Throughout high school, our teachers tell us that they are preparing us for college. We take tests to get into college. We pack on the extracurriculars to make our resumes stand out. We take AP classes for college credit and prep. Then June rolls around, and we finally graduate. So now what do we do?
Well, within the first month of graduating, we hear “Congrats grad!” more times than we can count, party hop our friends' grad parties where we eat too much food, and go out every night because, you know, we can. But once mid-summer hits, all the initial excitement kinda dies down, and reality sinks in: we are actually going away and living with complete strangers in a place we barely know. Scary? To some, no; it’s exhilarating: new place, new beginnings. But for others, yes; it’s petrifying: new place, new fears. Regardless, move-in is right around the corner, so here’s a list of things you might want to do in remaining time you have left at home.
1. Cry.
Ok, maybe this doesn’t apply to everyone, but sometimes thinking about all the things you’re leaving behind has this effect on people. Some people don’t like feeling emotions. I understand that (I actually don’t, I’m just trying to be sympathetic), so even if you won’t cry, being nostalgic is close enough. Once these people see their college tuition bill, then they might cry, too.
2. Find a way to pay for it.
College isn’t cheap. For those of you, like me, who went to public school, you never had to worry about having to paying for an education; that’s what taxpayers’ money did for you. If only that applied to public universities… With an average yearly cost of roughly $21,902 (public/private universities combined average), plus student loan interest rates and yearly tuition increases, it’s quite a pretty penny. So apply for student loans, beg your parents for help, or create a GoFundMe if you really want. It’s cool; I’ll be paying back college loans until I retire (and that's being optimistic).
3. Figure out what to bring.
Yeah, you can’t pack all your belongings into a suitcase or buy everything in the store. There’re plenty of lists online that you can print out and take with you to Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, or where ever else you can shop. Also, make sure to check what you’re allowed to bring. Some colleges don’t allow a Keurig in dorm rooms. Don’t worry, though, I’m sure there’s a Starbucks right around the corner ready to sell you overpriced coffee. Not a coffee person? They sell expensive tea, too.
4. Invest in region-specific clothing.
Whether you’re going to be living in the north, south, east, or west, it’s pretty important to have the right clothes for the weather. For those people moving to the north from the south or the west, you need to buy a downcoat, gloves, hats, scarfs, earwarmers, sweatpants, rainboots, rain jackets… it’ll feel extra cold for you. Don’t believe me? I guess you’ll figure it out. For those moving to the south or west from the north, I don’t know what to tell you, I’m from the North.
5. Learn how to do laundry.
To prevent turning all your white clothes pink or shrinking all your nice clothes, take time to ask your someone or Google how to do your own laundry. It’s a skill you’ll need for life.
6. Research your college.
This is kinda important considering you’ll be living there for four years of your life, unless you transfer. There are so many things to learn about: gen eds, clubs, sports, campus layout, local restaurants, study abroad, research opportunities… you get the gist. It’s always good to be educated.
7. Go to orientation.
Yay free stuff! And lectures and meetings and tours and new people…
8. Stalk your roommate on social media.
Ok, stalking is a little extreme, but c'mon. You have definitely checked out his/her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. That’s normal. You both are sharing a shoebox after all.
9. Schedule your classes.
What’s a credit? 300 people in a lecture hall? Recitations? Office hours? Toto, I don’t think we’re in high school anymore.
10. Go on Pinterest/Tumblr for dorm decorations.
Not for everyone, but it might give you some DIY ideas to keep you busy. It would be nice to have a room out of PB Teen, but it’s pretty unlikely. Hanging lights and pictures? Close enough.
11. Say thank you to the people who have supported you over the years.
On a different note, the early wake-up calls, weekend breakfasts, car rides to tournaments, and the love your family has given you throughout your entire life definitely deserve your appreciation. You grew up around these people. They know you like the back of their hand, and you will miss them. Of course, you can’t forget about your friends, either. The late-night calls, the cramming sessions, their tolerance of your flaws and terrible jokes; you won’t be around them like you were in high school. Showing your gratitude is a priceless gift.
12. Say good-bye.
Whether or not you can admit it, it’s always hard saying good-bye, especially since you won’t be back for a few months. You’re leaving your old life behind to start a new one. This one goes back to #1 because I know I’ll probably cry saying good-bye, and I’m sure other people will, too. Your mom might cry more than you; that means she loves you. Even when she yelled at you to grow up, she didn’t really want that day to come, and neither did you, but it's finally here.
