By Rosalie Anthony

Congratulations! You have chosen and committed to a college. Are you prepared? Through my own experiences, I have learned a few tips and tricks that can help you make the most of your summer before starting college.

Join Online Communities Joining online communities before starting college can be a great way to connect with fellow students and faculty. This may be through the school or organized informally by your fellow classmates. For example:

• Roommate Finder to find a compatible roommate.

• Class Page to find other people in your class or specific program of study.

• Parent Pages for your parents to find other parents whose students are going to college at your school. 

• Buy/Sell Page: A lot of students will sell their textbooks/dorm items at bargain prices.

• Any other kind of organization aimed for freshmen that has something to do with orientation and/or move-in.

Sometimes you will find these groups on your own or people from your school will start reaching out to you through your email, personal and new school email, so start checking both! Utilize your school’s social media for direction to other online communities, too.

Look Into Major Requirements Before starting college, it is important to research and understand your major requirements to avoid scheduling issues later on. Most schools will have a class registration day, orientation, or time for you to meet with your advisor to make your schedule.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the courses you will take each semester, including your general education electives. When it comes to general education electives, they may not all be offered at the same time or every semester. Research that and if there are certain professors that are harder than others by speaking with upperclassmen or visiting RateMyProfessors.com.

Contact Roommates Summer before move-in is a great time to get to know your roommates via email or phone number provided by the university. Send a quick message to introduce yourself. Some universities may have an online platform or app that allows you to connect with roommates and other students before move-in day.

Discuss things like sleeping habits, cleanliness, study schedules, and any potential conflicts that may arise during the semester. This can help create a positive living environment and prevent misunderstandings.

Attend New Student Orientation Orientation is typically designed to give you a comprehensive overview of your college experience. You will have the chance to become familiar with the campus layout and important landmarks, such as the library, student center, and dorms. 

In addition, orientation is an opportunity to learn about the various resources your college offers. You may receive free college merchandise and a new student ID, as well as have the opportunity to schedule your classes for the upcoming semester. 

Pack Your Bags Consider the specific requirements of your living situation. For instance, if you will be staying in a dorm, you might need XL twin sheets instead of regular twin sheets. Investing in a quality mattress pad is also a wise choice. By planning ahead, you will be able to move in with ease and start enjoying your new living space.

Visit Your Doctor 

College life can be stressful, which can lower your immune system. Ask yourself a few key questions:

• Will your doctor still see you if you are out of state?

• Does your insurance cover you if you need to see a doctor while away at college?

• What resources are available at your school’s health center?

• Does your school have a psychology clinic to offer therapy? If not, how else does your school support students’ mental health?

• In the event of a physical injury, what would be your plan, and how accessible and accommodating is your campus?

It is also a good idea to visit your primary care doctor, dentist, and any other specialists before you start school to ensure that you are in good health. 

Gather Identifying Documents Some of the key documents that you will need to have on hand include your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card. These documents will be required by potential employers, as well as by many of the agencies and organizations that you will be dealing with during your time in college.

Keep them organized and in a safe place. Consider making digital copies to store securely online, so that you can access them from anywhere and in case the physical documents are lost or damaged.

Conclusion Preparing for your freshman year of college can be daunting, but advanced planning can help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth transition. College is a time of exploration, self-discovery, and growth, and with the right preparation and mindset, you can make the most of this transformative experience. 

Rosalie Anthony authored this piece as a student attending Point Park University earning her Dance-B.F.A degree. It is reprinted with permission from Niche.com.