We know it’s not nice to be the one reminding you about what you must do the summer before college when you’re probably thinking about that well-deserved road trip with your friends. However, we want to make sure you’re prepared for your college life! While your summer should mostly be about catching up with friends, spending time with family, and thinking about all the exciting things your college journey has in store for you, you shouldn’t forget a few important things that need to be checked before you unleash the summer fun. Don’t worry, no additional tests and extracurricular activities are required! Here are the five things you should do the summer before college:
1. Get your finances in order
A college education is expensive, and many school students rely on financial aid to attend the college of their dreams. If you’re a freshman relying on financial aid, make sure your application has been accepted and you have followed all the necessary steps to be considered eligible for aid. Morzep college coaches can help you prepare the required documents and provide advice for a flawless application. However, beyond financial aid, you also need to consider the additional expenses incurred by your college experience and prepare your budget for college.
You should open a savings account and, if necessary, apply for a credit card, to begin to build your credit score, but avoid overspending as much as possible because the interest rates are usually high and can drag you into debt. The summer before college is the best time to get a job and increase your income to help you make it through the freshman year without having to worry about money. You can get a part-time job or a job with a flexible schedule, so you don’t have to cancel your trips and fun activities with your friends.
2. Review the academic content
If you want to feel academically prepared for your first year of college, review your high school content and work on improving any skills you think would benefit from extra attention. You don’t need to go back to your first-year classes but do include on your list content from your senior year, especially Math, English, Science, and anything else you find useful for your first year of college. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, you can always contact professors or alumni from your college and ask them for the syllabus early. This way, you can be one step ahead of everyone else when the fall classes start.
Now, some colleges assign a summer reading list, and you will benefit greatly if you take the assignment seriously and include the recommended books on your to-do list. Each college has its own recommendations, so make sure you check with them to be prepared when you’re going to attend your class alongside other college students. Check your email for college announcements and notifications, and try to be up to date with all their requirements.
3. Learn more about your college
Almost all colleges have applications and social media accounts to connect with students and parents and provide access to information about their classes, programs, clubs, and activities. Join your college’s Facebook group, follow on-campus organizations on Instagram, check out the college’s website, and even monitor the college parent newsletter. Also, you might want to clean up your own social media accounts and delete any posts that may expose you to possible uncomfortable discussions.
Familiarize yourself with the vision, mission, and culture of your college to avoid feeling lonely and disconnected when you first arrive. Research the available clubs and activities that you can join and study their fellowship programs or other awesome opportunities they offer to hard-working and dedicated students like yourself. Don’t forget to learn about their matriculation processes and make it your mission to always be informed about their latest announcements.
4. Register for orientation
Orientation plays an important part in the college experience of any freshman. It is your chance to meet college professors and staff, as well as your possible future college friends. Some colleges will automatically sign-up freshmen for orientation, while others allow them to register on their own if they are interested. Even if sign-ups are not mandatory, we recommend you always attend orientation. You’ll find it easy to access the college’s orientation events and schedules if you are already connected to their website and follow their online groups.
Orientation allows you to get to know the campus, register for classes, meet academic advisers, interact with college leaders and student counselors, and even check out your college clothing. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to clarify any potential credit transfer and transcript issues you may have and make sure your financial aid application is in order and everything is up to date. Orientation is also a wonderful occasion to meet with fellow students and their families, discover the campus clubs and organizations, check out the campus bookstore for discounts, and explore the community of your college town.
5. Know your roommate and pack for college
Dorm life can be a wonderful experience if you are lucky enough to share your room with someone who shares the same values and sees the world the same way you do. Now, there are no guarantees your roommate will become your best friend for life, but it doesn’t hurt to get to know them before having to share your personal space with them. You can check out their social media accounts and send them a friend request or talk on the phone. Getting to know your roommate allows you to get a better sense of who they are and what to expect from your dorm life.
Moreover, once you establish a connection, you can coordinate over furnishings and everything else you may need for a comfortable stay and fun experience. The summer before college is the best time to make a list of everything you need for your dorm life. Add items like school supplies, toiletries, and household products. Before starting your shopping spree, check with the college to see what facilities they provide and what is expected for you to buy. Discuss these aspects with your roommate and plan together. Don’t forget to check out your college recommendations regarding things you are and aren’t allowed to have in your dorm room.
