If you have submitted your enrollment deposit for your college choice, then congratulations! Deciding what path to take after high school sets your future in motion. But before you arrive on your college campus, there are several next steps to take and tasks to complete. Use our college preparation list to make sure you are ready for this new chapter.
1. Get Financially Organized
It’s wise to work during the summer months to save up for out-of-pocket expenses and unexpected expenses. If you’re borrowing a Federal Direct Student Loan, there will be entrance counseling to complete and a Master Promissory Note to sign. Check in with your college’s financial aid office for details. And if your family is considering private loans, start researching lenders now and make sure to borrow wisely.
2. Take Care of Housing, Meal, & Health Details
If you are planning to live on campus, make sure you have selected a housing preference and signed up for a meal plan. You may also need to get a physical exam and fulfill vaccine requirements before arriving on campus.
3. Sign Waivers When Needed
Many colleges require that students provide a health insurance waiver if they are planning to stay under their parent’s coverage. You can check the school’s website to see how that’s done. Due to FERPA regulations, you may also need to sign a waiver to grant your parents access to the college bill, semester and year-end grades, and other personal information.
4. Participate in Orientation
Make sure to sign up for orientation! Become familiar with the campus and surrounding area, meet other students, learn more about extracurricular activities, and possibly register for classes.
5. Finalize Your Class Schedule
Solidify your course selection prior to arriving on campus, and make sure the classes you select will count toward your chosen degree.
6. Communicate with Roommates
Most college students have a roommate, sometimes two. Take time to get acquainted, set some general ground rules for the room, and decide on any combined purchases.
7. Purchase What You Need
Review your college’s website for a list of recommended essential and non-essential items to bring, or check out this detailed list for ideas. Be sure to check the student handbook to avoid bringing items that are prohibited. Acquiring your textbooks ahead of time, if possible, will minimize stress, too.
8. Do Job Prep
If you have received a federal work-study award, then follow the school’s instructions for getting a jobwhether it be searching for positions online or planning to attend a job fair on campus. If you hope to work outside of federal work-study, then you can do some preliminary research to find out what’s available on and off campus.
9. Seek Out Campus Resources
College campuses are full of services to help students. Review the school’s website to learn more about what’s on campus, including the student disabilities office, tutoring center, counseling services, health department, wellness center, and career services.
10. Stay on Top of Important Dates
Check the college’s website for important registration and payment deadlines so that you don’t incur late fees or risk being dropped from a class. Make sure you know dates for moving in/moving out, the beginning and end of semesters, and school breaks.
College is an exciting time, but feelings of anxiety are normal, too. Preparation can help ease your transition to this next chapter and provide you with peace of mind. And remember, you are not alone! Reach out to loved ones for encouragement and/or connect with the resources available on campus for any assistance needed.
