A Pre-First Year of College Summer Bucket List
Summer can be an exciting (and anxious) time for all future first-year college students. In June it will seem like the start of school is far away but trust me, the time flies. Before you know it, you will be sitting in your first college class. The summer is actually a critical time to get prepared and help you to have a smooth transition. A successful transition into college creates a foundation for academic success. In this post, I will explain the essential to-do items all future first-years should complete in their summer before they start.
1. Create Your Technology Accounts and Logins for all Platforms
In college, you will have to make a lot of accounts. Some of these accounts include email, databases, and course websites. Not only should you create your login for each platform your institution uses (along with a strong password), but you should also take some time to explore these pages as you will likely use them on a daily or weekly basis. Being able to navigate your college’s technology resources will only make things easier when you begin classes. If you are having any trouble, search for IT services at your school because they are the most trained individuals, or reach out to your Academic Advisor or Resident Assistant because at the very least they can point you to the right individuals that can assist you.
Then, make sure you are checking your email account at least one time per week throughout the summer. Email is by far the most important technology in college as it is the primary method of communication for universities. For instance, you will be notified about emergency closings, housing registration, last-minute class cancellations from faculty, making the Dean’s List, necessary medical forms, and important university deadlines/policies (look out for a post with a list of these in the future).
Checking your email regularly can ensure you have not missed any important information. When the school year starts, your professors and other university employees will expect you to be checking your email regularly.
2. Clothing Inventory
My suggestion is to use some time in the summer to take a mental (or written) inventory of your clothing. Make sure you have enough of each item to last between when you will do your laundry, and then add a few extra articles of clothing on top of that just in case you don’t get the opportunity to do laundry.
In my opinion, every single student should have a rain jacket, umbrella, sneakers for working out, and options for additional layers, like a sweatshirt.
Pro Tip: From personal experience working on multiple college campuses, when it is hot outside many classrooms are very cold and when it is cold outside classrooms are overheated. Without the proper attire you will be uncomfortable in class, making it harder for you to pay attention and focus on the material you need to know to do well. So, wearing layers is important to being successful.
For instance, if you are from California and you are going to college in Western Massachusetts, you will need to buy winter-appropriate clothing (jacket, boots, hat, gloves, etc.). This may mean that you need to make a few shopping trips or online searches to purchase what is missing from your closet.
Also, use the summer to get some university-branded swag items - most universities have an on-campus store filled with everything you could need. I personally think a t-shirt and sweatshirt are a good starting place because you may be given free T-shirts at events that take place during the first few weeks, so I would be conservative about purchasing any college-themed apparel at first.
3. If you are living on Campus….
….With a roommate or suitemate, connect with them! Although it may sound awesome, accidentally having two microwaves and two TVs in a small traditional 2-person dorm room is not ideal. Use your time before you start college as an opportunity to decide who will bring these larger/sharable items (e.g., TV, carpet, coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, futon). You may also want to meet your roommate in person or via video conference call, to get to know one another before you are thrown into a room together.
….Determine move-in dates. Regarding move-in, universities have different policies. You may need to sign up for a move-in date or you may need to arrive in a certain time slot by name or dorm location. Make sure to check your email regularly for this vital information. Most colleges list move-in date information on the housing or residential life website.
4. Sign up for Orientation
One of the most important action items you can do over the summer is to sign up for an orientation session. Orientation is critical to ensuring a smooth transition into college as it is where you will register for courses, familiarize yourself with the campus, and have an opportunity to meet other incoming students. Additionally, you may have an opportunity to meet with your assigned Academic Advisor and learn important information in order to be ready for your first day of class.
5. Review a Campus Map
Figure out where to park, your dorm, closest dining hall (or spot to get food), and if you already registered look for your class buildings. Having a sense of building locations can decrease any anxiety you may experience when starting college. A comprehensive list of important locations is going to be posted soon.
6. Stock up on School Supplies
Before you start college, it is essential you have all the supplies you need to set yourself up for success. Consider purchasing a laptop, printer, as well as things like a backpack, binders, pens, and folders. Although many of these items will be available at the campus bookstore, they are probably going to be more expensive and potentially in limited supply as most students will also be purchasing those same supplies.
7. Review Potential Majors (and Minors)
If you are set or unsure of your major, use the summer to explore the majors offered at your institution. Even if you already had one in mind when applying, doing some exploration may sway you towards a different path. If you are looking for more information about selecting a major, make sure to check out my previous post on strategically planning your courses to ensure you graduate on time.
8. Start Your Search for an On-Campus or Local Job
A job while you are in college can be a great source of work experience as well as a convenient source of income for you to have. Because many jobs that hire current students will fill quickly, it is imperative, if you want to have a job while you are in college, to start your search for a part-time job that is close to campus (or on-campus) as soon as possible. This way you will have access to more roles and hopefully, you will end up with the ability to choose your job versus being forced to take the only available role.
9. Spend Time with Your Family and Friends from Home
Once classes start and the semester begins to get busier, it will become increasingly difficult to make quality time to speak to your family and friends. This is why I highly suggest that you dedicate some of your time this summer towards being social with your family and make some lasting memories before you are thrusted into one of the most transformative experiences in your life.
Pro Tip: Take pictures so you can either print them out to have in your room on campus or you can scroll through your phone to remember these fun pre-college moments.
Image Credit: 11066063 via Pixabay.