consumption low as you get used to drinking.
• Gamble at Casinos
Casinos are a very fun and exciting place to be.
Places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City are staples of adult life in pop culture, and it can be very exciting to finally be able to play the slots and the card games in that environment. Similarly to how we warn about alcohol, it’s important to understand the risks involved with gambling.
Casinos make money when you lose, and the cards are typically not in your favor. My favorite strategy for the casino is to set a budget before going and only bring that money with you.
If you have a specific budget, you can casually play and have fun without having to worry about spending too much.
• Enter Bars and Nightclubs
Bars and nightclubs are other locations that you unlock access to when you turn 21, and these are locations primarily for socializing.
These are places to meet new people or meet up with friends to have a casual, fun night.
For your first time going, I recommend bringing a friend. Having someone you know watching your back in this new environment will help you get accustomed to it and have fun comfortably.
• Buy and Consume Cannabis (Where Legal)
Cannabis is a more recent addition to this list, but not one that will fly everywhere in the United States.
There are different levels of legality to both using and possessing the drug depending on your state, as well as whether it’s legal for recreational use or only medicinal use.
If you are interested in using cannabis, it’s important to check your home state’s laws about its use and how you can use it.
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert KuskRelated: 30 Best Dorm Room Ideas You Will Absolutely Need in College
Expanding Your Horizons
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Photo by Robert Kusk• Travel Internationally Without Parental Consent
One of the greatest freedoms you can have is the ability to travel alone. Once you are 21, you can travel to different countries without the need of a parent to sign off on it.
Being well-traveled is one of the best ways to be a well-rounded person.
Traveling to different places around the world and experiencing other cultures can be incredibly informative and fun, especially with friends.
Me and my friends are planning several trips for once we are all finished with school, and in my opinion around this age is the perfect time to do it.
• Rent a Car in Some Locations
A very convenient perk of being 21 is being able to rent a car. Whether you can’t afford to buy a car or are in a spot where you couldn’t bring your own, it’s very nice to have the option to rent something to drive temporarily.
So what’s the unfortunate catch? A lot of rental companies have a fee for people under 25, likely due to a fear of lack of experience.
There are some ways to get around this annoyance.
The main way is to find companies that either don’t have a fee or shop around to find who has the lowest fee.
• Apply for Credit Cards Without Co-Signers
In terms of financial restrictions, one of your biggest restrictions before 21 has to do with credit cards.
You are able to get a credit card before 21, but you are required to have someone else cosign with you.
After you turn 21, you no longer need a cosigner to sign for your card. You can sign up for a credit card all by yourself.
Credit cards are extremely useful financial tools, as long as they are used correctly.
Keep your purchases under your limit and pay your balance every month, and you’ll be able to build your credit.
• Adopt a Pet
If you ever grew up with a pet like I have, you’ll already know what this one is like. Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility, but it is one of the most rewarding responsibilities you can have.
Especially once you move out and are living alone, I like having one because they help keep me company and make me feel less lonely around the house.
Like I said, though, keeping a pet is a lot of responsibility, and different pets require different maintenance.
It’s very important to understand what different pets need before committing to adopting one.
Photo by Robert Kusk
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Financial and Legal Freedoms
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Photo by Pexels• Signing legal Documents Independently
A big responsibility you have to deal with after turning 21 is the ability to sign major legal documents.
This can include things like contracts and leases.
This grants you with a lot of power to do many things and make many important decisions but like with most things on this list you also have to be careful with what you put your signature on.
• Start a Business
Part of being an adult is that you now have the chance to become an entrepreneur and start your own business.
While not a path everyone will want to take, starting your own business can be incredibly fulfilling and lucrative.
If you have an idea for a product or service, you should do research and see if there is a market for it.
If there is, write up a business plan. There’s no reason why you can’t be successful with your own business, and with enough passion and determination, you can become a business owner.
• Serve on a Jury
Serving on a jury is always something I found intimidating, but it is very important.
A jury is part of the legal process that helps keep trials fair by bringing in unbiased eyes and allowing them to see both sides.
The government sends you a summons when they want you to attend, and it outlines when and where you have to go.
The times you will actually get summoned vary wildly.
I got my first summons within my first year, but according to my mom, she didn’t get one for nearly ten years after she turned 21.
We have no way of knowing when you will get yours, but it’s something to watch out for because eventually you will get one.
Photo by Robert Kusk
Photo by Robert KuskRelated: College vs. University: Understanding the Differences and Making the Right Choice
Personal Growth and Adventures
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Photo by Pexels• Go on a Winery Tour or Tasting
Another alcohol focused event that can be very fun is wine tasting.
These come in several forms like tours or clubs, but the point of them is trying wide varieties of wines in a social setting.
They can be very informative and a good way to learn about the process and details of wine while getting to discover what you like and dislike about different wines.
These events can also be an easy way to meet new people who have a similar interest to you.
• Adopting a Child
Starting a family is a huge responsibility, but legally 21 is the age where you can begin screenings for adoption.
Being an adoptive parent is a great thing to be and although you may not make it through all the screenings and it requires a long process, it’s a process you are allowed to begin at 21 if you are up for the task.
• Celebrate with a Bucket List Adventure
With how important of a shift turning 21 can be for your life, it’s a great time to make a bucket list.
You are finally free of all restrictions and are at a point in your life where your opportunities can seem nearly endless. So, why not take full advantage?
Try to write down a long list of things you’d like to do or accomplish and keep them in mind as you navigate this new stage of your life.
I made one for myself, and it helps me keep my thoughts realistic and my goals in place.
• Redefine Your Social Circle and Network
As you get deep into school and begin to enter the workforce, you will come to realize how important networking is.
I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of really lovely people through school and work events, mutual colleagues, and on occasion just simply reaching out and chatting.
No matter how you choose to go about it, it’s never a bad thing to expand the range of people you talk to and meet people in your field.
It will be very useful if you ever are job searching or looking to collaborate to know a wide range of people and get as connected as possible.
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Final Thoughts
If you are just turning 21, you have a lot to be excited for. This moment is a massive shift for you and gives you a lot to look forward to, and a lot to watch out for. If all of this feels overwhelming, believe me, I understand.
It is a lot to take in, but you aren’t alone. It’s a good idea to find resources to help support you during this time, such as family, friends, school or work resources.
No matter who it ends up being, this transition will be easier with support. But also remember to enjoy this time.
You have all the freedom in the world, might as well make the most of it.
I hope you found this article helpful or interesting.
I wrote this to share my experiences, and sharing experiences is how we grow together as people. So you, too, should share your plans and experiences for this big milestone and make sure to congratulate yourself along the way.
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