This summer, many students finally get the chance to relax and have fun, college tours and personal statements are a thing of the past. No longer high school students, they are now rising college students who are getting ready to live on their own. But are they really ready to venture out into the world all by themselves? Whether you’re spending this summer touring the world or staying local, here is a to do list for all of those students who will enter college in the fall and for everyone else who will eventually have to start “adulting”:
1. Shop for dorm and school supplies
This may be obvious, but start to compile a list of the items you will need to bring to college! Remember, every single college student will be shopping for dorm and school supplies, especially as move in day approaches and you don’t want to be one of those people caught in the mad dash for beddings, toiletries, decorations, etc. Also, start to think about how you are going to transport all of your materials to your school. Are you flying across the country or are you staying nearby? Either way, you’re going to have to figure out how to fit everything you need into a few boxes and the sooner you figure out how to do so, the better.
2. Take a financial literacy workshop
Are you planning to work in college? Are you going to fill out the FAFSA? Do you know how to fill out a 1040? What’s the difference between a 1040A and a 1040EZ? What’s a W-2? Sure, you can ask your parents about these things, but for the most part they won’t be there to walk you through all of the steps. Of course, finding resources on campus to help you can make the process easier. But when everyone is trying to fill out the FAFSA a few days before it’s due, it can be hard to schedule an appointment with someone. Taking a financial literacy workshop can help you understand the basics of managing your finances in college, so when the time comes you won’t feel like you have absolutely no idea about what you are doing.
3. Find out what banks are nearby your college… and set up a bank account if you don’t already have one
You will need to somehow obtain money in college, whether it’s from your parents or your part time job working at a cafe. You should figure out which banks are near your college, because these are going to be the safest and easiest ways to do transactions. It’s also important to note which banks are nearby your college, since you don’t want to have to drive to the nearest Wells Fargo because Chase is the only bank on campus.
4. Learn how to cook
Even if you have a meal plan, this is still an important life skill to have. That way when you get tired of the food in the dining hall, you won’t have to live off of cup ramen. You don’t have to learn how to make filet mignon, but at least learn how to cook pasta and boil vegetables. Or learn how to cook like a college student: cooking with limited supplies. You may have to be savvy when all you have are plastic utensils, a coffee pot, and a microwave, but if you can find ways to make semi-healthy meals with these items, then you have much better chance at avoiding the “Freshman 15.”
5. Learn how to do laundry
Don’t be that kid who is wearing the t-shirt they haven’t washed in a week (spraying it was Febreze doesn’t count as “doing laundry”). Watch your parents or guardians do the laundry at least once and ask them about handling different types of fabrics. It would be a shame if you ruined your dress shirt because you didn’t set the washer on the right setting and you don’t want to be the kid that dyed their white shirt red.
6. Learn how to drive/ride a bike
You never know if you’re going to be in a situation where you need to operate a vehicle, so learn how to drive even if you never end up doing so in college. It’s one more skill to add to your toolbox and it will serve you well in the future. At the very least, brush up on your biking skills or learn how to ride a bike if you don’t already know how to! That way you can pedal around campus on the days you don’t feel like hiking up the hill to get to class.
7. Learn about the resources on campus
Actually pay attention to what people are telling you about during those presentations at student orientation, because you never know if the information will come in handy later on. Many students only learn about the wonderful resources available after they’ve graduated and that’s a shame, because you might as well take advantage of what your college has to offer. Create a sheet for yourself about the different academic, medical, and club resources, so that way you already have the information in one place when you need to find something.
8. Spend time with friends and family
Even if you’re going to college close to home, you’re not going to see your friends and family that often. Take the time to do something fun with your family and make an effort to learn something new about the people you have gotten to know over the years. After all, these are the people who love and care about you and who you will find yourself calling at 3 o’clock in the morning when you need help or moral support.
