11 Things To Do The Summer Before College
Congratulations, you did it! You graduated from high school! It’s a big accomplishment and you deserve to relax before starting your journey into post-secondary education. However, there a some things you should be doing to prepare yourself for university and transition to the next era of your life! Here are 11 things to do the summer before college.
Spend Time With Your Family
Chances are, once you set off for college, you will see your family a lot less. Take this time to hang out with them and build lasting family memories. This may even be the last summer you can see all of your family members. Cherish this time together before you become a real adult!
Hang Out With Your Friends
Just like with your family, chances are you’ll see your high school friends a lot less after you leave (and most of them leave) for college. Some of your friends may enter the workforce out of High School, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always be around. They may have to relocate for their jobs or find a place to live that isn’t their parent’s house. Your friends who pursue post-secondary education in other cities will likely settle in different towns. And friends who choose to go into the military will likely be all over the place. Cherish the time when you all still live in the same city while you can!
Earn Some Money
The summer before I started college, I got my first real job. While I would not recommend working 40 hours a week, I would recommend earning some spending money. During my first year at college, I was able to go out more with friends and participate in more activities because I had all the money I earned over the summer.
Additionally, my job allowed me to learn time management, how to be a hard worker, and my love for early childhood education! I loved my job so much that I came back during winter break and the next summer. In fact, I am weeks away from my 2nd work anniversary and on the path to graduating with significantly less debt.
I strongly recommend finding a job related to the field you wish to go into. Having prior knowledge in your chosen field before starting classes can give you a significant leg up and allow you to achieve a deeper understanding of the content.
Check Your College Email Regularly
Don’t forget to check your college email regularly! Your college will start sending out move-in information, newsletters, information on clubs and organizations, and your professors may even start sending out emails as well!
Get In Touch With Your Roommate(s)
Who’s going to bring the mini-fridge? What about a futon? Are you going to match or coordinate your colors? What time are you moving in? When do you go to bed and wake up? There are so many questions!
P.S. Check out “32 Questions To Ask Your (Potential) College Roommate”!
Research Potential Clubs and
Get In Touch With Other Students
You can start making friends on campus before you even move in! Thanks to technology and university events, there are many different ways to get in touch with your future peers. Most, if not all, universities host pre-orientation events such as “Accepted Students Day” or “Pals Weekend” where the main goal of the event is to allow students to meet each other and familiarize themselves with the campus and its amenities. They also often introduce students to the many different clubs and organizations they have, which is a great place to meet students who share your same interests! Check to see if your university is hosting any of these events and don’t be afraid to sign up!
Your university may have its own app where students can connect. Various social media platforms bring together college students such as Snapchat or Facebook.
(Coming Soon: How To Make Friends At College)
Get Outside
It is still summer after all! If you live somewhere where you experience all 4 seasons (Like me in the Midwest!) you won’t want to waste the time when you can relax outside without wearing 7 layers! Even if you live somewhere where it’s 75 and sunny all year round, once school starts up, you’ll have a lot less time to get outside!
Begin Packing Your Things
Yes, this one can be a bit of a chore. But the last thing you want is to scramble to pack everything at the last minute and forget something important!
(Coming Soon: My Ultimate College Packing List)
Research The City
Do you have a chain grocery store like Target or Walmart in your city? What fast food options will you have? Are there any fun places to go such as escape rooms or bookstores? What are their rules for on-street parking, especially during the winter? Do they have any fun festivals or fairs to attend? You won’t know unless you look it up!
Visit Campus
Familiarizing yourself with campus before move-in day can be a huge weight off your shoulders. If you already have your class schedule, try walking your route and find where your classes will be. It’ll also be important to know where all the campus amenities and services are such as writing centers, counselor offices, coffee shops, dining hall(s), study areas, and many others!
Make Memories
Lastly, but potentially most importantly, make memories!!! Have fun and take lots of pictures. When you’re away at college and missing home, looking back on all your pictures and all the happy memories will make you feel better. And hey! Maybe it’ll even encourage you to make plans around campus with your new friends…
