Surprising things you can do when you turn the big 18

The day you turn 18 could be a day you’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Remember despite turning 18 years, you still remain still a baby to your parents.

There’s a variety of things 18-year-olds can do, which are vastly more interesting, exciting, and surprising than typical teenage rebellion and they’re probably activities that you have probably never given much thought to.

Here are some things you can do at 18 Vote

Once you turn 18-year-old, you become eligible to vote in elections and have the right to make decisions in choosing your leaders. Though, some countries have enacted pre-registration laws, allowing voters to preregister as early as age 16. Check to see what the preregistration laws are in your state and exercise your vote.

Buy a lottery ticket

In most states, once you turn 18, you can buy a lottery ticket. Check the laws in your state to be sure.

Bet on a horse race

Unlike traditional sports betting, which requires someone to be 21+ to place a bet, some markets allow 18-year-olds to bet on horse racing. Gamblers usually place their bets at a racetrack outside and don’t restrict underage patrons from entry the way sports bars and casinos do.

Get called for jury duty

In America, the Massachusetts Bay Colony impaneled the first grand jury in 1635 to consider cases of murder, robbery, and domestic assault. After years of widespread abuse by courts stacked with King George’s cronies, our Founders established a defendant’s right to be tried by a jury of peers. Trial by jury gives community members the responsibility and power to safeguard liberties and rights. And now you can take part in this historic and important legal process.

Sue someone

The right to sue someone doesn’t vest until a person is an adult, which means the person can file a lawsuit in their own name once they turn 18. Many states, like California, allow for the statute of limitations to be put on hold until a minor turns 18.

Consent to medical care your own

There are exceptions, but for most medical procedures and treatments, you’re still legally considered a minor when you’re under the age of 18 and you’ll need a parent or guardian to consent to medical treatment on your behalf. Once you turn 18, you no longer need parental consent.

Buy cough syrup

Children under the age of 18 cannot buy cough syrup because it contains dextromethorphan, which, when consumed in large quantities, produces intoxication, a euphoric high, and hallucinations. But now that you’re 18, you can buy cough syrup in limited quantities when you show proof of age and ID.

Go skydiving

If you’re a thrill seeker, you can literally jump for joy when you turn 18.

Join the military

When you turn 18, you can serve your country by joining the military. Service academy applicants must be 18 years old by July 1st in the year of entry.

Open a bank account

As of your 18th birthday, you can now open a bank account in your own name. This is because the legal age to sign a contract is 18.

Apply for a credit card

When you turn 18, you can get a credit card in your own name. But you might need to show proof of income (to prove you can pay the bills).

Drive a car

Have you worked part-time jobs and built up savings? You should know that 18-year-olds can purchase a car. That being said, if you need financing, you may need a parent to co-sign the loan.

Rent an apartment

If you want to get an apartment when you turn 18, you’ll need to have a steady income, enough savings to cover your move-in costs, and a good credit score. If you aren’t working or don’t have a credit history, you’ll likely have to find a co-signer or guarantor.

Apply for a mortgage

In most states, 18 is the minimum age required to buy a home.

Get married

You might not be mentally, emotionally, or financially ready for it, and you might still feel more like a kid than an adult. Still, you should know that many parents will not allow their child to get married at that age but the law permits you but you cannot marry below the age.

Work full time

Turning 18 entitles you to work full time. If you have the requirement to work, you can also be employed full time, though, it depends on the job.

Donate blood

Want to do good in the world when you turn 18? You can volunteer to donate blood to someone in need. If you donate blood, you can save up to three people’s lives.

Create a will

At 18 years old, you can make a legal will. You can write the will yourself, in your own handwriting, or type it out on a computer or typewriter. You must sign your will in front of two other adult witnesses, who must also sign the will.

Become an Uber driver

Eager to make some extra cash for late night food orders or shopping sprees, now that you’re 18, you can work as an Uber driver and make your own hours.

Become a realtor

If you’re at least 18 years old, you can sign up for a course, study hard, and take an exam to earn your real estate license and become a real estate agent. You can start a potentially lucrative career right out of high school.

Buy stock

In most states, you can start investing in stocks on your own when you turn 18. As a first step, you can open your own online brokerage account.

Travel internationally without a guardian or parental consent International travelers under the age of 18 must present a letter of consent signed by any/all non-traveling parents. But now that you’re 18, you no longer need to do that.

Adopt a pet

Looking for a furry friend to accompany you in life? Now you can officially adopt a pet of your choice.