27 Fun Things to Do When You Turn 18

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Turning 18 is a significant milestone in every young adult’s life. It marks the start of adulthood and the transition from being a dependent to an independent individual. As an 18-year-old, you gain new legal rights and responsibilities, which can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. In this post, we’ll guide you through the various things you can do when you turn 18, including your legal rights, fun activities, and responsibilities.

Legal Rights of 18-Year-Olds

As an 18-year-old, you now have legal rights that you did not possess when you were a minor. Here are some of the legal rights that you can exercise once you turn 18.

1. Voting

One of the most important rights that you gain when you turn 18 is the right to vote. You now have the power to choose your representatives and have a say in the governance of the country. Register to vote and participate in the elections to make your voice heard.

2. Joining the Military

If you’re interested in serving your country, you can join the military once you turn 18. You can choose to join any branch of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. You’ll receive training, education, and benefits that will help you develop your skills and build your career.

3. Selective Service Registration

If you’re a male, you’re required to register for the Selective Service within 30 days of your 18th birthday. This is mandatory, and failure to register can result in fines, imprisonment, and loss of benefits like student loans, federal jobs, and citizenship.

4. Donating Blood

As an 18-year-old, you are now eligible to donate blood to help save lives. Donating blood is a simple and selfless act that can make a difference in someone’s life.

5. Organ Donation

You can now choose to become an organ donor and give the gift of life to someone in need. Register to become an organ donor and let your family and friends know about your decision.

6. Making a Will

As an adult, you can now legally draft your will. This is an important document that outlines your wishes regarding your assets and property in case of your death.

7. Working Full Time

As an 18-year-old, you can now work full time and earn a living. You can choose to work in any industry, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more.

8. Buying Lottery Tickets

You can now legally buy lottery tickets and try your luck at winning big. However, remember to gamble responsibly and within your means.

Related: 20 habits to start in your 20s

9. Obtaining Driving Permits

You can now obtain driving permits and start learning how to drive. This is an important skill that can make your life easier and more convenient.

10. Buying Tobacco Products for Smoking

In some states, you can legally buy tobacco products for smoking once you turn 18. However, remember that smoking is harmful to your health and can lead to serious diseases like cancer and heart disease.

11. Driving Late at Night

As an 18-year-old, you can now legally drive late at night without any restrictions. However, remember to drive safely and follow traffic rules to avoid accidents.

Related: Habits to start in college.

12. Starting Your Own Business

If you’re an entrepreneur at heart, you can now legally start your own business. This is an exciting opportunity to pursue your passion and build a career on your own terms.

13. Giving Consent for Medical Care

As an adult, you can now legally give consent for medical care. This means that you can make your own decisions regarding your health and treatment.

14. Going to the ER Alone and Getting Treatment

You can now go to the emergency room alone and receive medical treatment. However, remember to carry your identification and insurance cards with you.

15. Getting a Savings and Checking Account

You can now open a savings and checking account and manage your finances independently. This is an important step towards financial independence and responsibility.

16. Becoming a Realtor

If you’re interested in the real estate industry, you can now become a realtor. This is an exciting career that offers flexibility, income potential, and growth opportunities.

Related: Creative things to do before turning 20

17. Applying for Credit Cards

You can now apply for credit cards and build your credit history. However, remember to use your credit cards responsibly and pay your bills on time to avoid debt.

18. Filing a Lawsuit

As an adult, you can now file a lawsuit if you feel that your rights have been violated. However, remember to consult a lawyer and gather evidence before filing a lawsuit.

19. Opening a Brokerage Account and Buying Stock

You can now open a brokerage account and buy stock in the stock market. This is an exciting opportunity to invest your money and grow your wealth.

Fun Things to Do When You Turn 18

Turning 18 is not just about legal rights and responsibilities. It’s also about having fun and enjoying your newfound freedom. Here are some fun things that you can do when you turn 18.

1. Get Piercings

If you love body art, you can now legally get piercings without your parents’ permission. However, remember to choose reputable and professional piercers to avoid infections and complications.

2. Book a Hotel Room

You can now book a hotel room and travel independently. This is an exciting opportunity to explore new places and create new memories.

3. Get a Tattoo

If you’re interested in body art, you can now legally get a tattoo without your parents’ permission. However, remember to choose a reputable and professional tattoo artist to avoid infections and complications.

4. Buy a Pet

You can now legally buy a pet and become a pet parent. This is an exciting opportunity to have a companion and build a loving relationship.

