While applications are left in the past, and you have made your decision, there are still loads of things to do to get ready for college. The summer before your freshman year is the so-called transitional time that you have to use to get things done before you set off to college. The summer between your high school graduation and your first semester of college should be special. Check out what our go-to guide for your pre-college summer and ensure to steer it in the right direction.
1. Surf the College Website
On the school’s website, you will be able to find a lot of information about your potential alma mater, without leaving the comfort of your room. Ensure to browse the requirements section to make sure you can meet each. If you get lucky, you can even surf for some individual course pages to find out what awaits you.
2. Reach out to Your Roommates
If you’ve received an email informing on the fact that you got assigned random roommates, make sure to reply in order to share your joy for the upcoming semester. Do not just dryly type, “I prefer waking up at 7.30, watch silent movies, and need silence after 8 pm to write memoirs.”
3. Reconsider Your Current Relationship
While you and your high school sweetheart seem to be the happiest couple on earth, chances are things that might change when your freshman year starts. The point is that college brings you loads of new experiences, which means you will find yourself rethinking your feelings toward your beloved one. If you find yourself in need of more independency, this pre-college summer might be the right time to cut things off.
4. Read College Blogs
If you check out some college bloggers, you will see that they have experienced exactly what you’re doing at the moment. These people share their academic achievements and misfortunes to help you succeed by avoiding their mistakes.
5. Work and Save up Some Money
The summer before the first college semester is the best time to get a part-time or full-time job and save some bucks. It doesn’t matter what you choose – an internship in your field, some position at the mall, or translator – you’re going to get some really priceless experience! Besides, college is an expensive option that includes things like tuitions, books, groceries, and so on. Make sure to work and save up to be fully equipped to pursue your studies.
6. Go on the Campus Tour
If you don’t have to go far to do it, ensure to go on a campus tour. Even if you have already done it, it is always a good idea to get to know more details about the chosen institution. For instance, you can spend the whole day just walking around the place to explore it in the best manner possible. Then, on the first college day, you will be amazed by how well-aware you are of where everything is.
7. Hang out with Your Family
Gone are the days when your mom and dad were always there for you. Without a doubt, you’re going to miss your family when you’re in college. Enjoy these precious days that you have left with your family members by having barbeques or hosting movie nights.
8. Purchase Your Textbooks
Courses? Check. The right time to buy college textbooks has finally come. Ensure to look for the most suitable options on the web: Chegg, Amazon, and so on. If you buy your textbooks today, you will avoid having to pay more when buying these items on campus.
9. Go to the Orientation Session
If you’re about to start your freshman year, we strongly encourage you to go to orientation. Not only does the college provide you with a chance to know more about your future school, but you also get a chance to choose classes, find out where things are located on campus, and talk to your potential tutors and advisers. And in the process, it would be a great idea to check out the dining halls and dorms, so you know where you’re going to spend the next four years.
10. See Your Doctor
Before you head to college, ensure to make an appointment with your doctor. In addition to all the vaccines that you have to get before going to college, you will also be able to find out how healthy you are. At the same time, you can get more information, such as what birth control you should choose or who you should contact when you need a doctor in college.
11. Just Relax
On the other hand, you may find yourself tired after your high school senior year and in need of some rest – which is just as important! Your anxiety caused by the upcoming changes can be pretty tiresome, so ensure to allow some time for relaxing and finding Zen.