It’s time to get ready for the next big season of your life.
If you’re a freshman, you might be falling into anxiety and fear of the future. I don’t blame you. Starting a whole new chapter of your life can be really scary, especially if you have no idea what to expect.
I am the oldest sibling in my family, so I was the first to go through the crazy whirlwind that is college. Because I knew little on how to prepare for this transition, I utilized certain resources to help me along the way.
This summer doesn’t have to be full of worry about the future. You have great plans ahead of you, and it’s time to embrace the inevitable.
Without further ado, here are ways to prepare for your freshman year of college.
1. Brainstorm clubs/organizations to get involved in
My biggest advice to any incoming freshman is to get involved as much as you can. Chances are, you’re interested in something. By doing prior preparation and brainstorming of different clubs you want to join, you’ll feel much more at ease about the transition. There are different websites for each campus with information on different clubs to join. I met all of my best friends in the first week of school because I kept my eye out for things I liked and took every opportunity to go and meet people at these organizations. Birds of a feather flock together, so embrace the feathers you got and meet others who are just like you! You will not regret planning ahead to ensure community in college.
Also, if you plan on rushing, I made a in-depth survival guide to sorority recruitment. Joining a sorority was a great way for me to get involved in the community, and helped me feel like I had a place.
2. Start doing laundry (if you haven’t already)
Some people are used to doing laundry for most of their life. But my mom would voluntarily do mine, so college was my first time on the laundry bus. I did my first load of laundry over the phone with my mom on the first (and overwhelming) week of college. This, I do not recommend. Especially for your coolness factor, which I did not have while everyone around me heard me freaking out on the phone over if the pod is supposed to go underneath the clothes or on top. If you want to maintain a calm and collected reputation toward your dorm mates, put some practice in your first couple of loads in the summer. By the time you get to school, you may just be a laundry pro.
3. Meet up with your roomie
For some of us, the thought of having a roommate for the first time is borderline horrifying. By meeting up with your roomie in person or over FaceTime, you will have the opportunity to learn more about them and their expectations for your living situation. This way, you’re able to discuss your pet peeves, what time you both get up in the morning, boys-in-the-room policy, and the color theme of your room (calling all white comforters). By discussing these components before move-in day, it is more likely the roommate transition will go smoothly.
4. Embrace time with friends and family
This is the last summer you will be a full-time member of your hometown, so you have to embrace it! Dedicate a lot of time to friends, because you are sure going to miss your gal pals. But most importantly, make sure that you split the time with your family as well. These people have been your rock all of your life, and they are going to miss you dearly. And you just might miss them a whole lot too.
5. Get informed
Because I was the oldest sibling and had no idea what to expect, I had to learn about college on my own. I received advice from older friends who had been in my shoes before. Additionally, I read books on how to make the most of my college experience.A book I loved and annotated all the way through is U Chic: College Girls’ Real Advice for Your First Year (and Beyond!)
For your first year of college, ignorance is certainly not bliss. The key to embracing this change is to know just how it can be difficult, and learn from other’s experiences.
6. Gather your gear
Make sure you have everything you need for the big move. From a comforter to notebooks, to the cute canvases of inspiration you’ve been working on, make sure they are organized and ready to go. I would not suggest procrastinating college packing, because it takes a long time to get everything together. Ask friends who are in college what you need and what you don’t need. I wrote a post on what not to bring to college that could help you cross some things off your list. Getting the items together will make you feel excited for the next season of your life instead of rushed.
The summer before freshman year of college is a great time to relax, soak up the sun, and spend time with friends and family. It’s also a great time to prepare for this exciting chapter of your life. New opportunities and experiences are coming your way, and it’s time for your to embrace them.
How are you preparing for college in the fall? Let us know in the comments below- and be sure to follow @thehoneyscoop on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
