College is an exciting new chapter in your life, but there’s a lot that goes into getting ready for that first day. You don’t have to wait until you complete your college application; you can start thinking about college as early as middle or high school.

If you’re wondering what steps you can take to prepare for higher learning, keep reading for some tips. 

Decide on the Degree Program That Matches Your Interests

You’re more likely to succeed in college if you choose an interesting major. If you’re wondering what careers will suit you well, try taking interest and skills assessments. Then, look at degree programs that will help you get a job in that field.

Decide Where You’re Going to Live

Living off campus will raise the cost of your tuition, but you can save money by attending school close to home or by taking online classes. However, living on campus is often a requirement for some financial aid. It’s going to be cheaper to live in a dorm than to rent an apartment near the school. Further savings can be made because you’ll have access to on-campus meals and won’t have to factor in transportation costs. 

Learn a Few Basic Skills

If you’ve always lived with your parents, going away to college might be a bit of a shock. To help you feel more prepared for independence, get into the habit of doing your laundry, grocery shopping, and getting around. 

Other helpful skills to work on include cooking, basic car maintenance, changing a flat tire, and budget management. 

Moreover, take charge of your schedule. Getting to class on time will be your responsibility when you go to college.

Stock Up On Essentials

If you’re lucky, your new school will provide a checklist of the basics you must bring. Generally, you’ll need to consider the following:

• Bedding and pillows
• Towels and washcloths
• Laundry basket
• Shower and hygiene items
• Clothing
• School supplies

Other useful items to help you stay organized include shelves and under-the-bed bins. Consider bringing some personal items to decorate your room, like photos of your family and friends, to remind you of your home. 

Plan How You’re Going to Pay for College

If you need help paying for college, apply for any aid, scholarships, or loads ahead of home. In the US, you should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before you apply to college. This will inform you if you’re entitled to any federal aid to help you pay for college.

Many schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, so take the time to apply for those as well. If you need further financial help, look for private grants and scholarships you won’t have to pay back. 

Register for Classes

When registration opens, make sure to sign up for the basics. Most colleges run the same entry-level courses for freshmen, regardless of your major. Signing up to the school’s registration website as soon as it opens means you’ll get the classes you want. 

You can then use the course catalog to choose the prerequisites and electives you want to take that semester. 

Purchase Your Books 

If you visit the campus bookstore, you should get all the books you need. Once you’ve got your course list, check out which books are required for each class. Be prepared, though, because textbooks tend to be expensive. To help save money, consider purchasing or renting used books online. 

Study a Map of Campus

College campuses tend to be instead sprawled out. There will be different departments housed in other buildings, such as dorms, admin buildings, the bookstore, and a food court, which you can find without getting lost. 

A good tip is to get a campus map and sketch out the route you’ll need to take to get to each class. Some schools are so big that an on-campus bus system will help you get around.

Check the Class Syllabus 

When you register for classes, you’ll be given a syllabus. This covers everything you’ll learn in the course and the supplies you’ll need. You’ll be expected to attend classes fully prepared every day, so study your syllabus carefully and ensure you have everything ready for your first class. 

The syllabus also provides helpful information, such as your professor’s office location and hours, supplemental study materials, and grading policies. You can use your course syllabus to keep track of things such as project due dates and exams.

Final Thoughts

You should start preparing for college as early as you can. That means signing up for the most challenging classes you think you’ll be able to pass. That way, you’ll be more competitive with other students when the time comes.  

Published by: Khy Talara