SUMMER CHECKLIST FOR RISING COLLEGE FRESHMAN
Action Items you should complete this summer before you leave for school.
The summer before college can be so exciting and intimidating all at once. You will be busy Between now and when you arrive on campus! Enjoy your time off because you deserve it, but don’t forget these 28 items to prepare for college.
Tie up loose ends
Make arrangements for your final high school transcript to be sent to your future college.
Submit AP and IB test scores. This can save you a lot of money if your college will give you college credit for specific test scores.
Submit your final college transcript if you have taken college courses.
Could you send the college your immunization and health records? You can move into the residence halls if the college has these items.
Ensure the financial aid office has all the documents and information they need from you. Missing documents could result in losing some of your financial aid.
Figure out college finances. If financial aid does not cover the total cost of college, figure out how you will pay the rest. If you can pay the balance yourself, make the payment before the beginning of school. If you cannot pay the balance immediately, work with the Student Accounts office to figure out how to pay your bill.
Prepare for the first day of classes.
Sign up for placement tests if required by your college.
Register for classes as early as possible. Classes can fill up quickly, so registering as soon as you are allowed can help you get the classes you need at the times you want.
Sign up for orientation. New student orientation is a great way to get plugged in at the college and meet others before classes start.
Connect with your roommate. Avoid the awkward first day in the dorm by getting to know your roommate before you arrive on campus. In addition to emailing and connecting on social media, have a conversation over the phone to get to know each other.
Purchase items for the dorm. Many colleges provide a checklist that will be an excellent guide for shopping. While shopping, remember that dorm rooms are small, and you will share the room with at least one other person. You won’t have space for a lot of extra items. In addition, talk to your roommate before deciding to bring oversized items. For example, if you both get a television, your room will be crowded.
Please be sure to look for jobs on campus. A job on campus is excellent if you need to work while attending school. On-campus jobs are typically flexible and easy to get to since they are on campus. Since they are so attractive, on-campus jobs are usually filled quickly, so please check with the different offices on campus early to ask about job possibilities.
Get familiar with your college town. Think about all the places you may need while away at college (grocery store, pharmacy, doctor, etc.), and look into your options so that when you are on campus, you know exactly where you need to go.
Make appointments
Doctor. Visit your doctor before heading to college for a check-up and to discuss any issues you may have. If you have ongoing prescriptions, make arrangements for prescriptions to be filled near school so you will not go without any medication you need.
Please make arrangements to have your prescription transferred if you need it filled regularly. You might have ever intended to visit home on a regular basis, but things come up, and you might have to cancel a visit. Don’t miss out on your prescription if you need it.
Dentist. Take care of any dental procedures needed during the summer. Summer is also a perfect time for regular cleaning because you can time your next appointment during winter break when you are home.
Haircut. Look your best when you arrive on campus by having your favorite barber or stylist cut your hair.
Oil change and maintenance. Could you ensure your vehicle is at its best before driving to college?
Learn life skills
Laundry. If your parents have been doing your laundry, you must learn how to do it yourself. Take lessons to ensure you know how to sort your clothing, how much detergent to use, and the temperature of the wash.
Could you open a bank account? Could you check in your college town to ensure a bank or ATM is available for your bank?
Budgeting. You might not have had to budget while in high school. However, now that you are on your own, you may be unable to ask your parents for money whenever you need or want something. Make a monthly budget to ensure you won’t run out of money by the end of the month.
I was paying bills. If this is your first time paying bills, learn how to write checks and use online bill pay. In addition, know your due dates or deadlines and always ensure bills are paid before the due date.
Look into getting a credit card prior to getting on campus. Having a credit card for emergencies can be very helpful. Young people are targeted for credit cards. You might even run into a credit card sign-up table on campus that will offer you something free for signing up. However, is it the best credit card for you? Credit cards are all different – you’ll find different interest rates and fees. If you will get a credit card, research with your parents to ensure you get the best one.
Time management. You might have thought high school was busy, but college can be busier. Learn to manage your time to get your studying and homework done, have fun, and participate in extracurricular activities.
Memorize your social security number. Your social security number is required for many things, including opening a bank account and getting a job. Could you make sure you know your number?
Other items
Continue your scholarship search. Never stop the scholarship search. You might have the first year figured out, but what about your tuition balance the next year? Continue looking for scholarships throughout your college career.
Relax and have fun. College can be a lot of fun but also very busy. Enjoy your summer. Enjoy your favorite hometown restaurants and hangouts, and get your sleep!
Spend quality time with family and friends. Going away to college will mean you won’t be able to see your family and friends as often as you are used to doing. Enjoy your time with them.