Back-to-school can be a very stressful and exciting time of year for any student. As someone who is going into my 5th year or college, I have had plenty of time to adjust to the college experience and what needs to be done before starting the fall semester. The circumstances may vary though, and make you feel more or less nervous to go back to school. If it is your first year in college, you are starting a new program, or going to a new school than before, your nerves might be particularly high.
As a first time student to a college or program, it is very important to make sure you write down your email login information and student portal information so you don’t forget it! Usually your college will send you a letter with your class schedule, important dates, and what your balance for the semester is going to be. Make sure you keep track of this information and stay on top of things!
A few weeks before your classes start, make sure that you order your textbooks for the semester, figure out what your class schedule is going to be, have your aid/finances in order, and have all the supplies necessary for the semester. You will also need to figure out if you are going to be working during the semester and make arrangements with work to change your schedule if needed. A lot of colleges will also want you to validate your enrollment within a few weeks of classes starting.
Last year I was starting a new program, and I didn’t realize until a few weeks before it started that there was a certain laptop I was required to buy, and that I would need to have a digital camera for one of my classes. I was late into realizing this, but luckily it still worked out. I was able to make a payment plan for my tuition, and borrow my sister’s camera to use for the class. Keep in mind also that for a new program, there will probably be a day set before your classes start that they will require you to come if you are a new student.
If you are living on campus there are a lot more things to consider that you may need to be working on throughout the summer. If you are requesting housing, you will often need to do that long before the semester starts, as well as figuring out if you have a roommate in mind or are ok with any roommates. You will also need to move into your dorm before classes start, and make sure you have all the necessary furniture/items with you for your dorm.
Starting a new semester in college be a lot of work, but it is worth it to get everything set-up and prepare BEFORE your classes start. Save yourself peace of mind and stress by being proactive!
Let me know if you have any tips or things you wish you would have done before starting a new semester of college!