1. Gather information about the college and what is needed for admission:
In order to gather information about the college, a student should review the school's website and admission requirements. They may also need to contact the admissions office to ask any questions they have. Some things that may be needed for admission include transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and essays.
2. Order transcripts and have them sent to the college:
To order transcripts, students will need to contact their former schools and request that their transcripts be sent to the college they are attending. Transcripts usually cost a small fee to send.
3. Apply for financial aid and scholarships:
There are many different types of financial aid available, such as grants, loans, and work-study programs. Students can apply for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA form. They can also apply for scholarships through various websites or organizations.
4. Complete the FAFSA form:
The FAFSA form is used to determine a student's eligibility for federal financial aid. The form can be filled out online and takes around 30 minutes to complete. It is important to fill out the form as soon as possible because some forms of financial aid have limited funds.
5. Purchase school supplies:
A college freshman checklist should include items like notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, folders, textbooks, and laptops/tablets. It is important to shop around for discounted prices on school supplies and avoid paying full price if possible.
6. Buy clothes for the season:
Most colleges have a dress code that must be followed, so it is important to buy clothes that adhere to the code. Some general tips for buying clothes for college are to choose neutral colors that can be mixed and matched, buy clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in, and select pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
7. Arrange transportation to/from school:
There are many different ways students can get to/from school including driving themselves, taking public transportation, or using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. It is important to map out the route ahead of time so there are no surprises on move-in day.
8. Set up a dorm room or apartment:
Most colleges require students living on campus in dorms to sign a housing contract for one academic year. This contract can be renewed for additional years if desired. Off-campus apartments may require a lease agreement to be signed. It is important to read over these documents carefully before signing to ensure that all the terms and conditions are understood.
9. Connect with other students on social media and in person before school starts:
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat can be used to connect with other students who will be attending the same college. Joining college-specific groups or pages can also help students meet people with similar interests. Attending college fairs or visiting the campus before school starts are other great ways to make connections.
10. Attend orientation and meet with an adviser to plan out classes:
Most colleges offer an orientation program for new students. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the school and meet other people who will be attending. During orientation, students will also meet with an adviser to help them plan out their classes for the upcoming semester. It is important to take advantage of these resources so that classes can be selected that fit into the student's schedule and interests.