Summer isn’t just for soaking up the sun or working a part-time job — it’s your golden window to get organized and mentally ready for the big transition to college. Whether you’re headed across the country or commuting from home, this checklist will help you use your summer wisely so you arrive on campus confident and prepared.

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

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📄 1. Take Care of Paperwork (Yes, the Boring Stuff)

✔️ Accept your financial aid package
Make sure you’ve reviewed and accepted any grants, scholarships, or loans offered.

✔️ Complete all required forms
This includes housing contracts, meal plans, immunization records, and emergency contact info.

✔️ Submit final high school transcript
Most colleges need this to finalize your admission. Don’t forget to have your high school send it!

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🏥 2. Schedule Important Appointments

✔️ Medical check-up
Make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations and ask for copies of your immunization records.

✔️ Eye and dental appointments
These are easier to do now than when you’re swamped with midterms.

✔️ Mental health prep
If you’re seeing a counselor or take medication, plan how you’ll continue care in college. Many campus health centers require advance setup.

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🧳 3. Plan and Shop for Move-In

✔️ Check your college’s dorm list
Every school has different rules (no toasters, yes to surge protectors, etc.). Don’t buy blindly.

✔️ Coordinate with your roommate
Avoid double-buying things like mini-fridges or area rugs.

✔️ Pack in categories:

• Bedding (twin XL sheets, mattress topper)
• Bath (towels, caddy, flip-flops)
• Desk/School Supplies
• Clothing (including a rain jacket and cold-weather gear if needed)
• Laundry (detergent, basket, stain stick)

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💳 4. Learn Basic Life Skills

You don’t have to be perfect at everything, but try to master these before August:

✔️ Doing your own laundry
Sorting colors? Reading care labels? Practice now.

✔️ Budgeting and using a debit/credit card
Set up a basic budget — and track it for a few weeks. It’s eye-opening.

✔️ Making a simple meal or two
Microwave oatmeal, grilled cheese, ramen with a twist — practice makes perfect.

✔️ Sending a professional email
Yes, your professors will expect “Dear Professor Smith…” not “Hey can I get a deadline extension lol”

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📅 5. Register for Orientation & Classes

✔️ Sign up for orientation
This is where you’ll get your student ID, meet other freshmen, and learn your way around.

✔️ Meet with an advisor (if offered)
They can help you build your schedule and avoid rookie course-load mistakes.

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🧠 6. Do a Little College “Warm-Up”

✔️ Read a book or two
Even if it’s not required, reading helps shake off the academic rust. Try a novel or something related to your major.

✔️ Review basic skills
Brush up on math, writing, or time management if you feel rusty.

✔️ Follow your school’s social media
Start getting a feel for campus culture, clubs, and events.

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❤️ 7. Soak Up Time with Friends & Family

You’re about to enter an exciting new chapter — but that doesn’t mean you won’t miss home. Make time for:

• Family dinners
• Road trips with friends
• Movie nights or favorite local traditions

These memories will help ease the homesickness in the early weeks away.

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🎒 Ready, Set, Go!

Getting ready for college isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being prepared enough to feel confident when the adventure begins. Use this checklist as your guide, tackle a few things each week, and come August, you’ll be ready to move forward with excitement (and maybe just a little less stress).

You’ve got this!