What to Do the Summer Before College

Your college uses a student portal to communicate everything from financial aid to class registration, and ignoring it is the fastest way to derail your fall semester. Log in immediately after committing to your school and bookmark the page. Your admission office will provide instructions for accessing your student ID and portal.

If you accepted federal student loans as part of your financial aid package, you must complete two requirements before funds can disburse. First, complete entrance counseling at studentaid.gov—an interactive session taking about 20-30 minutes that explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. Second, sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN), the legal document where you agree to repay your loans. The MPN remains valid for up to 10 years, so you only complete it once.

Review your tuition bill carefully when it arrives. The bill shows all charges including tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. Check whether you can waive college-provided health insurance if you’re covered under a parent’s plan. If you still owe a balance after financial aid is applied, explore payment plan options through your bursar’s office—many offer interest-free monthly installments.

Orientation isn’t optional socializing—it’s where you’ll meet your academic advisor, register for classes, tour campus, and build your first college connections. Research shows students who participate in orientation programs perform better academically and persist to graduation at higher rates. Most colleges require attendance, and even those that don’t strongly recommend it.

During orientation, you’ll receive essential information about academic expectations, campus resources, and support services. You’ll learn how to navigate the online portal, schedule classes, and understand your degree requirements. Many schools also introduce you to mental health resources, academic tutoring, and career services—all of which you’ll want to know about before you actually need them.

Come prepared with questions about your major, general education requirements, and any academic concerns. Orientation leaders and advisors are there specifically to help you, so don’t be shy. This is also your chance to meet other incoming students who may become your study partners, friends, and support network throughout your college years.

Once you receive your housing assignment and roommate information, reach out and introduce yourself. A simple text, email, or social media message breaks the ice and lets you coordinate what to bring. You don’t want two mini-fridges, two microwaves, and no coffee maker. Decide who will bring shared items like rugs, televisions, or cleaning supplies.

If you’re living in a dorm, confirm you’ve completed all required housing paperwork and paid any deposits. Many schools require a housing deposit to secure your room assignment, and missing this deadline could mean losing your preferred housing option. Check your student portal for housing-specific requirements and deadlines.

For first-year students, many schools require on-campus living unless you live within a certain distance from campus or are over a specific age. Understand your school’s housing policies before making other plans. If you have specific accommodation needs, contact your school’s disability resource center early—the approval process can take several weeks.

Most states require college students to provide proof of specific immunizations before attending classes. Common requirements include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus/diphtheria, and often meningitis. Requirements vary by state and institution, so check your school’s student health website for exact specifications.

Your immunization records are not automatically transferred from high school or previous colleges. You’ll need to request official copies from your doctor’s office, previous school, or your state’s immunization registry. Submit records well before any deadline—review processes can take 7-10 days, and you don’t want registration holds delaying your first semester.

Schedule a pre-college health checkup including dental and vision exams. If you take prescription medications, arrange for prescription transfers to a pharmacy near campus or set up mail-order delivery. Prepare a basic medicine kit with over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers, cold medicine, and first-aid supplies. Locate the campus health center and know its hours and services before you actually get sick.

College demands skills that high school rarely teaches. You’ll need to manage your own money, do laundry, maintain a schedule without parental reminders, cook basic meals, and take responsibility for your health. The summer before college is your chance to practice these skills with a safety net still in place.

Start with budgeting. Track your spending for a month using an app or spreadsheet. Categorize expenses into needs (food, transportation, textbooks) and wants (entertainment, dining out, subscriptions). Understanding your spending patterns now will prevent the classic freshman mistake of running through your semester’s funds by October. Many experts recommend the 50/30/20 rule: 50% on needs, 30% on wants, 20% on savings.

Practice time management without someone else structuring your day. College schedules have significant gaps between classes, and how you use that time determines your success. Learn to do your own laundry—read garment labels, separate colors, and understand washer settings. Cook at least five simple meals that are healthier and cheaper than dining hall food or takeout. Memorize important information like your Social Security number, health insurance details, and emergency contacts.

The transition to college is exciting but also stressful. You’re leaving behind familiar support systems while navigating new academic demands, social pressures, and adult responsibilities. Feelings of anxiety, homesickness, and uncertainty are completely normal—but having strategies in place before you arrive makes them more manageable.

Start by identifying your current coping strategies. What do you do when stressed? Exercise, talking to friends, journaling, music, time outdoors? Plan how you’ll maintain these habits on campus. If you currently see a therapist or counselor, discuss the transition and develop a plan for continuing support—whether through telehealth sessions or transferring care to campus resources.

Research your school’s mental health services before you arrive. Most colleges offer free counseling, and knowing how to access these services removes a barrier when you need help. Learn the location and hours of the counseling center. Some schools have wellness apps, peer support programs, or after-hours crisis lines. You probably won’t need these during orientation week—but knowing they exist provides peace of mind.

Set realistic expectations. Building meaningful friendships takes time. Feeling fully at home on campus takes time. Struggling academically in a challenging class doesn’t mean you don’t belong. Many students report that their first semester was their hardest—and that’s okay.

Check what your school provides before buying anything. Most dorms include a bed, desk, chair, dresser, and sometimes a microwave-refrigerator combo. Purchasing duplicates wastes money and valuable space. Also check prohibited items—many schools ban candles, hot plates, halogen lamps, and space heaters for fire safety.

Focus on essentials first. Bedding (check if you need twin XL sheets), towels, toiletries, shower shoes for communal bathrooms, and a basic first-aid kit. Academic supplies include your laptop, chargers, notebooks, and a backpack. Bring comfortable walking shoes—you’ll cover more ground than you expect.

Coordinate with your roommate on shared items to avoid duplicates. One area rug is enough. One coffee maker is plenty. Save larger purchases for after you see your space—you can buy additional storage solutions, decorations, and organizational items once you know what you actually need. Many parents find that ordering items for delivery after move-in is easier than packing everything in the car.

Don’t bring your entire wardrobe. Pack for the current season plus transition weather. You can swap clothing during breaks. Consider what you’ll actually wear to class (hint: comfort matters more than fashion during 8 AM lectures).