Making the Most of Your Summer Break Before Starting College

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Graduating from high school and getting accepted into college are very rewarding and important milestones. After months of balancing intense study sessions and filling out college applications, you may have a strong urge to spend these months in total relaxation. While taking some much-deserved rest is perfectly okay, it’s also important to understand that this period offers unique opportunities for preparation and growth. 

When approached strategically, the summer before college can be a window to ensure you arrive on campus organized and confident. Preparation is key to tackling the new aspects of higher education. 

Finalize Academic Paperwork 

College readiness among students has declined in recent years, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This signals a growing need for better preparation among high-school graduates. Thankfully, you can become well-prepared for college with a simple but thoughtful plan. 

The priority when deciding what to do the summer before college is to complete all outstanding requirements set by your future institution. Visit the student portal of your chosen university and review the enrollment checklist. The Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid Office often require specific documents before move-in day, such as:

• Transcripts
• Vaccination records
• Housing agreements
• Proof of residency

Submitting these items early helps prevent any registration holds or delays in receiving your financial aid package. 

Furthermore, taking time to check your new student email daily ensures you stay up to date on any messages from the Office of Admissions. These messages often contain critical information about orientation day, placement exams, and housing assignments. This approach prevents any administrative hurdles from interfering with the start of your college journey. 

Build Strategic Social Ties

Building your social infrastructure is also an important consideration before going to college. Reach out to your roommate to build rapport early and set key boundaries. Beyond getting to know each other, it’s also important to discuss shared living expectations and who will bring communal items, such as a television or rug, ensuring there is no clutter in your new living space.

Additionally, check if the university you’re enrolling in has official social media groups or mobile applications for the incoming first-year class. Engage in these platforms to connect with peers who share your interests. With up to 55% of college and university students experiencing anxiety, building meaningful relationships before you step onto campus can help reduce the uneasiness associated with orientation week. 

Develop Specific Life Skills Before Going to College

Going to college and living alone requires a degree of personal independence that high school does not. Use these months to master:

• Laundry: Learn about sorting colors and choosing the right machine settings to keep your wardrobe in good shape.
• Financial literacy: Create a rough monthly budget based on your expected expenses, such as food and social activities.
• Meal preparation: Learn simple, healthy recipes you can turn to when things get busy.

Living independently requires you to manage your time and resources without parental guidance, so taking some time to preemptively foster these skills will be a highly valuable investment. Building healthy eating habits, in particular, is extremely important, as you still have some physical growth and development ahead of you in your college years. 

Explore Campus Support Networks

Another strategic use of the summer before college is academic mapping. Browse the university catalog to identify degree requirements and elective options. Furthermore, locate official institutions on your map, such as the Writing Center, the Tutoring Center, the Career Services Office, and the Office of Student Life.

Researching appointment procedures now ensures that you can maintain higher grades while experiencing less stress during your first semester. 

Get Rejuvenating Rest

Taking some time to relax and have fun is just as important as productivity. In fact, research shows that students who prioritize sufficient rest are far less likely to experience difficulty with schoolwork. 

Moving away from your hometown for the first time can be daunting, so taking some time to ease your mind is key to approaching your first years of higher education and independence with energy and optimism. 

Amidst all the administrative and preparational tasks, find time to spend with your family and friends. After all, it’s important to enjoy your strong support system back home. 

Establishing a Strong Foundation

Determining what to do before going to college requires both preparation and relaxation. By finalizing paperwork, building social ties, identifying campus resources, and taking time to reflect, you can build a foundation for a successful transition.