The summer before your freshman year of college is an exciting and overwhelming time. Even though colleges are still in the process of creating reopening plans for the fall semester, high school grads everywhere are looking forward to their freshman years with nervous anticipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you still have to wait the summer before you head off to campus. Spending your summer productively can set you up for success during the school year, so here\u2019s a list of things to do before you head off to college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of this moment, the majority of universities are planning to reopen this fall<\/a>. However, their status could change in the coming months as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. Make sure to check your new college email regularly to keep up with your school\u2019s reopening plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your school\u2019s campus will be open and you expect to be living in the dorms, it is time to meet your roommate or roommates. Reach out on social media and start getting to know them — after all, you\u2019ll be sleeping 10 feet away from them for the next year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you haven\u2019t already done so, start browsing through and registering for classes for your first semester. As a freshman, you will likely have to complete required classes in your first year, so make sure to communicate with your advisor to make sure that the schedule you create will fulfill your required credits. Check professor reviews<\/a> to help you select a course with a great professor. If you can, ask students in your major for professor and course recommendations. As the summer drags on, classes will start to fill up, so make sure to register early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are going to need some financial assistance to get through college, the summer is a great time to apply for scholarships. Spend some time browsing TUN\u2019s Scholarship Search Engine<\/a> to find scholarships offered by major brands and nonprofits around the world. Also check your university\u2019s scholarship page or call your financial aid office to find scholarships exclusively for students at your school. For tips to help you ace your scholarship applications, check out TUN\u2019s Complete Guide to Scholarship Hacks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The stereotype of the broke college student is an accurate one, but it doesn\u2019t have to be! The summer before your freshman year is a great time to get a part-time job and save up for the school year. Look for essential worker positions in your community or virtual employment opportunities and start building up some spending money for the year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Use TUN\u2019s Student Save Engine<\/a> to find discounts, coupons, and exclusive deals on shoes, laptops, and everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve contacted your roommate, you can start planning for your move-in. Coordinate with them to make a checklist of shared items for your dorm, such as furniture or a TV. You\u2019ll also want to make a complete checklist of personal items that includes everything from toothpaste to pillow cases (check out TUN\u2019s dorm room masterlist<\/a> for help).<\/p>\n\n\n\n These days you won\u2019t be able to get through your classes with just a pen and paper. A laptop is an essential purchase for college. You will need it to write papers, do homework, take online classes, and, of course, watch Netflix. If you need help shopping for a new computer, check out TUN\u2019s guide to the best laptops for college students<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take advantage of having some free time to learn something new. Online education providers like Coursera and edX offer thousands of free courses in virtually every subject. Whether you want to learn to play guitar or to code in Java, use TUN\u2019s Online Education Search Engine<\/a> to help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s never been a better time to get involved in your community. Nonprofits are as busy as ever, so if you\u2019re looking for opportunities to help out with coronavirus relief or assist those in need there are both in-person and virtual volunteer positions available. In-person opportunities include helping deliver food to senior homes and assisting in soup kitchens. In addition to helping out your community, you\u2019ll also have something to add to your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are interested in volunteer work, you can search for both virtual and local volunteer opportunities here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is always a good idea to make sure you have a clean bill of health before going off to school. In fact, many schools have vaccine requirements that you need to show proof of before starting college. <\/p>\n\n\n\n College vaccine requirements vary, but common ones include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So it is best to check with your school and make sure you satisfy the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will need to be organized to get through college. Map out important dates for the year on your calendar to help you plan for finals week, breaks, and other major events. Create a weekly schedule of your classes so you can start planning extracurricular activities or a job around school. Make a summer to-do list complete with things you want to do before going to college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Get to know your roommate(s)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Register for classes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Apply for scholarships<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Save up money<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Shop for dorm essentials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Get a laptop!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Learn something new through online classes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Volunteer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Go to the doctor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Get organized<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12. Research school clubs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n