Jumpstart Your College Journey: Top 10 Things You Can do Right Now!
That August start date may sound far away, but there’s plenty that rising freshmen can start doing right now to help ensure a smooth transition to college. Here are the top 10 suggestions from our coaches of things you can do now that will decrease your stress later!
What mini-classes does your school require? Title IX? Alcohol Ed? Make sure you complete each class on time - college deadlines are less forgiving than high school!
What doctors do you need to see? Make your appointments now so you will be set up with any prescriptions you need to take with you to school and you will have all the necessary vaccinations completed.
Look at your college’s health insurance plans and deadlines - based on your family’s insurance you may be able to waive certain fees.
Pay attention to housing deadlines and submit any required roommate questionnaires.
Learn your school’s Learning Management System - whether it’s Canvas, Blackboard, or something else, you will be required to know how to use the platform to get your assignments and submit your work.
Take a comprehensive virtual tour of your school - familiarize yourself with where the library, cafeteria, and classroom buildings are located and how long it will take you to get around campus.
Check out what clubs are on campus and when the club fairs are. Looking at each club’s social media can also help you determine what might be interesting to you. Clubs are a great way to meet friends and can help give you a sense of belonging at your new campus.
Investigate your school’s meal plan options and on and off-campus dining options so you can pick a plan that makes the most sense for the way you like to eat.
Will you be using accommodations in college? Start that process now by contacting your school’s Student Accessibility or similar office so you can have everything in place before classes start.
Parents and students should discuss and complete FERPA, HIPAA and Power of Attorney forms to ensure open communication in emergency situations.
Taking these steps now will help make your arrival on campus and orientation period less stressful, so you can focus on settling in and feeling comfortable in your new home.
For some students though, checklists like these actually cause more stress than less. If your student struggles with executive function skills like organization, time management, and prioritizing, a list that is meant to help can easily become overwhelming. Our highly individualized one-on-one coaching programs give students the tools they need to succeed and thrive when they are on their own. If you think your student could benefit from having one of our expert coaches by their side, schedule a free consultation with us so we can learn more about your student’s unique needs, and how we can help.
