by Genni Schroepfer
Back-to-School
As the fall semester approaches, it’s time to get ready for a new chapter in college life. Getting organized before the start of a new year on campus can help alleviate any nerves, re-establish campus connections (or connect with a new roommate if you’re a first-year!) after a summer away, and drum up excitement for new classes! Whether you are a returning, transfer, or first-year student, here are my back-to-school college prep tips to ensure your transition back to campus is smooth and successful!
Housing Options
Most colleges require students to live on-campus during their first year attending the school. However, once you become an upperclassman, you will have a few options, such as:
- The first option involves staying on the main campus. This option is typically for first- and second-years and is also good if you lack transportation or do not wish to rely on public or campus transport. Although campus housing may not be as nice as other options, this is a good all-in-one package to make a single deposit on, having your finances for both tuition and room & board all in one place.
- The second option is also on-campus. Oftentimes colleges will have nicer, apartment-style dorms reserved for juniors and seniors. These residencies can be nice, but pricey. For my college, these dorms are also a bit further away from campus—maybe a twenty-minute walk if you do not wish to take the campus bus. However, these dorms are much nicer, equipped with a communal living space, kitchen, bedrooms, and a bathroom.
- The third option is to live off-campus, renting a nearby house or apartment. These come with their own advantages and struggles. Living off-campus is great for people who desire a bit more independence and privacy, though you will have to manage your finances when it comes to utilities, transportation, and rent.
Campus Life
During the first few weeks, it is likely that your college will host an event showcasing all the possible clubs and organizations you can join. These organizations are a great way to meet like-minded people, and possibly even make some friends! For most colleges, there is an app students can download which acts as a campuswide event calendar. I would highly recommend downloading it if you’d like to be in the loop for campus events, free admissions, and free food!
Preparations
Having an organized schedule is key to success. First, make sure to register early so you can get the required classes and have first pick when it comes to professors and section times!
Also important to remember is if you plan to bring a vehicle on campus, it is imperative that you register and sign up for a parking pass as soon as possible. They go quickly—sometimes even within the first few hours of the registration window opening.
On the flipside, there are some things worth waiting for, namely textbooks and class materials you need to pay for. Personally, I wait until my professors confirm the required materials before making purchases. Make sure to explore your options before buying to ensure you aren’t spending more than you need!
Following these tips will help you be prepared, stay organized, and bring peace of mind to the start of your fall semester at college. And for some awesome study tips to ensure you build good study habits, click here!