The Summer I Turned into a College Student

Congratulations you committed and enrolled in college! But, what’s next?

The next few months are all about preparing for the transition from high school student to college student. Here are some of the biggest things you should be doing before move in day arrives.

 

1. Check Your Email All the Time

Your email account is where everything lives. Faculty and staff will begin reaching out to you. Information about housing forms, orientation sign ups, placement tests, summer reading, and deadlines will all start coming your way. Stay on top of it!

Pro tip: Add your college email account to your phone. 
 

2. Housing

Most schools will ask you to complete housing and roommate questionnaires early in the summer. Be honest when filling these out! You want to live with someone who has similar habits and routines as you do.

You should also start looking for online groups through Facebook or other social media platforms for your college’s “Class of” page and begin connecting with other incoming students.

Things you will likely complete include:

• Roommate preferences
• Lifestyle questions
• Housing forms
   

3. Embrace Orientation

Orientation is not just icebreakers, although there will definitely be a lot of that. It is where you begin learning how college works. You will do things like: 

• Register for classes
• Learn the campus including classrooms dining halls lounges and resources
• Meet future friends, professors, advisors, and staff members
• Begin getting comfortable and familiar with campus
   

4. Review Requirements Early

Knock out required forms as early as possible so you are not scrambling later in the summer.

• Placement tests if required
• Financial aid and FAFSA follow ups
• Health forms and immunizations
• Course registration preparation
   

5. Start Thinking About Academics and Campus Life

You do not need to map out your entire future right now, but you should begin getting organized and familiar with what your first semester will look like.

• Review your first semester schedule
• Check for summer assigned reading or work
• Understand your general education requirements
• Review and officially accept your financial aid package in your portal
• Be ready to adjust once you get there because everyone does at first

 

With a little preparation now, you'll be in a great position to transition to your college campus this fall. We wish you the best of luck and remember - we are always here for you! 

 

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Learn More

 

College Counseling at Perkiomen School