Many of you are finishing up your last semester of high school, and, before you know it, you will be off to college. It’s never to early to start planning for what to expect once you step foot onto that campus that will be your home for the next four to five years.
So, here are some vital bits of information you will need to make that transition a little easier.
1. Be prepared by having everything you need before you head off to college.
You need to know what to bring with you. Will you need a laptop or desktop computer? Do you need a small microwave or refrigerator? Remember to take things you may take for granted at home, such as all of your bathroom items, laundry items, and weather related clothing.
2. Know your financial aid situation.
Make sure you know how much money in financial aid you are receiving, when you will receive it, and plan accordingly. College is a huge learning experience in finances and you definitely don’t want money to get in the way of your academic life.
3. Contact your roommate.
If you have the opportunity, have a conversation with your roommate as soon as you can. You will be able to discuss what each of you has and can bring to college. You can also find out what your roommate’s likes and dislikes are, what their study habits are like, and if they like to stay up late or do they get up at the crack of dawn.
4. Be ready to be physically healthy.
Do you know how to cook? Are you going to be eating dormitory food? What are the hours of the recreation center on campus? Can you join a fitness center close to campus? You are going to be on your own and being physically healthy is an important aspect to succeed academically.
5. Know your budget.
One of the most important things as a college student besides doing well academically is to know your finances. What can you afford to buy? Will you need a job? How often can you go to the movies or go out to dinner? If you have a good grasp on your finances, it will leave most of your stress to your academics.
6. Get to know the “college lingo.”
College life is full of acronyms and new lingo so becoming familiar with it will make your life much easier. There is a lot of academic lingo, dormitory lingo, and campus lingo. Talk to returning students and don’t be afraid to ask questions about lingo you are not familiar with.
Finally, a few other things to keep in mind include making sure you attend the college orientation and ask questions, make sure your time management skills are ready to be put into action because they have never been so important, and don’t forget to keep in touch with your friends back home, as they can comfort you and give great advice in times of stressful situations.
If you have any questions about how to go about accomplishing these, or if you have any other concerns about your future in college, we can definitely give you some advice and get you as prepared as you need to be before heading off to that institution of higher learning.