5. Change Your Birth Name

If you’re not happy with your birth name, you can now legally change it. This is an important decision that requires careful consideration and planning.

6. Work in a Bar

If you’re interested in the hospitality industry, you can now legally work in a bar. This is an exciting opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends.

7. Book a Cruise Ship

You can now book a cruise ship and enjoy a luxurious vacation. This is an exciting opportunity to relax and unwind.

8. Enter an Adults-Only Store

You can now legally enter an adults-only store and purchase adult products. However, remember to respect other people’s privacy and make informed decisions.

9. Skydive

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can now legally skydive and experience the thrill of freefalling. This is an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself and conquer your fears.

10. Give Consent for Your Own Vaccines

As an adult, you can now legally give consent for your own vaccines. This is an important decision that can protect you from serious diseases.

11. Get Married

If you’re in love, you can now legally get married and start a new chapter in your life. This is an important decision that requires commitment and dedication.

`12. Buy Spray Paint

You can now legally buy spray paint and express your creativity. However, remember to use it responsibly and in designated areas to avoid vandalism.

13. Buy Fireworks

You can now legally buy fireworks and celebrate special occasions. However, remember to use them responsibly and follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents.

14. Attend a Concert

You can now legally attend a concert and enjoy live music. This is an exciting opportunity to see your favorite artists and create new memories.

15. Sign a Check

You can now legally sign a check and make payments. This is an important skill that can help you manage your finances.

16. Try Bungee Jumping

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can now legally try bungee jumping and experience the thrill of falling. This is an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself and conquer your fears.

17. Move Out of Your Parents’ House

If you’re ready to leave the nest, you can now legally move out of your parents’ house and start living independently. This is an important decision that requires financial stability and planning.

18. Sign Yourself Out of High School

If you’re not happy with high school, you can now legally sign yourself out and pursue other opportunities. However, remember to consider the consequences and plan your future carefully.

19. Open a Bank Account

You can now open a bank account and manage your finances independently. This is an important step towards financial independence and responsibility.

20. Get a 10-Year Passport

You can now apply for a 10-year passport and travel internationally. This is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures and make new friends.

21. Travel

You can now travel independently and explore new places. This is an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain new experiences.

22. Drive a Taxi

If you’re interested in the transportation industry, you can now legally drive a taxi. This is an exciting opportunity to earn a living and meet new people.

23. Get a License to Drive a Truck

If you’re interested in the logistics industry, you can now legally get a license to drive a truck. This is an exciting opportunity to build a career and travel across the country.

24. Rent an Apartment

You can now legally rent an apartment and have your own space. This is an important step towards independence and responsibility.

25. Pawn Your Belongings

If you need quick cash, you can now legally pawn your belongings. However, remember to borrow responsibly and within your means.

26. Bet on a Racehorse

If you’re interested in horse racing, you can now legally bet on a racehorse. This is an exciting opportunity to test your luck and win big.

27. Use a Ride-Sharing Scooter (Lime or Bird)

You can now use a ride-sharing scooter like Lime or Bird and travel around the city. This is an eco-friendly mode of transportation that is convenient and affordable.

Responsibilities of 18-Year-Olds

As an 18-year-old, you now have new responsibilities that come with adulthood. Here are some of the responsibilities that you need to be aware of.

1. Legal Responsibility for Your Actions

As an adult, you’re now legally responsible for your actions. If you violate any law, you’ll be charged as an adult and face legal consequences.

2. Selective Service Registration

If you’re a male, you’re required to register for the Selective Service within 30 days of your 18th birthday. Failure to register can result in fines, imprisonment, and loss of benefits like student loans, federal jobs, and citizenship.

3. Financial Responsibility

As an adult, you’re now financially responsible for yourself. You’re legally bound to pay your debts and be persecuted as an adult.

Signing Tax Forms for Employment

As an adult, you’re now legally required to sign tax forms for employment. This means that you’ll have to pay taxes on your income and file tax returns.

Legal Consequences for Crimes

As an 18-year-old, you’re now legally responsible for any crimes that you commit. If you commit a misdemeanor or crime, you’ll be tried as an adult and face legal consequences like imprisonment.

Conclusion

Turning 18 is a significant milestone in every young adult’s life. It marks the start of adulthood and the transition from being a dependent to an independent individual.

As an 18-year-old, you gain new legal rights and responsibilities, which can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Remember to exercise your rights responsibly and enjoy your newfound freedom with caution and care.

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