It’s almost September. Sale signs are hanging in windows, and you can’t turn on the TV without seeing at least one “Back-to-School” commercial flashing in front of your eyes. That time is coming when so many under the age of 22 will be sitting once again in large classrooms and getting bored in the middle of extensive lectures on the importance of calculus or the history of our great country.
When it comes to prepping for college, though, things are just a little bit harder than just buying some new notebooks and pens, especially if it’s your first year. There are a multitude of things you have to think about—buying textbooks, navigating campus, living away from home—all of which can be very anxiety-inducing if you don’t feel prepared. These are just some tips and tricks for making the high school-to-college transition easier.
1. Check if your school has a Facebook page for your class, and, if it does, join it!
Many schools know that meeting people and making friends at school is a huge concern for incoming students, so they create Facebook pages for people to meet. Take advantage of this! Go ahead and join your class's page and introduce yourself. You could meet some of your best friends at school this way!
2. Get inspired via Pinterest and Youtube
Literally anything you want to know about college can be found on one of these two sites. Dorm decor ideas? It's there. Study tips? It's there. Funny expectations vs. reality videos about college? Also there.
3. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT watch college roommate horror story videos
Just because everything a person could ever want to know about college is on Youtube and Pinterest, doesn't mean everything on Youtube and Pinterest is something you want to know. Videos like these might psych you out and make you nervous about school. That is the opposite of what you want. Plus the likelihood of any of the things in the videos happening to you is slim to none, so it's pointless watching them and worrying about them.
4. If possible, arrange to meet up with your future roommate and hang out with them before you move in together
This little tip will do the opposite of those scary Youtube videos. I did this last year before I came to college. My roommate and I had the best time just wandering around the Portland Saturday Market. We were able to get to know each other, have some good fun, discuss room logistics, and even buy an adorable cactus to make our room just a little bit more home-y.
5. Buy something for your dorm
Yes I know, college is very expensive. One of the many ways to save money is to bring things from home to use at school. But if you can, I would highly suggest treating yourself to one cute or inspiring item for your room. It might be a cool poster from a thrift store or a pillow from Target. My roommate and I bought a cactus. Whatever it is though, making that purchase specifically for your new place will make it feel more your own and more like you are really establishing yourself.
6. On a similar note, go school clothes shopping
I don't know about you, but this is probably my single favorite school prep activity. I mean one: Getting new clothes is the best. And two: There is no better feeling than walking into your first day of class looking incredible. It's seriously the best confidence booster.
7. Buy at least one of your textbooks in person at a bookstore
This might seem odd, but think about it. You will feel like Harry Potter, wandering through Diagon Alley buying his first books. It's very gratifying. Bonus points if you find a cool used bookstore to buy a book at. One of my personal favorites is the Book Habit in Salem, OR. The stacked shelves tower above you and old book smell fills the air. It's a pretty cool place.
8. Go to every orientation event that you can
It might seem crazy at first how much is packed into that one, very short weekend, but I promise you it is all in place for your benefit and very helpful. I know that a cheesy play about college living might not seem as important as the campus tour, but it is. Trust me on this one, guys.
9. Exchange numbers with everyone you meet on orientation weekend that you feel like could be a friend
This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes when you are feeling tired or overwhelmed with all the new things, you forget or choose not to do it. You may even feel very shy and not do it. You gotta be bold, though. Even if you guys don't end up being friends, it's still worth checking out. I know that I didn't get the numbers of some people, and I regretted it. Luckily I met those people later in the year, and we are friends now.
10. Be yourself
Whenever I would begin to get shy last year, I would think to myself "Be unapologetically yourself." It was one of the most liberating things I did last year in order to make friends. So, although it's cheesy, be yourself!
11. Let yourself be excited! It's going to be legendary
You are about to head into some of the best years of your life. You'll have good times, bad times, and everything in between. You'll remember it forever! Get excited to experience it!
