It’s the time of year when incoming college students start thinking about the fall semester. If you’ve decided to live on campus, you will have experiences filled with new friends, academic challenges, and personal growth. Before this new chapter starts, let’s discuss how you can feel prepared to live on campus.

Meet Your Roommates

Living with roommates? Now is the perfect time to get to know them. Discuss who is bringing what—from mini-fridges to posters that reflect your personalities. Collaborating on a living space sets a positive tone for the year ahead. Establish some ground rules for living together. These conversations can help with the college transition.

Living with a roommate will have its challenges. Communicating with each other will make the transition and year go much smoother.

Essentials for Dorm Living

Speaking of what to bring, it’s a balancing act between comfort and practicality—bedding that feels like home and storage solutions for textbooks and snacks. Also, remember toiletries to maintain personal hygiene.

Check your college’s website to learn more about your dorm room’s specific guidelines. This will help you understand the do’s and don’ts of your new space and may include suggested items to bring.

Brush Up on Basic Life Skills

Do you know how to do laundry? Manage personal finances? When do you do car maintenance? College is a transition into adulthood. It can feel overwhelming, especially when you have to do these skills yourself. Start learning how to do basic life skills so it becomes easier in college.

Ask your support network what skills are essential for college living. Once you master those skills, you can be better prepared to live independently. Plus, learning how to do laundry is way cheaper than just buying new clothes each week.

Attend Orientation Events

Colleges will have orientations to help students prepare for this new experience. This is a great opportunity to meet new students and learn more about the campus. Many of these events will provide campus resource information, so this is a great time to learn how you can get involved. Bonus, these events typically come with free food and swag.

Tutoring and Academic Support

Navigating coursework can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Campus tutoring services are there to help you excel in subjects that need an extra boost. Don’t hesitate to seek help – it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Join Clubs and Organizations

Colleges offer various clubs and organizations that cater to multiple interests and hobbies. Whether you’re passionate about politics, sports, or community service, there’s likely a club for you. Joining clubs is a fantastic way to meet new friends with similar interests and deepen your engagement with campus life.

As you settle into campus life, remember that college is about growth and discovery. Embrace the ups and downs, learn from your experiences, and celebrate the big and small wins. Developing a balanced approach to academics, social life, and self-care sets the foundation for a fulfilling college journey.

By Alex Jurgens