Fire up a list of college to-dos and a plan for doing them so you’re all ready when school starts.
Your college has likely already sent you useful information—including where to look for even more info and instructions. So start by rounding up all the info you have.
Check these places:
- regular mail
- text messages
- your student portal
- your college’s website
Bonus: you might find that your school has already made a checklist for incoming students. It might not include 100% of what you need to do, but it’s a great start.
Review the communication and pull your to-dos together into one list. Make sure to include deadlines!
Here are some common things your list might include:
- submitting medical/immunization records
- sending your final high school transcript
- placement exams—which you need to take and how to do it
- signing up for housing & meal plans
- finalizing your financial aid
You have your list and deadlines, but don’t stop there! Carve out plenty of time before deadlines to work on your to-dos in case things take longer than expected.
It helps to create appointments for specific days/times on your calendar (and remember: if you need to make phone calls, do it when offices are open.)
If you use a calendar or task app on your phone, this is also a great time to set notifications/alarms that will push you to take action if you forget.
Even with the best intentions, we all miss deadlines at some point. If you miss one, don’t be discouraged. Many deadlines aren’t 100% set in stone.
Reach out to the office or person whose deadline you missed, explain the situation, and ask what your options are. If you can’t figure out who to contact, call the admissions office; they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
Remember that big round-up of info in step 1? Once you’ve gotten on top of your to-dos, make sure you stay there. Check your list regularly—and keep checking those emails, your student portal, and other communications from your college.