You've done it! You've graduated high school! But now what? What do you do while you wait for college to start? Do you just sit around doing nothing? Of course not! You've got plenty to do to get ready, and these are five of the most important ways to get ready for college.
1. Go shopping
Yep. Even if you don't want to, you have to have something to put in your dorm room. Some of the essentials include bed sheets, lots of cleaning supplies, toiletries (enough to last a whole semester if you want to avoid a few trips to Walmart), and some things that you personally might need or want.
2. Create your class schedule
Your class schedule needs to be one that will benefit you the most. Hate having early mornings? Avoid those class times. Need time for an afternoon job? Don't get those late afternoon classes. Make the class schedule that you will most enjoy.
3. Save up
Regardless of whichever school you choose, you will always need or want money for something. Free t-shirts can't get you through a late-night study session. You'll also need lots money for Starbucks. (Trust me on this one.) You may also need money in case of unexpected expenses. You won't always have your parents' credit card to pay for everything. An example of an unexpected expense for me would be last semester when I came down with a mild case of Strep throat. I had to rent a car and go get the prescription from a CVS off-campus. But thankfully, my family's medical insurance covered the cost of the on-campus doctor's visit. Of course, if you don't have a lot of money, you may need to...
4. Get a job
This applies to both the summer and when you get to college. Save up money during the summer so you have enough money to support yourself for a while while you get situated and find yourself a semester job, preferably on-campus. The reason you will want a job on-campus, aside from the fact that it's on-campus, is because your college will most likely work around your class schedule, as long as it's not too crazy. Another advantage to this is that the college understands that you are a student. Some employers may see it as an obstacle to hiring you, but a college understands and will try to work around your class schedule, if possible.
5. Get familiar with your school
The summer before you leave, you should attempt to find out more about your school than you should know as an incoming freshman. This isn't so you can one-up everyone else, though that's okay, too. It's so you know about everything and where to find it so you don't have to awkwardly ask where everything is. For example, I just recently found out that my college has a 25-seat movie theater available for use, as well as a room with five PlayStation 4s in it! And all I did was look up online a place on campus that is a little out of the way. Another way this is helpful is because many schools have a "student portal" where they share announcements and such. Some of those announcements may interest you.
And there you have it! Five ways to get ready while you wait to leave for college. Of course, this list is nowhere near comprehensive. If you think I should've mentioned something, say so in the comments below (that little green box at the bottom of the screen)! Who knows? Someone may see your comment and realize they should do it, too.
