Moving to college or university? As we get closer to the start of the fall semester, many of you may be embarking on moving to college or university. It is an amazing time filled with excitement and trepidation. Before you begin to gather your things, here are a few tips that may help you make your move and transition successful.
- Taking a Tour? Take Photos. This will help you think about the lay out of your living arrangements and build your list around it. If anything, you will need the basics. This includes but not limited to; sheets, bedding, pillows and cases, storage containers, and toiletries.
- Connect with your future roommates on social media. This will help you get to know your future roommates before you move in together. It will affirm your decision or give you the opportunity to re-evaluate before committing to a semester with a roommate, who may not be the best for you.
- Small appliances. Make a list of some small appliances that will make it easier on you during your college life. A great list may include; a coffee maker or kettle, small refrigerator, toaster oven, hair dryer, microwave and printer. If you have had a chance to connect with your future roommates, see if you can split up the appliances to defray some of the costs.
- Meal times. If you are living on campus, get to know the times and availability of meal services. You will want to have some snacks and extra non-perishable food just in case your late night study session goes beyond meal time. Many colleges and universities have expanded their options so get to know what’s available to you.
- Laundry facilities. I hate laundry now, let alone when I was in college having to use coin-operated machines. Just a word to the wise. If your dorm still has coin operated machines, make sure to have a stash of coins available. Set a timer on your phone so that you remember when your load of laundry is done. Nothing is worse than finding your clean wet laundry in a heap atop the washer or worse hanging from a tree because you did not return in time, not that I’m speaking from experience 😉
- First-Aid Kit. Now, this is the mom in me talking. Sometimes crazy things happen at the most inopportune times. Therefore, it’s good to have a basic first-aid kit in your dorm room just in case you hurt yourself in the middle of the night.
- Emergency fund. Now, collegians are not known for wealth. So most of the time, you will be financially challenged like I was. I worked two jobs and had the immense good fortune of an academic scholarship, but I still had to watch my pennies. Try to have an emergency back-up fund. Whether it’s a gift card Visa to a savings account, have something to ‘break in case of emergency’.
- Medical Care. Most colleges and universities have student health facilities. However, if you are on regularly prescribed medication, discuss this with your parents. College students can be under their parent’s insurance but before you head off, understand what that entails. Know what is covered and not. Learn what deductibles you will be responsible so that you can budget for them.
- Budget. What! Yes, budget. Sit down with your parents and understand what your budget will look like and understand what their expectations are; so you don’t implode. You will need to know what you will be responsible for so that you can plan affectively.
- Need some help? Check on campus before you move. Some have volunteer programs to help you move into the dorm. There are some companies that will help you move into your dorm as well, like Bellhops.
- Communicating with family. Before you leave, take the time to discuss with your family and friends how and how often you would like to connect. This is so important and will help set expectations. Remember, it will be most frequent when you first move away, and will taper off as you settle into your new student life. Share your college calendar with your family, so they can become familiar with your schedule and can connect with you when it’s best.
- Step outside your comfort zone. Remember college is all about opportunity and chances. It will be a great time for you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. It is a rite of passage. It is the one of the few times in life when you have one foot on the dock and the other in the dingy. Meet new people. Try ultimate frisbee or another fun game. Challenge yourself in debate and conversation. It will help you get a greater perspective and prepare you for what lies ahead.
- Have fun! College is about higher learning and challenging yourself academically, but it is also trial run for adulthood. It is a perfect time for you to be independent whilst having some insulation. Take full advantage of this opportunity. As I look back at my college and graduate school years, I not only challenged myself academically, but learned a tremendous amount about life. It is a wonderful time, so take full advantage of it.
