10 Things Every Graduating Senior Should Do Before Heading Off to College!

You’ve submitted your deposit and are ready to head off to college – now what???

Thousands of high school seniors around the country have just made one of the biggest decisions of their lives so far – where to go to college. Deposits have been submitted and they are riding high on graduation and culminating senior year activities.  But what happens after graduation? Are they ready to hit the ground running and make the most of their college experience? 

HERE ARE MY TOP 10 SUMMER MUST-DO’S FOR GRADUATING SENIORS BEFORE THEY HEAD OFF TO COLLEGE:

1. Summer Orientation Programs for Admitted Students

Make sure you are signed up for on-campus summer orientation programs. Many colleges bring their rising freshmen on campus over the summer to guide them through an orientation process that includes registration for your first semester classes.  Don’t miss this experience! Try to sign up for one of the earlier sessions (if available) to gain access to course registration before classes begin to fill up.

2. Structure Your Summer

Whether you are spending your time as a lifeguard at the pool, taking a class, or working in an internship, make sure you have a plan for how you are going to use this summer to continue to learn, grow, or make a little money.

3. Four-Year Bucket List

Four years may seem like a long time, but they will fly by! What is it that motivated you to select this college? What special programs or opportunities excite you? Is there a unique class that is only offered at your college that you absolutely must take? Do you want to participate in study abroad? Is there a specific professor you want to learn from?  Do your research now and put together your bucket list of the major experiences you want to participate in during college so you don’t let an amazing opportunity pass you by.

4. Clubs and Activities

Becoming involved in a student organization is one of the best ways to transition to college and make new friends.  Research clubs, intramural sports, or anything else on campus that you may want to get involved with, and then learn how to sign up!

5. College Major Research

How certain are you about your declared college major? Take some time and look at the required coursework for your intended major.  Undecided? Start looking at what majors are offered at your college to begin finding the right fit for you.

6. Budget Discussion

Aside from the upfront college costs of courses, books, room, and board, how will you pay for other expenses as they arise? Have a family discussion now about who will pay and how much for expenses including entertainment, travel, student activities, and more.

7. When do you plan to return home? Have family visit?

Are you planning on coming home every weekend or just for the major holidays? Have a family discussion now (with the understanding that things might change) about how often you plan to come home and how often you can expect family to visit.

8. Expectations and rules when you are home

After living independently on campus and having the ability to set your own schedule, it can be hard to return home to rules and curfews that were in place when you left.  Talk to your parents about your hopes and understand that you may have to return to curfews and courtesy check-ins when you are back at home for school breaks and holidays.

9. Dorm room shopping

Get ready for your new home away from home! Have fun putting together your new room.  Check-in with your college to see what will be available in your room, what is necessary, and what added special items you may or may not want.  Don’t forget to check in with your soon-to-be roommate – you don’t want to end up with 2 mini-fridges in your dorm!

10. Reflect

If journaling is not part of your current routine, now is a great time to start! Take some time to reflect on your high school experience and daydream about your future. What classes and activities were the most meaningful to you in high school? Are there things you wished you would have participated in but didn’t have the time? What are your hopes for college? What does an ideal college experience look like to you? Taking a little time to reflect can help you gain a greater sense of self-awareness around your goals for the future.

NOW, HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! ENJOY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS YOU PREPARE TO TAKE THE LEAP TO COLLEGE!