Things You Need to Know Before You Leave for College
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Preparing for college? This complete college prep checklist covers everything you need to do, buy, and learn before you leave. From choosing classes and packing essentials to handling finances and learning key life skills, get ready for a smooth transition to college life.
Steps to Take:
Get plugged in
Join and follow school-specific groups and pages on WhatsApp, GroupMe, Facebook, etc.
Sometimes there are groups especially for your entering class. Try searching for “college name” and “class of 20XX.”
Dorm and roommate
Make room selections, if that’s an option. Be forewarned that most dorm rooms are small, especially for freshmen. You may not have much private space.
Connect with your future roommate, if you have one. This could be in person, via phone or text, or through social media.
Discuss who is bringing what shared items like a TV, mini fridge, speakers, or gaming consoles.
If you have any food allergies or medical concerns, let them know in advance!
You can ask if they have any allergies as well. If you and your roommate don’t get along, look here for tips.
Think about what to bring
Don’t overpack – focus on essentials.
You will likely have minimal space for your things.
The less you bring, the more opportunity you have to redefine yourself as an adult and buy what suits the “adult” version of you.
The more you have, the messier your room can get, and the harder it will be to focus and study.
If you do forgot something, you can buy it, your folks can mail it, or you can grab it next time you head home for a weekend or holiday.
You may want to bring some simple decorations or reminders of home, like photos or a favorite poster.
Make a packing checklist
Before you start, make yourself a packing checklist so you don’t forget any essentials.
Earbuds or ear plugs and sleep masks are a smart choice if you have a roommate or are just a light sleeper.
Don’t forget chargers for your electronics!
Choose your class schedule
Some schools have limited options or required classes for freshmen. Your school’s website can tell you more.
There are usually so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose. But remember that you don’t need to cram everything into your first semester!
Don’t overdo it. Especially when you’re first adjusting, it’s not a great idea to overload on credits or take all 300-level classes.
If applicable, contact the accessibility/disability/accommodations office.
Get in touch with the financial aid office
Ask about reserved student jobs or a work-study program.
Find out if you are eligible for additional scholarships, grants, or fellowships.t
Look up where stuff is
Your dorm
Buildings where your classes will be
The student health center
The school bookstore
The closest pharmacy
Banks near/ or on campus
Gather important documents
Write a resume if you don’t have one already and plan to apply for jobs.
Get a government ID, such as a learner’s permit, driver’s license, non-driver ID, or passport.
Get a copy of your health insurance card or sign up for student insurance if needed.
Get involved, but not too much
Find a list of student clubs and organizations, and see which interest you.
There may also be a club fair during orientation.
Some students focus on studying and avoid socializing or joining extracurriculars.
Some students socialize and overload on activities, leaving little time for schoolwork.
Joining an extracurricular group or two can help you meet other students and feel connected to the school. But you still need to find time to study.
Things to Buy:
Textbooks
Once you register for classes, your school should have an automated system that tells you all the books you need.
You can buy or rent directly from your school bookstore, but it may be cheaper to buy secondhand from eBay, Amazon, or other third parties.
If using a third-party store, find out if the specific textbook edition matters – and be sure to get the correct one.
Furniture and appliances
Try to find a picture of a standard room in your dorm or apartment building.
If you live on campus, you can assume you will have a bed, mattress, closet, desk, desk chair, and chest of drawers.
Make sure you have the right size sheets. Many dorms feature twin XL beds.
You will probably not have a microwave, mini fridge, TV, floor lamps, rugs, pillows, or much shelf space. Keep in mind that there will likely be a common room and kitchenette with communal TV, microwave, and fridge.
A hot pot or electric kettle come in handy for tea and ramen.
Clothes
Obviously you need clothes, but pay special attention if you’re heading to a different climate than you’re used to.
If you’re going from California to Maine, for example, you’re probably going to need to invest in some winter gear.
Bathroom supplies
What is in your bathroom at home?
Stock up on essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, lotion, shaving cream, razor, and extra razor blades.
You probably want a shower kit with a portable, waterproof caddy full of everything you’ll need for hygiene.
