Getting Organized to Go to College

Before stepping foot on campus, review the checklist below to insure a smooth transition. Begin confirming arrangements a couple of months before your move-in date to allow plenty of time to resolve any issues that might arise.

• Confirm with the financial aid office that all monies have been received for tuition. Follow up with your lenders or scholarship provider if the monies have not arrived. Do not make any assumptions when it comes to financial aid.
• Confirm your housing arrangements. Make sure you apply for housing as soon as possible, ideally when you mail in your initial deposit. Confirm that your housing application has been received and when to expect notification from the housing office.
• Know when your school’s orientation will be. Some colleges have an orientation in the middle of summer; others have it just before school begins.
• Read through the course offerings online; know what classes you must take, and when registration begins. Have a back-up list of classes to take if you cannot get into your first choice classes.
• Call the office of admissions to confirm receipt of your AP exam test scores and to get credit for classes where appropriate.
• Call the office of admissions to confirm whether or not a laptop is required.
• Open a checking account. If you will be attending an out-of-state college, you may need to open an account with a bank in that state.
• Obtain a credit card…but only one credit card; make sure it has a low limit and is reserved for emergency use only.
• Make a budget, stick to it, and have an honest discussion with your parents about money and who is in charge of what.
• Inquire about part-time jobs before you are on campus. By the time school starts, most jobs may have already been filled.
• Contact your roommate, introduce yourself, and plan what each of you will bring to your dorm room.
• Print out the WiseChoice What to Pack for College checklist and begin getting organized several weeks before you leave.