College is just around the corner, and it's sneaking up on us rather quickly and no one sees it coming. There are so many ways to prep for college, but whether you're a first year student or a senior, you're never quite ready when it gets here. Or... maybe you are ready for the college part, but not for the packing, leaving home again and unpacking when you get to campus. Here are a few pointers on what to do during your last week before classes begin.
1. Spend time at home.
Many students think this will be the last week to go out with our friends or our last time to take a 3 a.m. trips to McDonald's. However, that is certainly not the case, because both of those things happen in college. But it is your last time to stay up all night with your parents, have in-home spas with your sister, take your dog for a walk and sleep in your own bed (at least for a little while). You may not think so at first, but you will miss little things like this when you get to campus. Don't spend your last week going crazy about your last chance at activities... spend your last week relaxing at home, because trust me, at some point you will start to miss it.
2. Talk to your new roommate(s).
It doesn't seem like a big deal to discuss who is going to bring what. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? You could come to campus with two microwaves, two mini fridges, two of each cleaning supplies you may need and much more. I promise you, your dorm room WILL NOT be big enough, so make sure you talk to your roommate the week before college starts.
3. Don't over pack, but don't be afraid to make your room feel like home.
I remember freshman year like it was yesterday, and if I recall anything about freshman year, it's that there IS such thing as OVER PACKING. Pack light, take necessities, but make sure you bring pictures. It's a good idea to make your room feel like home, it'll make you sleep better, study better and live better. But don't get too excessive -- if you're too comfortable in your dorm room you might not be persuaded to get out and try new activities.
4. Start filling out job applications (optional).
There are a ton of students coming to the exact spot you are at the exact same time. If you think that you might want a job near or on campus, start looking now. They fill up faster then you think.
5. Research your school (activities, groups, jobs).
It never hurts to be to prepared. There are groups evolving on campus every day. Find three things you might be interested in and participate in a few meetings to find out which suits you best. Maybe all three? Go for it, because opportunities like this aren't only fun, but help you meet some pretty great people that have the same interests.
6. Create a schedule.
Starting school right after summer is such a tough task if you don't have some sort of pre-college schedule. Find out what time your classes start each day and make sure you wake up as if you had class your week before college. It will make getting up and going to class so much easier! You might not even have to wear your pajamas.
7. If you haven't done so already, order your books!
Either take a trip to campus to order some books or get cracking online. Either way, get your books. Some may not be "required," but you will need them when you start class and shipping takes a few days, so make sure you get them sent as early as you can!
8. Rest!
I can't stress how important it is to rest a little your last week at home. College can get stressful and busy. I can ALMOST promise you that it will be the last time you get a great night's sleep for a while. You will either be having way too much fun to care about sleep or be up studying all night. Either way, enjoy a "rest week" before college, because it will do you some good in the long run!
