Starting College: Resources for New Students
IvyWise On-Demand: How to Have an Intentional College Experience and Achieve Your Goals
Join IvyWise Academic Advisor Carolyn and Medical School Admissions Counselor Sarika as they discuss how to approach your college experience intentionally and strategically to graduate on time.
Summer is almost here, and college-bound seniors will soon start preparing for their first year on campus. While it’s tempting to just enjoy the lazy days of summer — especially if you have been accepted to college — it’s still important to spend your summer productively. Fall term will be here before you know it, so it’s good to be prepared.
From orientation to packing and meeting your future classmates, the summer is a crucial time to kick off the transition into college life. These resources can help you have a productive summer and prepare for your 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 — maybe you want to learn a new language or take up guitar lessons.
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. And don’t forget to read! You’ll be reading more than ever in college, so it’s important to continue building your literacy skills.
Start Packing
Perhaps one of the most exciting, and stressful, things that you will do this summer is start packing for your first 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 first 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 dorm experience can be a huge adjustment, so spend some time this summer mentally preparing for this new lifestyle. Many students can connect with their roommates over the summer, so get to know your dormmates and work together to set ground rules and parameters. 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
- College Move-In Etiquette
- 5 Ways High School Prepares You for College Life
Plan Your First Semester
Many colleges hold new student orientation over the summer, where you can meet your classmates, select your 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 and welcome weekends will be held and how they 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 nearby 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 to have a smooth transition into college life.
- Tips for the College Transition
- How to Prepare for College-Level Academia and Homesickness Before Going Off to College
- Preparing for Your First Year of College
The summer before your first 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!
If you need continued support and guidance as you begin your college journey, IvyWise can help. Our academic advisors help college students with course selection, choosing a major, and staying on track to graduate on time. Schedule an Initial Consultation today to learn how we can help you thrive and succeed in college.
