The last days of summer can be an exciting and active time for any college student, whether you are entering you first or final year. Deciding what do to in those last few days can be difficult to prioritize. There are so many things to do and people to see that sometimes you lose track of what is most important. Here is a short list of stuff to do before you leave for college this fall, that way you can start the semester focused and relaxed.
1. Finish your summer bucket list.
Maybe you wrote a list of things you wanted to do this summer. If you did, then see if there is anything on that list you haven't done yet. Quick trip to the beach? Go! Visiting an old friend? Do it. Whatever you had planned to do this summer, try your best to make sure it happens so you can return to school unburdened by unfinished tasks.
2. Spend time with friends from home.
We all leave friends behind when we head away for college. Taking time to get together one last time can show them how important your friendship is and how much they mean to you. Set up a game night, go catch a movie, or just grab lunch together. No matter what you do, let them know you'll miss them this school year.
3. Make plans with friends at school.
If you're a returning student, than you probably have a few friends waiting to see you back at school. Text or call them to see how they are and make plans to grab coffee and catch up. These people tend to be there when you need them during stressful college times, so keep them close and let them know you've missed them over the summer months.
4. Get in contact with your roommates.
Hopefully these people are your friends too, but, if not, then you should contact them just as a common courtesy and see who should bring what for the room. If you are friends, catch up and try to figure out if there are any plans you all would like to do together. Seeing your roommates after the summer can be a fun, but sometimes tough experience, especially if you've had a room to yourself. Try to keep conversation light the first couple days, and see if you did anything similar to bond.
5. Go shopping.
Maybe you need new clothes, or perhaps it's posters for the room, maybe notebooks? Whatever you need, make sure you buy it before you head back, otherwise you may find yourself stranded without things that you desperately need. Getting to school and missing things can be very stressful in a time when you are already stressed to adjust.
6. Clean your house.
While you are moving back to school and leaving your boring room at home behind you, make sure you leave it clean. Your parents may miss you while you're away, but they wont miss the mess you leave if your bedroom is a pigsty. This goes for the entire home, clean up anything you might have used, work space, living areas, and/or workout equipment. This will help you find some peace knowing you're leaving home clean, and it may even help you find some things you'd lost over the summer.
7. Get a haircut.
"Why get a haircut?" you may ask. Here is why: ladies, gentlemen, everyone wants to come back to school and be noticed. They want to show off new clothes, new looks, and most of all gain some new attention. An easy way to do this is to get a haircut, it'll give you a clean look that will show off something about you. New hairstyles or colors can attract a lot of attention from acquaintances and maybe give you a leg up with the person you like.
8. Wash your car.
For those of you lucky people taking a car to school, get it washed! You'll do this for a similar reason to the haircut, attention. Perhaps it's my vain and shallow self speaking, but driving around campus in a shiny and clean car does tend to turn a few heads. However, if you're the loner who doesn't care much for the spotlight you can probably skip the haircut and car wash.
9. Pack your stuff.
This one should be a no brainer. Get your junk packed! Everything you'll need should be packed up and ready to go by the morning you're going to leave. Doing this early will give you time to double check the list and figure out what you really need to get or what you already have.
10. Spend time with family.
Maybe you're excited to go back to school and get away from your crazy family, perhaps there will be tears when they leave you in your dorm. Either way make sure to spend some time with them before you head off to campus, leaving things unsaid or unresolved when you are at school can put a serious burden on you that may distract you from your studies.
11. Play with your pets.
This may seem silly for some, but most pet owners can't bring their lovable pals to school. When we go away for a semester our pets can become lonely and wonder where we have gone, it's very important to bond with your pet before leaving for school. This will help calm you and lessen the regret of having to leave your furry friend at home.
12. Make a playlist.
If you have a long trip to school you might want to make a playlist of some of your favorite songs from the summer, things that remind you of the happy days and maybe even the tough ones. If you aren't a big fan of music then perhaps an audio-book would be a good choice. These things can help keep you active and alert on the drive down, and might even make you the dorm DJ for any move in day get togethers!
