10 Things to Do the Summer Before College

1. Plan your classes

Choose classes wisely. Use websites like ratemyprofessor.com to choose teachers that you will like, and classes that will be a level of difficulty you are comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to call a university advisor and ask for help - that is what they are there for!

2. Meet or at least contact your roommates

If you don’t already know your roommates, find a way to meet them or contact them. Shopping for college is SO much easier if you already know what items your roommates have and what things you will be sharing with them. Making sure you don’t have multiples of things saves you money and space when you pack!

3. Get those student discounts!

Just because you have a tighter college-student budget, doesn’t mean you can’t shop at the places you love. Amazon Prime has a student discount, and many clothing stores offer student discounts! Student discounts may be found at your local gym or rec center, museums, and parks. Most of these accounts simply require having a university email address or showing your student ID.

4. Make a packing list

The day you move to college will come faster than you think, and if this is your first time leaving home, making a list will definitely help!

5. Spend time with high school friends

If you just graduated and are moving away for school, make sure to make some last memories with your friends going to different schools! It is natural for some of these friendships to fade away with time, but others will last forever, and making memories will be so valuable!

6. Research school clubs

Get ready to get involved! Whether you try something new, or find a club that is right up your alley, find ways you can jump right in to your college experience and meet new people.

7. Work

By this point, you’ve probably noticed how expensive college can be. Getting a job the summer before going to college is a great way to save some extra money and gain job experience!

8. Make a budget

One more time for the people in the back: COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE! Practice budgeting for the school year and make a plan that will help you manage your finances efficiently.

9. Practice using a planner and having a schedule

College is such a weird combination of new freedom, and the search for self-control and organization. Yes, you decide when you can buy groceries, do laundry, go shopping, etc. However, classes are scheduled, and for the most part, you are expected to be there. Practice various techniques like using a paper planner, or perhaps Google Calendar to see what best fits your needs.

10. Relax!

Enjoy this time! College is crazy fun, but it can also be crazy busy, crazy hard, and crazy stressful. Take advantage of the free time you have before going to school.