Graduation caps have been tossed, tassels turned, and your inbox is now 87% Bed Bath & Beyond promo codes. Welcome to the weirdest summer of your life — the one between high school and college. It’s a time of excitement, nerves, last-minute Target runs, and more existential dread than anyone warned you about.
So what should you do this summer before college? Besides panic-Google “how to make friends in college”? Here’s your ultimate bucket list for savoring the sweet, strange, and slightly emotional weeks before your dorm move-in day.
1. Have One Last Sleepover with Your High School Besties
No curfews. Just snacks, stories, and maybe one final chaotic group FaceTime call. You’ll never all be in the same place again — soak it up.
2. Learn to Do Laundry (Without Destroying Your Wardrobe)
Whites, darks, delicates — it’s time. Figure it out now before you’re googling “Can Tide Pods explode in microwaves?” in the dorm laundry room.
3. Make a Playlist That Sounds Like Home
Build a soundtrack of your favorite hometown memories. It’ll hit different on those first homesick nights.
4. Thank a Teacher Who Made a Difference
A simple message goes a long way. They’ll remember you more than you realize.
5. Cook Three Real Meals (That Don’t Involve a Microwave)
You don’t need to become Gordon Ramsay. Just know how to boil water, scramble eggs, and feed yourself without a vending machine.
6. Spend a Day Without Your Phone
Take a tech break. Go outside. Get bored. Your brain could probably use the reset.
7. Visit Your Future College Town (Even Virtually)
Explore the campus map, check out dorm layouts, or find out where the best late-night pizza is. It helps ease the anxiety of the unknown.
8. Make a Dorm Shopping List — and Stick to It
Start with our Dorm Essentials List. Then cut out the lava lamp, popcorn maker, and that random desk waterfall.
9. Hug Your Dog for an Extra 60 Seconds
Because when you leave, they won’t understand why you’re not coming back at 3pm anymore. Just… hug them.
10. Create a Shared Photo Album with Friends
One last “us” thing. Load it with chaotic memories, inside jokes, and selfies from that one night no one talks about.
11. Write a Letter to Your Future College Self
Seal it. Open it at the end of freshman year. It’ll be hilarious. Or possibly emotional. Or both.
12. Talk to Your Parents (Like, Really Talk)
They’re proud. They’re terrified. They might cry. But they’re your biggest supporters, and you’ll miss them more than you expect.
13. Download Campus Safety Apps
Not fun. But important. Be smart, stay safe, and know your resources.
14. Buy a First Aid Kit — Yes, Seriously
Include meds, band-aids, cold relief stuff, and maybe some Vitamin C. You’re not invincible (especially during flu season).
15. Schedule a Doctor and Dentist Appointment
This is boring adult stuff. But when you’re three states away with a cavity or mystery rash, you’ll wish you did.
16. Plan One Epic Day With Your Family
Road trip. Movie night. Backyard BBQ. Do something that lets you close this chapter with laughter (and probably burgers).
17. Clean Your Room (Kind Of)
You’ll come back to it at Thanksgiving — might as well not have it look like a crime scene.
18. Practice Introducing Yourself (Without Cringing)
“Hi, I’m ___ from ___ and I’m majoring in ___.” Do it in the mirror. Do it confidently. You’ll say it 70 times in the first week.
19. Make Peace With the Unknown
You won’t have it all figured out. No one does. That’s the point. Embrace it.
20. Order Stuff Early
Dorm gear sells out by August. Grab the important stuff now. Like mattress toppers, power strips, and shower shoes.
21. Learn Basic Budgeting
College = money disappears fast. Download a budgeting app or spreadsheet and practice saying “no” to $8 lattes. (Or just learn to Venmo responsibly.)
22. Choose Your Move-In Day Outfit Wisely
It will be sweaty, chaotic, and photographed. Dress accordingly. Bonus: pack deodorant and water bottles.
23. Get Excited
You’re about to do something big, scary, and life-changing. That’s worth celebrating.
24. Breathe
Slow down. This is your last summer of “home.” Enjoy the messiness of it.
25. Bookmark Dorm-Dwellers.com
For real. We’re here with tips, packing lists, awkward truths, and Amazon affiliate links to save you from dorm disasters.
🎓 Ready or not — your next chapter is coming. Make this summer count.