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The day that some of you have panicked or been excited about for months is now near. College, pursuing a higher education can be a task filled with many highs and lows and if not fully prepared for those hurdles, college can leave you feeling very lost and overwhelmed. To avoid any pre-college or during-college stress you may accumulate, I have compiled a checklist of all the things you need to do before college.
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1. Clean Out Your Closet
Your closet over the years has probably reached its maximum capacity. Cleaning your closet ahead of time makes you less stressed when you're packing for school because you're working in a clean space and it allows you to look through all of your clothes and decide which ones you want to take to school with you and which ones you're going to donate.
You want to make sure you have enough clothes for school, but too many clothes can often feel crowded, and with how small college dorms are nowadays, you may not even have enough space for all the clothes in your room. Packing your favorite sweaters, pants, shirts, etc. and ones that you know you will wear often will always be your best bet, and if you haven't worn an outfit in at least 6 months and it's still in your closet, then that probably means that it is time for it to go.
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2. Complete All Forms
Like financial aid, medical forms, registration applications, etc. It is better to fill it out now and send all that information sooner rather than later, just so that if your school requests any additional information or if there are any complications, you have more time to fix them before your first day.
3. Save Money
With all the textbooks, school supplies, and dorm supplies you may need next fall, that can add up to a pretty hefty price, which is why it is better to start saving now and get all your finances in order so that it is one less thing to worry about later. I know that companies like Sofi (a personal finance company) offer high-yield savings accounts with a 4.5 APY and no account fees or minimums.
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4. Get a Job
Having previous work experience will prepare you better for this next stage in your life. If you get a job in an industry that you want to work in after college, then that would be great work experience you can add to your resume, and if that is not the case for you, getting a job can still help you save up money for all your future expenses. A job will give you something to do and can provide you with experience that can help you throughout your future career.
5. Search Pinterest for Drom Decorating Ideas
If you still haven't decided what you want your dorm room to look like or if you don't know what essentials you need for college yet, then Pinterest is a great place that can provide you with inspiration and helpful tips.
6. Create a College Packing Lists and Start Buying Stuff
Packing for college can be more work than you think and getting ahead of your long to-do lists and all the stuff you need to bring can save you such a big headache in the long run.
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7. Spend Time With Your Family/Friends
As you transition into college you tend to become more busy and you will probably miss your friends and family more often than you think. Treasure the more free time you have with them now. Trust me, you'll regret it later if you don't.
8. Learn Important Life Skills ( such as laundry, cooking, etc.)
You are on your own for a lot of aspects of college and those life skills like cleaning and knowing how to do your own laundry will help you throughout your entire life. So you might as well get started on learning those skills now. Try asking your parents or friends for help on the best way to do those things.
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9. Register For Classes
The earlier you register your schedule, the more likely you'll get the classes you want and you won't have to worry about the courses you need to graduate filling up too fast.
10. Set Up a LinkedIn Account
Having a LinkedIn account can help prepare you for your future life, you will be able to connect with future bosses, connect with alumni, and reach out to professionals in your desired field. You are going to be so glad you did it in the future when applying for internships and jobs because you will already have established connections and a network.
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This next phase in your life is going to be one for the books, filled with new adventures, new challenges, and even better triumphs you will experience. As you walk into those halls feeling more prepared than ever, especially after going over your checklist above, I hope that your stress and worries are alleviated and that you feel ready to ace this next step into adulthood.
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