Preparing to Go to College

Classes start soon and preparations are in full swing. What do you need? What should you know?

This page will discuss what all new college students should hear, including the importance of attending orientation, being financially savvy, and having an open conversation with your parents or other trusted adults in your life about adulthood.

Once you've studied this page, make sure to read through either Living at Home or Moving Away, depending on your situation.

Orientation

Freshman orientation is one of the most important events you can attend before college classes begin. Orientation will, well, orient you to the school. You'll learn about services offered by the campus, different places to eat and exercise, and perhaps most importantly to you right now, how to register for classes.

Orientation is also a great time to start to meet your future classmates. You'll meet current students who will share their campus experiences with you as well as incoming students like yourself who likely share your excitement and enthusiasm. Start making connections and developing friendships; it will be nice to have a friendly face or two once classes start.

Orientation Logistics

Some schools offer online or in-person orientation only, while others combine the two, requiring future students to complete an online portion before attending their in-person event.

Some orientations are free while others could cost upwards of $100 per person. If your parent(s)/guardian(s) attends with you, the cost can really add up. Some schools offer a fee reduction based on financial need, so research your school's orientation process early to find out the cost and if you will qualify for that fee reduction.

Apply for Support Programs

You've probably already read the section on College Success Programs & Resources. If you haven't, take a few minutes and read through it now. It is incredibly important to apply for these programs if you qualify. They will help you stay on track and provide you with a home away from home. Make sure to take a moment to learn about all of the resources available on your campus. Some programs have their own orientation-type programs to help you be even more prepared.

Organize Yourself

There are some tasks you can check off of your to-do list before classes start. We highly suggest getting your resume up-to-date and polished over the summer. When it comes time to look for that on-campus job (or change your off-campus job due to availability, for example), you'll be glad you did.

We also suggest updating your time management system. You choose whether you want to use electronic or paper methods (or both), but start developing your system so that you don't forget about that final essay deadline or the extra shift you picked up. Check out your school’s learning center and talk with your new support program advisors for more ideas!

Financial Realities & Limitations

Your money will only go so far. Please make sure to review our pages on Adult Finances, which include information about Bank Accounts and Budgeting. They will help you to establish good habits and handle your money responsibly.

If you are privileged enough to have financial help from your parents, guardians, or other important adults in your life while you're in college, discuss the following financial topics:

• Bills (cell phone, car insurance, etc)
  • Let's say your parents or guardians were paying for your cell phone when you were in high school. Are they planning on keeping you on their cell phone plan? Who is paying the bill?
• Groceries
  • If you're going to live at home, are you expected to start contributing to the grocery bill (if you aren't already), or will the system stay the same?
  • If you're moving away, are you on your own or are your parents or guardians planning on sending you some grocery money? How much and how often?
• Books
  • You need to buy another textbook. Who is paying for it?

If your situation is the opposite, and you have family expecting you to send your Financial Aid money to them, you'll need to talk about that, too. This is an incredibly difficult conversation, but that money is to get you through school. Once it's gone, there's no more. Put anything extra in a savings account not attached to anyone else's accounts, and live within your means. 

Campus Safety

Take your safety seriously. Here are some tips for walking around campus, attending events, car safety, and internet safety.

Rachel Wolchin is a South African-turned-Californian author, blogger, and former preschool teacher. Click the image above for more about Rachel.

Campus Safety Tips

General Safety	Trust your gut. If you don't feel safe for any reason, get yourself out of the situation and/or call for help. See if your school has a Campus Safety App or text message alert system. If they do, download it and/or make sure your current cell phone number is registered. Make sure someone knows what you're up to, whether it's a parent or guardian, your roommate, or a friend. If you see something, SAY SOMETHING. For example, if something/someone feels off in your dorms, tell your RA. If something is a bit weird on campus, tell your campus police department or a trusted adult. It can feel like "someone else will say something" but sometimes it has to be you.
Walking around Campus	Learn some basic self-defense moves and carry a whistle, pepper spray, or other defense items. When walking around campus, be aware of your surroundings, limit your use of electronics, and try to walk around with a friend after dark. Most on-campus crime is theft. Keep your important personal belongings with you if you commute, and lock your car. If you live on-campus, consider purchasing a small safe in which to store valuables and keep your dorm room locked.
Attending Parties	Regardless of the level of your participation in infamous college extracurricular activities, never get into a vehicle with someone who is impaired by any substance in any way. Your life is worth too much to take that risk. Go to parties with friends and watch out for each other. If they leave, you leave; don't stay behind alone. If someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, overdose, or any other kind of extreme condition, CALL 911. There isn't a guarantee that you won't get in trouble if you have been partaking also, but — not to be dramatic, but we're serious — someone could die.
Car Safety	Have your keys ready well before you get to your car. When unlocking your car, only unlock the door you are going to use. When getting into your car, make sure no one is in the back seat.
Internet Safety	Again, regardless of the level of your participation in infamous college extracurricular activities, try not to have photos of you with substances (especially if you are underage) posted on any social media accounts — whether yours or a friend's. Your internet footprint will follow you for life, and you never know what someone who is interested in hiring you might dig up. Disable location services (especially on an app like SnapChat) and keep your post visibility to your friends list. Also, don't post pictures that identify where you live.

Click Next to read about what to do if you'll be living at home.