Resources for Rising College Freshmen
Here Are Some Resources to Help You Prepare For Your Freshman Year of College This Summer
Summer is in full swing, and while rising high school seniors are turning their focus toward the college application process, those who have already graduated are preparing for their first year in college. There’s a lot that rising college freshmen can do this summer to prepare for their first year on campus.
It’s important for college bound students to spend their summer productively, and this still applies to students who are already accepted to college. From orientation to packing and meeting your future classmates, the summer is a crucial time to kick off the transition into college life. Here are some resources for rising college freshmen to help them prepare for their first year on campus.
Have Fun This Summer
This is your last summer at home before heading off to college, so enjoy it! Spend some time with your friends and family. Continue to pursue your interests through your regular activities, but also explore some new interests if you have time. If you have a summer job or internship make the most of your experience and save your money to use for the school year. Start by prioritizing your summer plans and goals, and make time for everything you’d like to do this summer before starting college in the fall.
Start Packing
Perhaps one of the most exciting, and stressful, things that rising college freshmen will do this summer is start packing for freshman year on campus. While some college dorms are spacious and luxurious, chances are you’ll be sharing a small room with one or more people your freshman year of college. Start planning what you’ll need to pack and begin collecting all your dorm essentials so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute – and left with a slim selection after everyone else has already done their back to school shopping.
Get Ready For Roommate Life
For many students who are living on campus this will be the first time they are sharing their room with someone else. The freshman dorm experience can be a huge adjustment, so spend some time this summer mentally preparing for this new lifestyle. Many students are able to connect with their roommates over the summer, so get to know your dormmates and work together to make sure you set some ground rules and parameters to have a successful roommate experience. Coordinate who is going to bring communal dorm accessories and appliances – like mini fridges, microwaves, TV, etc. – and get to know each other so that you can quickly fall into a familiar routine once you get on campus.
- What to Expect Your First Year Living in a College Dorm
- 5 Ways High School Prepares You for College Life
Plan Your First Semester
Many colleges hold freshmen orientation over the summer, where incoming students are able to meet their classmates, select their courses, and become more familiar with the campus before arriving in the fall. Other colleges might hold orientation the first week before classes, so make sure you have a good idea of when orientation/welcome weekends will be held and how it will impact your summer plans. One you know your classes and course schedule, take time to plan out your daily schedule. What time do you need to be awake every day? How long will it take to get from your dorm to class? Is there a dining hall near by to grab breakfast or lunch in between classes? When will you go to the gym or spend time at the library? Take time this summer to consider your schedule and what you need to do in order to have a smooth transition into college life.
- College Freshmen: What to Do Your First Few Days On Campus
- Tips For A Successful Freshman Year of College
- Best Online and On-Campus Resources for College Students
The summer before your freshman year of college is exciting – and sometimes intimidating. By going into the summer with a plan to care of some of the easier college transition tasks, you’ll go into the fall prepared, relaxed, and ready to have a successful first semester of college!
