Prepare, prepare, prepare. Yes, the summer after graduation from high school is not just fun and games. It is the best time to prepare for a successful four years in college.
And, the first piece of advice for the summer before you go off to college is: Rest up! Don’t stay up late partying. Don’t try to work every hour you can or up to the last minute before leaving for campus. Establish a good sleep routine and try not to stress. There is plenty of time to do that once you arrive on campus!
Move in early or explore the campus ahead of time. Some colleges will open up residence halls a few days before the general student body arrives. Early arrival will give you a chance to check out the campus and ease your transition from home. Find all the elevators in your dorm, check out the best place to sit in the dining hall, learn how to use the library, ask people questions. Give yourself time to settle in and get familiar before the confusion of classes and crowds.
Don’t forget to study…because you should study in college. Take a summer course at a community college or on line. This will allow you to sharpen your mind and maybe earn a few extra credits. Read, especially those books you thought you should read and never did. Write, too. And, do more than text. Outline a research paper you think you might have to do for one of the courses you have scheduled for the fall. Write in a diary or create your autobiography.
Start being aware of your time. Buy yourself a calendar and start writing down dates and times for work and social events. Plan ahead by setting deadlines for things you have to do before going to college: buying clothes, getting your room linens together, setting up your checking account, etc.
Vegging out before the big change is very enticing, but you will feel better about yourself if you are ready and prepared to step foot on campus. The tips above can help you train for that big day.
