You know the drill—“Mom, I’m bored.” Those words will most surely come out of your mouth while you await your
first day of college. Unfortunately, you can’t afford to be bored. There is much to do before you begin your new life. Take advantage of the time and you will arrive on campus prepared to face the next four years.
YouVisit has 10 tips for you:
1. Get a Summer Job
In just a few short months you will need some serious cash. There are all kinds of fees and expenses that go along with a college experience. If you decide not to work your first semester of college (many freshmen prefer to focus on academics), the money you earn during the summer months will provide you with much-needed cash during those first few months.
2. Read
High school is over, but that doesn’t mean you can lie around for hours glued the television or playing video games. The more you keep your mind exercised and active (especially by reading) the better prepared you will be when you face the regimented reading requirements at college. Freshmen always have more reading than other classes because they are fulfilling the general requirements. If you can get ahold of the reading assignments in advance (you can email your professors), you will be one step ahead when you begin in the fall.
3. Spend Time With Your Family
Yes. Believe it or not you will miss them when you are gone. Those last few months of family time will help you adjust to the homesickness every freshman feels and make you better prepared to go off on your own. It will also help prepare your parents to adjust to having you gone.
4. Have Fun With Your Friends
Most college students will be leaving behind their high school friends. Use the summer to plan some fun activities together: picnics, movie nights, beach bonfires and even concerts. Having a network of friends that you can stay in touch with when you are gone will help with the transition.
5. Discuss Finances With Your Parents
Before you leave, understand your financial responsibilities regarding your education. Will you be paying for incidentals? Will your parents give you an allowance while you are there? Will you be expected to participate in work study to help defray some of the tuition costs?
6. Dot Your i’s and Cross Your t’s
Don’t forget to verify that your college has received all required documents before you arrive on campus. Most colleges require certain immunizations: hepatitis, measles, meningitis, etc. Make sure you have completed all your financial documents as well: student loan applications, tuition payment arrangements, and scholarship information.
7. Contact Your Future roommate
Once you have your roommate assignment, make contact. You can do that on Facebook or by phone or email. Discuss what items you will be bringing and take some time to talk about your living expectations: such as resolving conflicts, organization and cleanliness, and visitor guidelines. Stay in touch over the summer because that person will be your first friend at college.
8. Make a List of Dorm essentials
Remember that you will be living in a shoebox. You can’t bring your entire room with you to college. Only take essential items and don’t overpack clothes, shoes, stuffed animals, and other items that will just take up space. Check out Bed, Bath and Beyond’s website for a good dorm essential list. You will be surprised what you need and what you might have forgotten.
9. Attend Freshman Orientation
All colleges provide orientation opportunities for their incoming freshman class. Don’t skip this event. It will help you assimilate into campus life, give you an opportunity to make friends, and help with any campus-wide programs you need to register for. You will also be able to register for fall classes and be assigned an academic advisor to help you with your degree plan. Many colleges also offer parent orientation as well—urge your parents to attend.
10. Look for Textbook Bargains
Once you have your class schedule and know the required course textbooks, start searching online for bargains. Never pay full price for a textbook if you can help it. There are sites that give you so many other options: renting, buying used, sharing, and even digital ebooks.
Use your summer time wisely and you will enter college prepared to face your first college semester confident and excited to begin this new phase in your life.
