Take Care of Thank You Notes and Paperwork
Send thank you notes to those who helped you throughout your college application process; be sure to tell them which school you’ll be attending. In addition, make sure that the school has received all of your required paperwork (your final transcript).
Continue the Scholarship Search
Check with local organizations and businesses, libraries, and houses of worship to see what they offer. Should you receive any additional scholarship money, be sure to inform the school. If you don’t, and your aid exceeds your financial need and the cost of attendance, you could lose financial aid from the school.
Get a Physical
Visit your doctor before you leave for college. Your doctor needs to complete the school’s health form and send it back before you arrive on campus.
Learn Basic Banking
You must know how to write a check, use a debit card, withdraw money, make a deposit, and balance your checkbook or checking account. Opening a bank account is a big step in becoming independent. Make sure you are aware of how much money you have in your account so you aren’t charged an overdraft fee.
Learn How to Do Laundry
If you don’t already know how to do your own laundry, now is the time to learn.
Contact Your Roommate
Connecting with your roommate during the summer and learning about each other’s likes and dislikes will make it that much easier when you arrive on campus.
Register for Classes
As soon as you can register for classes, do so. The sooner you register, the greater the chance that you’ll get into the classes you want—and need. If you need help selecting courses, contact your institution and speak with an adviser or admissions counselor.
Complete Your Summer Pre-Reading
Many institutions require incoming students to read a specific book during the summer prior to their arrival on campus. Check to see if yours is one of them.
Attend Freshmen Orientation
Orientation programs introduce you to the tools and resources available on campus to help you succeed. They also provide a great way for you to meet other freshmen.
Relax and Have Fun
Spend as much time as you can with those you love. Once you’re off to college, you won’t have the same opportunities that you now have.
Bonus Tip: Memorize your Social Security number.
This post was written by Chelsea L. Dixon, M.S., M.A.T., founder and CEO of GamePhox Unlimited L.L.C. A motivational speaker who has lectured at various high schools, colleges, professional youth sport foundations, and youth groups, Dixon is the author of Bridging the Gap: A Simple Guide to College. This post originally appeared on Black Enterprise.
