(aka your pre-college glow-up checklist 🎓)
So you’ve graduated. Your cap's been or about to be tossed, your yearbook’s full of heartfelt notes (and a few awkward doodles), and now you're staring down the last summer before college like… want some tips?
This is the short pause between two big chapters of your life, kind of like the credits scene before the sequel. Here’s how to spend your summer wisely, while still soaking up the freedom before syllabus shock hits in the fall.
Even if you're not moving far, your college campus and town are going to be your whole world soon. Do a little Google Maps deep dive. Search nearby coffee shops, late-night eats, and the best local thrift stores. If you're close enough, take a little road trip before move-in day to explore!
Bonus points: Look up where the closest urgent care, bank, and grocery store are (future you will thank you).
Before you move out, ask yourself: Do I know how to do laundry without turning everything pink? Can I make something to eat that isn’t just cereal? This is the perfect time to ask a parent, sibling, or YouTube how to adult a little. You don’t have to be a pro, just know the basics.
We get it - email feels kind of ancient when you're used to getting all your updates through texts and DMs. But trust us, college lives in your inbox. From housing info and orientation schedules to financial aid updates and course registration, important stuff is coming your way—and missing an email could mean missing a deadline. Start checking your email regularly now, and maybe even set up a folder for all things college so nothing slips through the cracks.
Whether it’s your family, your best friends, or even your dog, soak up time with your people this summer. Host a backyard movie night, take your little sibling for ice cream, or just go on late-night drives with your crew. It’s the end of an era, and it’s okay to get a little sentimental.
Let’s be real - college is not cheap. If you’re working this summer, try saving a chunk of your earnings for those not-so-fun expenses (textbooks, laundry cards, late-night DoorDash). Develop a realistic budget to maintain while in college. Even saving just a little each week adds up!
Pro tip: Download a budget app and keep tabs on where your money’s going. (We’re looking at you, iced coffee.)
If you’re planning to use student loans, make sure you’ve got everything squared away before move-in day. Need help figuring it out? Book a free appointment with us at the College Planning Center - we’re here to help you through it, no stress.
You’ll probably need a checking account with a debit card, and if you already have one, make sure it’s ready for college life. That means setting up mobile banking, connecting your phone for alerts, and knowing where to call if you lose your card (because... it happens).
Before college starts, take some time to update your social media. You might be meeting your roommate through Instagram, joining group chats on GroupMe, or even finding clubs via TikTok. Make sure your online presence feels like you, and maybe private those middle school selfies while you’re at it.
It doesn’t have to be intense, but just knowing a few basics can give you more confidence walking around campus. Check out local classes or YouTube tutorials on safety tips. Even stuff like keeping pepper spray on your keychain (check if it’s legal in your area!) or sharing your location with a friend is a smart move.
College is a whole new level of busy, and the best thing you can do now is build a self-care routine. That could mean journaling, setting sleep goals (yes, bedtime is cool now), getting some movement in, or just learning to recognize when you need a break. Your mental health deserves love, too.
You just survived four years of high school, and that’s a big deal. Celebrate! Whether it’s a solo beach day, a weekend trip with family and friends, or just finally binge-watching that show you’ve been putting off, do something just for you. Recharging isn’t a luxury, it’s a must.
Your last summer before college isn’t just about shopping for twin XL sheets; it’s a chance to grow, reflect, and glow. Do the prep work, make the memories, and trust that you’ve got this.
Ready for your next chapter? Let’s make it your best one yet 💫