Going off to college is a major milestone in your life – one that is extremely rewarding. With some preparation in advance, you can be ready to take on this new adventure with the right tools, skills, knowledge, and attitude.
#1 – Psyche up!
There’s no doubt that college will be a huge change for you. Take a minute to wrap your head around the newness, and embrace it. Go in with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a positive attitude.
Remember, you won’t be alone. All your fellow freshmen will be in the same boat. Everyone’s out of their comfort zone, feeling uncertain, and probably a little overwhelmed. During the summer months, try reaching out to prospective new classmates through social media. If you’ve already met some cool people from around the country by the time you arrive, you’ll start the experience with a greater sense of belonging.
#2 – Get organized
With a to-do list and action plan, you can feel like you’ve got things under control. Conduct some research to get familiar with your new territory. Determine your first quarter or semester’s class line-up in advance, with backups in case your first choices are full. If possible, contact your future professors and ask them for preparation tips. Research campus activities and clubs, and sign up before you arrive. Then when school starts, you’ll have already paved the way to meeting new people and opening up new opportunities.
#3 – Understand your financial status
Preparing your budget is one of the most important aspects of your summer preparation. Be sure you understand which expenses your parents are covering, and which will be your responsibility. If you have no experience following a budget, look for resources like The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting in College, from College Info Geek.
A summer job will provide you with a little cash reserve to get you through the year. Calculate how much you’re likely to earn, and how long that sum will last. If the math tells you you’ll need a part-time job during school, start researching opportunities right now, on your college’s job boards.
#4 – Know where to find help
Colleges offer a wide range of support services for students, from academic help, to healthcare, to general counseling. Check out your school’s resources over the summer. One area to look into is your campus’ safety and security resources. Make sure you know how to stay safe when you get to school!
#5 – Hone some critical skills
Sure, you’ve studied before – but not like this. College studies are more rigorous, with more time required outside of class, and a lot more reading. Prep for the heavier workload this summer by reading as much as you can. Practice reading comprehension. If you’d like to improve your reading skills, there are resources online, such as this 10-step guide from the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.
Communication skills, both written and oral, will also be very important in college. Practice getting comfortable speaking in front of people, and don’t dismiss the grammar, spelling, and composition skills that you learned in high school. College writing is different from texting!
Other critical skills for college – and for life – include:
- Project management
- Team-building and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Critical-thinking
- Leadership
- Time management
Time-management is a biggie, worthy of its own paragraph – see #6, below.
#6 – Learn time management
Sometimes your college schedule will be overwhelming. You’ll feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. You’ll also be wrestling with an enticing profusion of distractions that can easily blow up your study plan. Prioritization will be key – along with a lot of discipline. Research time-management tools this summer, then choose the ones you like, embrace them, and start using them. Don’t overbook yourself with too many activities, classes, or commitments. But once you commit, stay on schedule.
#7 – Grow your technical skill set
You’re already computer-savvy, but do you know PowerPoint? Excel? Are you a speedy typer? Have you worked with databases? A strong grasp of technical tools will help you immensely in college. Spend some time this summer checking out the apps and devices that will help you conduct research, get organized, write good papers, etc. Start with articles like: 25 Apps College Students Shouldn't Live Without or Necessary Computer Skills for College Students.
#8 – Get a mentor
Adults can tell you what they remember from college, but no one can relate to you like another student peer who’s right there in the moment, living the college life. The summer break gives you the perfect opportunity to reach out and network with other students who are currently attending your college. Someone who just finished their freshman year will be able to tell you exactly what it’s like: the good, the bad, and the messy.
#9 – Take advantage of Orientation
Most likely, your new school has a wonderful orientation program for incoming students. Take advantage of all orientation activities. Ask questions. Be outgoing, and make some new friends. Remember, you’re not alone!
Here’s one last important reminder: you and your classmates are the future of our country. Embrace all that college has to offer you, so you can put the education and the life experience to good use.
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