Summer is almost in full swing, so you know what that means: BBQs, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the time before you start college. It’s a special time in your life and before you know it, you’ll be headed off to college. The question is, are you ready for the first day? As exciting as starting your first year of college is, you need to prepare in advance. Below are four things you need to do before your first day of classes.
Have Your Finances in Order
As a freshman, you might not have a lot of money stashed away. In fact, even if you’ve been working a part-time job, emergencies happen when you least expect them. From having to replace lost textbooks to needing additional supplies, you need a way to pay for it. You could use the money you’ve been saving, or you could think about applying for a student credit card. Technically, a student card functions like any other credit card. However, being a student gives you access to different perks and possibly better interest rates, it all depends on the card issuer. If you’ve never had a credit card before, it’s definitely a good idea to review a guide on student credit cards to learn how they work, the different types of cards available and the criteria to apply.
Research Your Courses
Choosing your courses is one of the best things about starting school. In addition to choosing your major and the required courses, you also get to choose electives you’re interested in. Look for those that align with your goals, are required to complete your program, and are something you want to take. Keep in mind that every class you want to take might not be available each semester. If the one you want isn’t being offered, ask to be waitlisted for the following term.
Hold a Meet and Greet with Your Advisor and Roommates
If you’re going to live on campus, try to arrange a meet and greet with your advisor and roommate. Since most freshmen arrive a couple weeks before school starts, it’s the perfect time to get to know who your roomie will be and determine whether they are a match or not. It’s also the best time to connect with your advisor and talk to them about your goals and possible concerns. This will give you time to get acclimated to your new surroundings without feeling like you don’t have time to adjust.
Set Up Your Dorm Room
There are so many pros and cons of living on campus, one con being that dorm rooms are pretty small, so it’s important to make the most of the space. If possible, check out the space before you move your things in. Be sure to bring a tape measure to ensure that your belongings will fit. You should also consider adding a small fridge, so you don’t have to schlep to the cafeteria when you need a snack. Be mindful that your roommate will also have their own things, so it’s important to only bring things that you know will fit in the room while giving your roomie space as well. You should also consider what clothes you’re going to bring with you.
