3 answers
Anna
Student
Middleburg, Pennsylvania
1
Question
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How prepared should I be before I go to college?
Should I know my classes? When do I find out about my rooming situation? What needs to be done before I go to college in person?
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1835
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to college! All those long years of hard work have paid off. Now you can kick back, put your feet up and chill until the first day of your freshman year, right? WRONG!
1️⃣ APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
Scholarships and grants can be life-changing. Most students think you apply for scholarships before you go to college. But, you’re missing out on free money if you’re not applying until you graduate. Scholarships aren’t only merit-based. They are available to students of all backgrounds. You don’t have to pay them back as you do with student loans so be sure to apply to as many as you can for the free money.
2️⃣ CONFIRM YOUR ENROLLMENT
Yes, the letter said you got in, but there’s a lot more important information in that packet. Take some time and review it, as well as deadlines for requested information. In addition, check your e-mail often for any updates.
3️⃣ SEND IN YOUR DEPOSIT!
4️⃣ CHECK OUT YOUR SCHOOL’S WEBSITE.
Just about every school has a “New Student” section. Read it now. There may be early deadlines for medical forms, registration for orientation, residence hall selection, and online awareness education programs, just to name a few. Don’t wait until the week before school begins to go through the list.
5️⃣ ATTEND FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
This is a great opportunity to learn about all of the services available at your university, including social, health, and financial services as well as programs that help freshmen ease into campus life.
6️⃣ MEET WITH YOUR ADVISER
You will schedule your classes for the first semester during this meeting. At some schools, this is one of the activities that occur during orientation.
7️⃣ REVIEW ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Incoming freshmen can get a head start on your academic journey by reviewing course requirements. Check which textbooks or materials you need to purchase. If you have a reading list, start early to lighten your load during the semester.
8️⃣ SET UP YOUR COLLEGE PORTAL
Setting up your online accounts is vital. Critical school information will flow through these channels which include your college email account and the main campus online portal. Be sure you set them up and check them regularly.
9️⃣ CREATE A FINANCIAL BUDGET
This is very important as you are preparing to transition into being independent. For a lot of students, college is the first time you are doing a lot of things on your own. Having a budget during your college years will help you understand more about your finances.
🔟 UPDATE YOUR RESUME
Update your resume to reflect to show which college you are attending and your expected major (if known). Show that you graduated from high school and list any honors you received. List your summer job and any past work experience, going back to your first job. Then list your volunteer work. Updating your resume before leaving for college means you won’t have to stress if you need to submit your resume for a job or volunteer opportunity.
1️⃣ APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
Scholarships and grants can be life-changing. Most students think you apply for scholarships before you go to college. But, you’re missing out on free money if you’re not applying until you graduate. Scholarships aren’t only merit-based. They are available to students of all backgrounds. You don’t have to pay them back as you do with student loans so be sure to apply to as many as you can for the free money.
2️⃣ CONFIRM YOUR ENROLLMENT
Yes, the letter said you got in, but there’s a lot more important information in that packet. Take some time and review it, as well as deadlines for requested information. In addition, check your e-mail often for any updates.
3️⃣ SEND IN YOUR DEPOSIT!
4️⃣ CHECK OUT YOUR SCHOOL’S WEBSITE.
Just about every school has a “New Student” section. Read it now. There may be early deadlines for medical forms, registration for orientation, residence hall selection, and online awareness education programs, just to name a few. Don’t wait until the week before school begins to go through the list.
5️⃣ ATTEND FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
This is a great opportunity to learn about all of the services available at your university, including social, health, and financial services as well as programs that help freshmen ease into campus life.
6️⃣ MEET WITH YOUR ADVISER
You will schedule your classes for the first semester during this meeting. At some schools, this is one of the activities that occur during orientation.
7️⃣ REVIEW ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Incoming freshmen can get a head start on your academic journey by reviewing course requirements. Check which textbooks or materials you need to purchase. If you have a reading list, start early to lighten your load during the semester.
8️⃣ SET UP YOUR COLLEGE PORTAL
Setting up your online accounts is vital. Critical school information will flow through these channels which include your college email account and the main campus online portal. Be sure you set them up and check them regularly.
9️⃣ CREATE A FINANCIAL BUDGET
This is very important as you are preparing to transition into being independent. For a lot of students, college is the first time you are doing a lot of things on your own. Having a budget during your college years will help you understand more about your finances.
🔟 UPDATE YOUR RESUME
Update your resume to reflect to show which college you are attending and your expected major (if known). Show that you graduated from high school and list any honors you received. List your summer job and any past work experience, going back to your first job. Then list your volunteer work. Updating your resume before leaving for college means you won’t have to stress if you need to submit your resume for a job or volunteer opportunity.
Thank You Paul. The best way to find ourselves, is to lose ourselves in the service of others.
Doc Frick
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
777
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
One thing that I have always told students is become engaged in what is commonly called "Campus Navigation."
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Yeshi Mikyas
Management
1
Answer
Thousand Oaks, California
Updated
Yeshi’s Answer
With my kids recently heading off to college, here are a few helpful tips that made their journey smoother:
Before You Head to School:
1. Check if your school has sent you a to-do list. If not, make sure to find out what you need to do.
2. Get to know your counselor as soon as you get accepted! They are a fantastic resource for all things school-related. Reach out to them quickly and set up a call or Zoom meeting before school starts. They can help you plan your class schedule effectively.
Regarding Classes:
1. Decide on the classes you want to take. Many universities have a 4-year plan available on their websites. Look up the major you're interested in and use this resource. It's incredibly helpful!
2. Try to find the syllabus for your first-semester classes. If you look hard enough, you can usually find them. This helps you prepare, as first-year students often register later than others, and classes might fill up. Always have a backup plan for alternate classes.
3. If you get the syllabus, read at least the first three weeks of material. This isn't about memorizing; it's about getting familiar with the content and understanding the workload. My kids do this every semester, not just the first one!
Regarding Dorms:
1. Your school should provide information about dorm options. Decide if you want a room to yourself or if you'd prefer to share. If sharing, ask how to find a roommate. The school should have all this information ready for you.
Before You Head to School:
1. Check if your school has sent you a to-do list. If not, make sure to find out what you need to do.
2. Get to know your counselor as soon as you get accepted! They are a fantastic resource for all things school-related. Reach out to them quickly and set up a call or Zoom meeting before school starts. They can help you plan your class schedule effectively.
Regarding Classes:
1. Decide on the classes you want to take. Many universities have a 4-year plan available on their websites. Look up the major you're interested in and use this resource. It's incredibly helpful!
2. Try to find the syllabus for your first-semester classes. If you look hard enough, you can usually find them. This helps you prepare, as first-year students often register later than others, and classes might fill up. Always have a backup plan for alternate classes.
3. If you get the syllabus, read at least the first three weeks of material. This isn't about memorizing; it's about getting familiar with the content and understanding the workload. My kids do this every semester, not just the first one!
Regarding Dorms:
1. Your school should provide information about dorm options. Decide if you want a room to yourself or if you'd prefer to share. If sharing, ask how to find a roommate. The school should have all this information ready for you.