Graduate: “Know Your Rights” – A Guide for Young Adults Stepping Into Independence
As a new adult, knowing your rights isn’t just for “troublemakers”—it’s part of being informed, responsible, and ready for the real world. Whether you're on a college campus, renting your first apartment, or exploring a new city, here are some basic rights every young adult should understand:
1. Your Rights When Interacting with Police
You have the right to:
Remain silent. You are not required to answer questions from police without a lawyer present. Simply say, “I choose to remain silent.”
Decline a search. You can refuse to allow police to search your backpack, car, or dorm room without a warrant or probable cause.
Request legal representation. If you are detained or arrested, immediately ask for an attorney and do not volunteer information.
What to do:
Stay calm and polite.
Don’t resist or argue on the scene—assert your rights respectfully and ask to speak with a lawyer.
2. Your Rights as a Tenant (Yes, Even in a Dorm or Off-Campus Housing)
You have the right to:
A safe, habitable living environment.
Privacy. Your landlord generally must give notice before entering your space.
A written lease or rental agreement (read it carefully and don’t sign under pressure).
What to do:
Keep copies of everything: leases, communication with landlords, maintenance requests.
Document issues with photos and written notices.
3. Your Rights Regarding Finances and Credit
You have the right to:
Access and review your credit report annually for free.
Dispute errors on your credit report.
Say no to co-signing—you are not obligated to financially back someone else.
What to do:
Avoid predatory lenders or “easy” credit lines.
Set up alerts and monitor your bank account and credit usage.
4. Your Rights in Medical and Mental Health Care
You have the right to:
Make your own medical decisions.
Consent (or decline) treatment.
Confidentiality. Your health info is protected unless you authorize someone to access it.
What to do:
Carry your insurance info and emergency contacts.
Ask questions before signing medical forms or consents.
Use your HIPAA release to designate who can speak with your healthcare provider in an emergency.
5. Your Rights as a Student
You have the right to:
Access your academic records. You control who else can access them with a FERPA waiver.
Freedom of speech and expression (within campus guidelines).
Due process in disciplinary actions.
What to do:
Understand your student code of conduct.
Respond to campus citations or accusations promptly.
Reach out to student legal aid or your attorney if you’re facing serious allegations.
6. Your Rights Online and On Social Media
You have the right to:
Control your content and privacy settings.
Challenge impersonation, harassment, or defamation.
But also know:
Your digital footprint is permanent. Schools, landlords, employers, and even courts can view your online behavior.
What to do:
Be mindful about what you post or share.
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Final Thought: Knowledge Is Power
Knowing your rights doesn’t mean you’re planning for the worst—it means you’re prepared to protect your freedom, your future, and your voice. This is part of stepping into adulthood with strength and confidence.
When you know your rights, you can stand on them. And when something feels off, trust your instincts and seek legal advice.