August has just begun and for students enrolled in summer classes, that means vacation is just around the corner. Unfortunately for most, it also means the fall semester is steadily approaching. Queue all the preparations needed before the new academic term kicks off. Here are a few things to get your list started.
1. Watch the cash.
Before the first day of class gets here, make sure all finances are in order. Check the deadlines for payments on the University's website. If you choose to pay in full, then get it done. The quicker you make the payment, the quicker you can cross that off your list. If an installment plan is the way you will go, then make note of all the deadlines and take care of the first one. Have a game plan, so you are not worrying about when to pay, or if something was paid off already or not. If you need a part-time job or a work study, then research and find open positions so you can start working as soon as you get to campus. Plan ahead, save yourself some stress.
2. Be textbook ready.
Here is why textbooks will be your best friends in class; if you are sick or need to miss class because of an emergency, you can still keep up with the material covered if you have your books. Professors will let you know how much of the material on exams come directly from the textbook, so have it handy. In the unfortunate event a professor leaves students with more questions than answers, the book will be there to clear things up. All in all, having your textbooks that first week is a big help. Check them out before that first day of class and if possible, order them. Look for them on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Chegg, Half Price Books and your University's bookstore. Splurge only if you have to, renting and buying used are great options to save you some major cash. If you only need a couple short sections of the book, then see if a classmate will let you scan the pages. Look into eBooks if you are comfortable reading on a screen. Be prepared, there are many options open to students, it is all about finding the right fit and having the tools needed to succeed.
3. Where are you living?
Will you be staying in student housing or moving into an apartment? Make sure to check the move in day for your unit. Questions or simply want peace of mind? Call the respective offices. Read up on rules and policies, they might outline what you can or cannot have in your room like candles or hot plates. Know the parking situation and pack only what you need. You want to arrive and settle in, not find out there were things you could have done without or find out your apartment is not ready yet. If you are living in student housing, then check the size of bed -- chances are the beds have specific dimensions. All you need to know is that you can arrive and unpack so take the time to make sure you will be able to do just that.
4. Be selective.
Don not try to pack up your whole room. Think bare necessities first. Take the distance between your home and the University into account. For example, if the University you are attending is only two or three hours away, then you do not need summer, fall and winter clothes just yet. If you will only be able to go back home for the winter break, then maybe pack a couple of sweaters. Everyone will prioritize differently and that is OK. It is all about thinking about what you need first. If there is any space left over later, then maybe you can bring those five movies or the extra three pairs of shoes you just have to have with you.
5. Think past what you have.
Living at home you take certain things for granted, like the fact that there is a shower curtain in the bathroom or that there is a rod to hang your towel on. Depending on the layout of your apartment or dorm room, that might not be the case so bring along some Command Hooks and a liner just in case. If you have a roommate, then communicate; maybe he or she already plans on bringing the much needed coffee machine. Think beyond what you need and make a list of what the space itself might need.
Mainly, take your time. Do not leave everything until the last minute. You should be able to arrive ready to take on your classes and enjoy the semester, not worrying that you left your charger back home. Take your time and cross all items off your list before the first day of classes.