Flip-flops or shower sandals are highly recommended for trips to the communal bathrooms and showers.
Put together a basic first aid kit with pain relievers, bandages, and some cold remedies.
Room decorations
Your school bookstore will probably sell some.
There may also be vendors on or near campus the first week looking to sell you more!
Healthy snacks
It’s hard to learn and study if you’re not feeding your brain properly.
Eat fruits, whole grains, proteins, and “good” fats.
Buy snacks that will keep you full and you won’t get sick of.
Stay hydrated. With water. A reusable water bottle helps.
Skills to learn: Self-care
How to cook basics
This is especially important if you live off campus or in an apartment.
YouTube can teach you lots of recipes!
Look for staples that you never get sick of, like eggs, grilled cheese, or pasta.
How to manage your dining plan
Meal plan options vary by college.
Most offer a plan with a set number of meals – usually three a day – at the dining hall, where you will have unlimited buffet-style food.
Some schools offer tiered plans that let you choose based on how often you’ll eat on campus.
These kinds of meal plans are typically billed by the semester and can’t be changed until the end of the drop/add period.
Some schools also offer dining dollars or points, which can be used at on-campus restaurants and in the student union food court.
Usually these can be reloaded online.
How to do laundry
If you don’t already know how, ask your parents to teach you and practice a few times before leaving home.
It can be helpful to know how to use various types of detergents, including liquid, pods, and sheets.
Be sure you know how to empty the dryer lint – letting it collect is a real fire hazard.
When in doubt, check YouTube.
Before laundry time, make sure you have detergent and dryer sheets.
Find out how to obtain and a laundry card and load it with money.
If possible, do laundry on weekdays – EVERYONE tries to do it on weekends.
Study while you wash and dry.
How to take medications on a schedule
If you need to take a medication at a certain time, set reminder alarms on your phone.
Open your clock app, create a new alarm, pick the correct time of day, and set it to repeat daily. Label the alarm. Set as many alarms as you need!
If you take multiple pills, get a pill case labeled with days of the week. This makes it easy to check at a glance whether you’ve taken them that day.
Keep the pills in easy-to-access locations. For example, put pills you take first thing in the morning with your toothbrush, and keep afternoon pills in your backpack.
What to do if you get sick
Go to the student health center, which is probably free.
Email your professors to let them know if you will miss class, and request copies of materials you may miss.
If you are really sick, try to reschedule or get an extension if you are going to miss an important deadline or test. Your professor may ask for a doctor’s note.
Professors prefer to get these emails in advance, rather than after the fact.
How to make specialist doctor’s appointments for yourself
If your college is far from home, you may need to find a provider who is closer to school.
Ask for recommendations or search the provider directory on your insurance’s website to find doctors who will be covered.
For routine appointments, you can wait to schedule them with your usual doctor when you know you’ll be back home.
To make an appointment for something that cannot wait, like perhaps physical therapy or psychiatry, find the office phone number and give them a call during business hours. Their office staff will be able to assist you.
Be sure to ask if they take your insurance.
Double check your school schedule before confirming any appointment time. Will you have enough time to get to your classes?
Put it in your calendar app, write a sticky note and put it on your desk, and do whatever else you need to do to make sure you’ll remember the appointment!
If something comes up and you need to miss the appointment, call the office as far in advance as possible. Some offices charge a missed appointment fee.
Exercise
Exercise is good for your mind and body, so make a plan before you even get to college.
Remember that even a little bit is better than none. If you’re short on time, you can still probably squeeze in some sit-ups during a study break.
Most universities have free or low-cost fitness centers on campus
Many universities offer free fitness classes – some will have you sign up through the fitness center, others through your class registration portal.
You can also check the local area for yoga classes, martial arts, etc.
There are also tons of free videos online if you prefer to work out in your room.
Once you start at school, you can find an exercise buddy to go on walks or runs, spot you in the weight room, swim laps, or do a Pilates video together.
Most universities offer a selection of intramural sports, where students from the same school practice together and compete against each other for fun.
Even if you don’t play a sport or go to the gym, taking walks can also be great for self-care. Your smart phone probably estimates how many steps you take per day.
