Going off to college is an amazing step in a young adult’s life. You may be moving away from your parents and finding a place near campus. Your schedule is likely becoming packed with assignments, responsibilities and social events. Getting ready for such a huge change in your life can seem like an impossible task. Prepare for a successful first semester with this essential checklist.
Explore campus
Take a trip to your college before the official start of classes. You may have already toured the area when first considering the college, but now is the time to find your classes and essential landmarks. Explore every building so you can begin to plot your course through an average day. Find the easiest way to get to parking, the cafeteria and back to your dorm if you’re living on campus. Exploring before the start of the semester will minimize the number of students on campus. You won’t be as anxious on your first day as other new students when the halls are noisy and overwhelming.
Get a bus or parking pass
If you’re commuting, buy a parking pass as early as possible. Many colleges struggle to provide every student a parking spot, leaving the unlucky ones to find street spots or commute via bus. Be aware that some passes won’t guarantee you a spot, especially during peak times. If you’re living on campus, purchase a monthly or yearly bus pass. This will give you the ability to commute around the city for groceries and errands. You may even need it to get quickly from one side of campus to your class several blocks away.
Decorate your new dorm
Moving away from your parents can be emotionally and physically challenging. You’re no longer in constant contact with your support system, and you’re learning how to live independently for the first time. Your dorm or apartment needs to be decorated and outfitted with new appliances and personal touches. Give yourself the professional space you need to succeed. Stock your desk with writing utensils, notebooks and even a custom stationery that will help you stand out from the rest of your classmates. Strive to act like the professional you’re one day going to be.
Buy or rent textbooks
Acquiring textbooks will be a costly hassle every semester of your academic career. Luckily, you have many options when determining where to find them. You can go through your campus bookstore, which may have them at full price. You can also find discounted options online that may be pre-owned or slightly outdated. Ask your older friends or seniors in your dorm if they have any old textbooks they don’t mind giving away. Don’t forget to check the library and online free archives.
Schedule a routine
Once you have your class schedule, determine your goals for the semester. Plan out how much time you want to spend studying each week. If you have a job, add that to your planner to get an idea of your overall routine. You don’t want to plan constant work for every second of the day. Give yourself plenty of free time in the beginning until you adjust to the new workload. It’s important to avoid overextending yourself to the point of burnout. Easing into your new responsibilities while respecting your limits will improve your overall college experience.
Research campus clubs and activities
You don’t have to decide your major to explore different clubs and groups on campus. Follow your interests and sign up for groups that seem interesting and fun. Taking your time to explore what you want to pursue will minimize your regrets and unnecessary classes. Even if you’re not interested in professional clubs, you can consider the wide range of recreational options. Make your college career as fulfilling as possible by expanding your knowledge base and making memories. Clubs and groups are also an effective way to make contacts that could benefit you professionally in the future.
Conclusion
Prepare yourself for college by planning out a schedule and exploring campus. College is a great experience that helps you grow as a person and professionally. By maximizing your time, you’ll reap the most benefits during your undergraduate career.
