1 answer
Isabella
Student
Spring Hill, Tennessee
2
Questions
Asked
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What can I do now as a high school student to best prepare myself for my collegiate journey?
I am currently a high school senior preparing to attend college in the fall, and I want to be as prepared as possible for my collegiate journey. Thanks!
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1 answer
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
83
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Isabella, and congratulations on starting an exciting phase of your life! I suspect that your college may have a checklist; if so, I encourage you to start there. Based on the experience of myself and my children, here is my list:
- Attend events for admitted students (on campus may have happened already) because you could meet other first years and pick up tips from existing students, plus you could get/firm up ideas about where you want to live. Join one of the school's social media group for the same reason.
- Get clear on how housing (including roommate selection) and dining plans work. Once you have a roommate(s) , begin dividing up potential common expenses, such a mini-fridge. If you agree on color scheme, you could shop sales at home during the summer.
- Understand when you will sign up for courses. If it is before you get on campus, give yourself time to understand graduation requirements, required courses, and pass/fail policies. Give yourself at least one semester to adjust before taking a heavy course load.
- Some schools have pre-reads or health-related courses for freshmen. Complete them before you get to school so you can focus on adjustment.
- If you don't already do your own laundry, do at least a few loads at home so you will be familiar before you are on your own. The machines will likely be different but you will be fine. Check if you will need quarters; if so, bring a roll with you.
- Many schools require that a physical be completed within a certain time of coming to campus. If you have prescriptions, bring at least one month's worth with you, and make sure refills are available either by mail order or from a pharmacy near campus.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
- Attend events for admitted students (on campus may have happened already) because you could meet other first years and pick up tips from existing students, plus you could get/firm up ideas about where you want to live. Join one of the school's social media group for the same reason.
- Get clear on how housing (including roommate selection) and dining plans work. Once you have a roommate(s) , begin dividing up potential common expenses, such a mini-fridge. If you agree on color scheme, you could shop sales at home during the summer.
- Understand when you will sign up for courses. If it is before you get on campus, give yourself time to understand graduation requirements, required courses, and pass/fail policies. Give yourself at least one semester to adjust before taking a heavy course load.
- Some schools have pre-reads or health-related courses for freshmen. Complete them before you get to school so you can focus on adjustment.
- If you don't already do your own laundry, do at least a few loads at home so you will be familiar before you are on your own. The machines will likely be different but you will be fine. Check if you will need quarters; if so, bring a roll with you.
- Many schools require that a physical be completed within a certain time of coming to campus. If you have prescriptions, bring at least one month's worth with you, and make sure refills are available either by mail order or from a pharmacy near campus.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Isabella