College! Your newest adventure is just around the corner. While college can be one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, there are some steps you can take to make this transition easier. Without further ado, here are six steps for getting ready for college.
Pick a Career
You’re probably sick of this one. With all the pressure to decide on a career path before college, sometimes you don’t even want to think about your options. Picking a career doesn’t have to be stressful, however; you can start with something basic: what makes you feel proud or happy? (Numbers? Writing? Working with people?) What is a day-to-day task you know you’re good at? Start with the smaller picture (the daily grind) and work your way outwards to a career idea.
Pick a College
Next up on the high-stress profile, picking a college can make you feel like you’re going crazy. You have to balance what you can afford, where you can get in, and what colleges offer good programs in your chosen career. Once you know your career, your first step should be applications, though–because you could end up with a great scholarship. You can make financial decisions later. Remember, if money is an object, there are great innovative academic programs that can help you sort out this decision.
Pick a Transportation Method
How are you going to get to school? Parents driving you? A bus? Do you want to invest in your own car? While a personal car might be more than most freshman have, a college commute or a university where you want some off-campus freedom could mean you want to purchase a car. A car might mean too much stress and hassle, or it could be the kind of freedom and friend-attractor you’re looking for.
Pick a Roommate
We know… your college might not let you pick. At least not freshman year. While you could be heading blindly into a roommate situation, you can still take some action towards getting a compatible dorm room companion. Think carefully when you answer your match-up questionnaire, and even try to friend your new roommate on social media before you start rooming.
Have a Goodbye Party
You’re not the only one heading off to college. If all your friends were in your grade, then each one of you is headed somewhere new for school. To celebrate the friendships you had in high school, and to make sure you don’t miss any important goodbyes, have a party with all your besties before you go.
Spend More Time with Family
In the last few weeks before you go, you’ll probably be distracted by packing and focusing on upcoming college life. Once you hit college, however, you’ll almost certainly face a wave of homesickness. To better adjust once you’re gone, and to make the most of your time at home, hang out with your entire family as much as you can before you head out.