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Things to do the summer before college

Do you feel prepared for college in the fall?

For most soon-to-be college students, the answer is no. Attending college for the first time can be one of the most daunting experiences of your life. There is a lot to keep track of, and most of the time, students end up becoming overwhelmed and stressed. That’s why it’s so important to keep yourself organized when preparing for college, especially for first-time college students. Here are a few tips to make your life easier when preparing for college.

Figure out dorm necessities

Most college students plan to live in a dorm over their freshman year. So it’s important to find out what dorm materials are actually necessary and aren’t going to just take up space. A good idea would be to make a list of all the dorm necessities you will need, and then cross them off when you get them and have them packed. There are a lot of items that people think they need, but end up just getting in the way. Some of these items include:

  • Printers
  • Extra towels
  • TV
  • Over-the-top decor

While these items seem practical when you purchase them, they rarely get used over the school year. These items then just become extra expenses that didn’t need to be purchased. However, make your dorm room your own; it’s your home! If you are wondering what to bring and what you can leave behind, visit this article to find out more.

Communicate with your future roommates

Communication goes a long way, especially when preparing for college. This is important because everyone you plan to live with over the school year should all be on the same page before you even move onto campus in the fall. It’s important to figure out who is bringing what, especially if there are items you only need one of. It’s helpful to meet up with your future roommate before move-in day, whether over the phone or in person, to discuss the necessities and other plans needed.

Make a budget

This is such an important part of preparing for college, especially with all the expenses that come with attending college. A budget helps you figure out how much money you can spend on what, and how much money you will have leftover. Some things to consider when making a budget are:

  • Monthly tuition
  • Textbooks
  • Gas/Mechanics
  • Groceries
  • Donations
  • Emergency funds
  • Spending money

Making a budget doesn’t come easily for everyone. If you want tips on how to lay out the perfect budget just for you, click here to get started.

Make connections before moving on campus

One way you can connect is downloading LinkedIn, a career site where you can connect with those in the field you are planning on going into. Another way to get connected is to find a job around your campus. This is especially important for those who are moving to a campus out of their home state. You can also look at your class schedule and find out who your professors will be. This assures that you will hit the ground running once you move to college.

Still figuring out where to go to college?

North Central University is a great candidate. With a variety of majors, North Central University is located in the heart of Minneapolis, MN, and is the perfect place for those who are made for urban living. Find out more about North Central University here!

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