June Check-In: A Survival Guide for Prospective College Students
Hey there, future college students! The sun is shining, the days are long, and you’re standing on the brink of one of the most exciting adventures of your life. That’s right, college is just around the corner! But before you dive into the endless abyss of dorm decor Pinterest boards and binge-watch Netflix for the remainder of your free summer days, let’s talk about what you should be tackling this June to set yourself up for success. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Nail Down Your Housing Situation
First things first – where are you going to live? If you haven’t sorted out your housing yet, now’s the time. Whether you’re heading into a dorm, an off-campus apartment, or living at home, you need to make sure you have a roof over your head come August.
- Dorm Life: Confirm your housing assignment and get to know your roommate(s). Don’t be that person who waits until move-in day to introduce yourself. Reach out now and start building a rapport. Plus, you can coordinate who’s bringing what to avoid duplicate mini-fridges and microwaves.
- Off-Campus Living: If you’re renting, ensure your lease is squared away and start thinking about the logistics of moving in. Do you need a moving truck? What’s the furniture situation? Get those ducks in a row now, and thank yourself later.
2. Create (and Stick to) a Budget
Let’s talk money. College is expensive – there’s no sugar-coating it. From tuition and books to late-night pizza runs, the costs can add up quickly. Sit down and create a budget to keep your finances in check. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
- Tuition and Fees: Make sure your tuition and fees are paid or have a payment plan set up. Check your school’s deadlines to avoid late fees.
- Books and Supplies: Look into the cost of your textbooks and start hunting for deals. Used books, rentals, and e-books can save you a ton.
- Living Expenses: Factor in rent, utilities, groceries, and other living expenses. Don’t forget about personal care items and a little fun money.
3. Register for Classes
If you haven’t already, it’s time to register for classes. Don’t procrastinate on this one – popular classes fill up fast.
- Advising: Meet with your academic advisor to ensure you’re on track and picking the right classes for your major. They can help you avoid any scheduling mishaps.
- Schedule: Aim for a balanced schedule. Don’t overload yourself with back-to-back classes five days a week. Leave some breathing room for studying, part-time work, and, you know, having a life.
4. Complete Required Paperwork
Ah, paperwork – everyone’s favorite part of adulting. Colleges require a ton of forms and documents. Make sure you’re up to date with all the necessary submissions.
- Health Forms: Most colleges require immunization records and health forms. Get these submitted to avoid any hold-ups with registration or moving in.
- Financial Aid: Ensure your FAFSA is complete and all financial aid forms are submitted. Follow up on any scholarships you’ve applied for and confirm their status.
- Orientation: Sign up for orientation if you haven’t already. It’s a great way to meet new friends, get to know the campus, and learn the ropes.
5. Shopping and Packing
Now for the fun part – shopping and packing! Start thinking about what you need to bring to college. Don’t wait until the last minute and end up throwing random stuff into boxes.
- Dorm Essentials: Make a checklist of dorm essentials. Bedding, towels, shower caddy, laundry basket – you get the idea. Pro tip: check with your college for a list of recommended items and things that are not allowed.
- Tech Gear: Don’t forget your tech essentials. Laptop, chargers, headphones, and any other gadgets you rely on. A power strip is a lifesaver in dorm rooms with limited outlets.
- Personal Touches: Decorate your space to make it feel like home. Photos, posters, fairy lights – get creative!
6. Get to Know Your Campus
If possible, take a trip to your future campus. Familiarize yourself with the layout, find your classes, and scope out the best study spots and coffee shops.
- Campus Tour: Even if you’ve already taken a tour, it’s worth another visit. Things look different when you know you’re going to be living there.
- Map It Out: Get a campus map and mark important locations – dorms, classrooms, dining halls, library, gym. Knowing where things are will save you stress on the first day.
7. Connect with Future Classmates
Social media is your friend! Join Facebook groups, follow your college’s Instagram, and connect with future classmates. Building a network before you arrive can make the transition smoother.
- Group Chats: Join group chats for your dorm, major, or incoming class. It’s a great way to meet people and get advice from upperclassmen.
- Reach Out: Don’t be shy! Send a message to that person you met during orientation or in the Facebook group. Everyone’s in the same boat, and making connections now can lead to lasting friendships.
8. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
College is a big transition, and it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Take care of your mental and emotional health during this time.
- Self-Care: Practice self-care and stress-relief techniques. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or binge-watching your favorite show, make sure you’re taking time for yourself.
- Talk It Out: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor about any concerns you have. It’s okay to feel nervous, and sometimes a good chat can help ease those worries.
9. Brush Up on Life Skills
Let’s be real – you’re about to be on your own, and you need to know how to adult. Spend some time this month brushing up on essential life skills.
- Cooking: Learn a few basic recipes. Ramen and cereal are great, but knowing how to cook a decent meal is a game-changer.
- Laundry: If you don’t already know how, learn to do your own laundry. It’s not rocket science, but you don’t want to be the one who turns all their clothes pink.
- Budgeting: Practice managing your money. Start tracking your spending now so you’re not surprised by how quickly it adds up.
10. Have Fun!
Finally, remember to enjoy your summer! You’re about to embark on an incredible journey, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun before it starts.
- Bucket List: Make a summer bucket list and tick off some fun activities. Go to the beach, have a picnic, hang out with friends – make the most of your free time.
- Relax: Take some time to relax and recharge. College will be busy, so enjoy these slower days while you can.
Conclusion
There you have it, future collegians – your June checklist for conquering the summer before college. From nailing down your housing to brushing up on life skills, these tips will help you hit the ground running when you arrive on campus. So, get organized, stay on top of things, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way. Here’s to an amazing college journey ahead – you’ve got this!
And don’t forget to check out our list of Dorm Room Essentials!
