Diploma to Dorm Room: Freshman Year Prep Guide

From your first day of 9th grade to crossing the stage with your diploma, we're sure high school went by in a blur. Although the summer is your time to recover from all the work and stress, it's also a crucial time to prepare for your first year of college. Let's start off your college experience right by making sure you have everything in check before you even step on campus.

Set yourself up for success.

Meet your advisor and register for classes: It's time to develop a good relationship with your advisor. Meet with them and ensure you're enrolled in the right courses for your major/graduation requirements. Ask any questions you may have to help ease any worries about your first semester.

Things to keep in mind:  Time management! Although it looks great to be booked and busy on paper, remember that you still need time for yourself. Allot some time to wind down and go out to have fun!

Check on your upcoming courses: CHECK YOUR COLLEGE EMAIL. Make sure it's all set up so you won't miss a thing. Review the syllabi for your upcoming classes. Make sure you're on top of any pre-assigned tasks or readings. List all your required materials, from textbooks to software. Try researching the most affordable options available to you.

HOT TIP: Unless told otherwise, try to wait until the first day of class to purchase or rent textbooks or other materials. Sometimes, professors will provide more information on different options.

Explore campus resources: If you can, walk around campus and familiarize yourself with the layout and resources. Check out the library, fitness center, computer labs, printing services, café, dorm buildings, bookstore, and much more. Look for flyers for events, clubs, organizations, and more to peek into the student culture.

Map a plan: Orientation and registration can sometimes be a whirlwind of info and activities. If you can, take a day to walk around campus and pretend to live out your day-to-day schedule. How much time do you have between classes? How far apart are the buildings? If you have a gap in your schedule, where can you chill out before your next class?

Checking your college finances.

Meeting the financial aid gap: Thoroughly review your financial aid package. You’re more than likely left with a portion of college costs that are not covered. Consider all the possible out-of-pocket costs for the upcoming year, from class materials to food. If you need more aid, seek alternatives such as scholarships, payment plans, and, lastly, private loans. If private loans are the path for you, be diligent about responsible borrowing, comparing different options, and saving where you can. Make sure to check out rischolarships.org for hundreds of local and national scholarships.

Need a bit more? You may have a financial aid advisor who can work with you! Frequently, schools have donated funds that they can provide to students in need. Contact your financial aid office, explain your situation, and see what they can do for you! Also, if you haven’t already, check out work-study options!

Set up a budget: So, you have your financial aid package and list of out-of-pocket costs and are thinking… how am I going to make this work? Plan your budget for the semester, including tuition, books, living expenses, and other costs. Have a chat with your family and see what they may or may not be able to provide for you and what the expectations are behind it. Open up a bank account if you haven’t already, and look into healthy money habits that you can put into practice.

Making some extra cash: Part-time jobs, internships, and work-study are all options that can possibly provide you with some extra cash while studying. You can work during the summer to save money and continue doing so while attending school. Managing it all may come easier to some, but with some time management, many students can make it work. Not to mention, working while studying can help you in the long run by building experience and skills to help you stand out from the crowd.

Getting settled & how you’ll get there.

Confirm & coordinate: Whether you’re living on or off campus, ensure that your housing is confirmed. Read up and become acquainted with your school’s code of conduct, policies, and dorm rules. If possible, contact your roommate(s) and discuss your living arrangements. Make sure to go over the items you’re bringing with you, schedules, and any other details. You don’t want to show up with multiple coffee makers and mini-fridges.

Health and safety reminder: Many schools have medical requirements! Complete any necessary medical, dental, or vision check-ups before heading off. Update your vaccinations and send copies to your school’s health portal, as required. Make sure to sign up for your school’s health insurance before the deadline, or waive it if you’re already covered.

Pack the essentials: Write up a list and start packing items you’ll need, including clothes, toiletries, electronics, and dorm room necessities. The earlier, the better when it comes to prepping! Random items you will need will eventually come to mind, like laundry basics, charging cords, batteries, etc.

Things to keep in mind: Plan your move! How are you bringing over all your stuff? Are you driving or shipping it out? Which car are you taking and will everything fit? Will you have to make multiple trips, and who will help you?

The commute: Whether you’re living on your own or still with family, you need to consider how you’ll get to campus. You will need to nail down your mode of transportation, how long it will take you to get there, and the reliability of your transportation.

Make the most of your time.

At the end of the day, getting through college is a balancing act. Staying organized and managing your time will be best to ensure that you are also taking time for yourself. Prioritizing your mental health and wellness during your college years will keep you on top. Most importantly, remember to enjoy yourself! Find a routine, activities, and a group of friends that will keep you in good spirits. After all, as quickly as high school goes by, so will college; make sure to create exciting and lasting memories.