Going to college may sound exciting, but the amount of preparation required to get there may seem daunting to many students. With so many things to accomplish, it can be useful to have some guidance on what needs to get done this summer before college. Check out these five tips that can help you to hit the ground running in the fall.
1. Learn to Manage College Finances
Preparing your budget is one of the most important things of your summer preparation. Be sure you understand which expenses your parents are covering and which will be your responsibility. From textbooks to late-night pizza deliveries, college life can be expensive. If you have no experience following a budget, the Mint app can help you with it.
A summer job can provide you with a little cash reserve to get you through the next months. If you need a part-time job during school, start researching opportunities on your college’s job boards right now. Here are a few on-campus job ideas to get you started.
2. Work on Your Study Skills
You can work on your study skills by choosing a class, ideally your most challenging one, and trying to get ahead. You can do this by buying your textbook in advance and searching for study guides for the class online. Set goals for yourself, like reading one chapter a week. Keeping yourself on track is great practice for your college classes.
3. Start to Pack Early
Packing when you are moving to college can be tedious. Bear in mind that most dorm rooms are pretty small, so try to stick to the essential supplies you need to pack for college. Focus on buying these items throughout the summer, such as a lamp, alarm clock, bedding, backpack, notebooks, etc. — items you are sure to need throughout the year. Most US college dorm rooms are also furnished, so you will not need to worry about any furniture.
4. Connect with Your Roomie
If you plan to live in a dorm, you are going to be sharing a living space with a roommate for at least the next semester or two. So, once you get your roommate’s name and contact information, put it to good use by shooting them an email or a Facebook friend request. Better yet, pick up the phone and call or send a quick text. You could even set some early ground rules for visitors and noise at the dorm so you can both be good roommates.
5. Remember to Relax
The anticipation of college can be stressful, so be sure to find some time to relax. Instead of spending your days thinking about the fall semester, clear your mind and enjoy your summer. Log off of that orientation Facebook group, take some time off from your summer job, and go on a road trip with your friends. There will be a lot of stuff to do during the last few weeks before you leave, but there is no point in exhausting yourself now!
