9 Things You Should do Before You Arrive at College
Posted: February 08, 2017 | Author: Abigail Wyatt | Read Time: 3 minutes
If you are starting your first year of college, it’s normal to feel a little nervous. With help from Madi Maynard, student director of First Year Experience and Orientation at Southern Utah University, we made a list of 9 things you can do this summer to help you feel more prepared and confident for your college adventure.
Make a packing list
A packing list can help you remember to bring everything you need to college. Don’t forget to add things to help you feel at home. If your rental has a kitchen, consider coordinating certain items with roommates to avoid crowding the kitchen with duplicate dishes and appliances. Later in the year, if you realize you brought things you never use, take them home to reduce clutter.
Contact your roommates
If you’re moving in with roommates, find them online before move-in day. Thanks to social media, you can get to know them before you begin living together, ask what they’re planning to bring and discuss what items you might share. Get to know their personality, sleeping preferences, study habits and what they like to do. You might just find your new best friend.
Be professional online
Make sure your social media accounts look professional, especially if you will be looking for a job on or off campus. Employers often search social media to learn about applicants. Remove old, embarrassing posts or photos you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see. You will also want to create a LinkedIn account to begin looking for jobs and internships, network with professionals, and to begin building your online resume/portfolio. This will be useful to you in college and as you begin your professional career.
If you still have the same email you created in sixth grade, it may not be named in a professional way. If this is the case, create a new account for submitting resumes and other formal correspondence. Also, be sure to get in the habit of checking it often.
Follow your university on social media
To stay in the know on campus, be sure to find and follow your university on various social media platforms for information about activities and events. Most colleges and universities communicate event information through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. Find SUU’s social media accounts on suu.edu.
Tour your campus
Make time to walk around campus to find your classroom buildings before the first day. That way you’ll feel more comfortable and confident on the first day. Find a map of SUU online.
You can schedule a personalized visit and tour of SUU’s campus with one of the ACES (Assistant Coaches for Excellence and Success). The ACES will provide options for things to do during your campus visit and create a personalized itinerary for you.
Find your textbooks
The SUU Bookstore sells the required textbooks for every class. Purchase textbooks on campus before the semester starts, or avoid the rush by purchasing online. Be sure to scan the index and first few chapters to get an idea of what will be covered in your course.
Research campus clubs and organizations
Join clubs and organizations to make new friends and begin building professional relationships. Sign in to your SUU student account for a complete list of organizations and events through T-Bird Connection.
Complete online orientation
Many universities, SUU included, have an online orientation option. Complete the online orientation to learn important student information before arriving at campus. You will learn about campus resources, how to get involved, your school’s traditions, financial aid and more.
Find ways to commute to campus
If you’re bringing a bicycle to campus, be sure you register your bike. Register yours for free, or purchase an SUU license plate online at SUU Parking Services. Vehicle parking passes are sold out but there are several free parking lots near campus. If you live too far to walk, you can always carpool with roommates or neighbors.
Have questions? Call the Orientation office at (435) 586-1932 or the ACES at (435) 865-8578.
This article was published more than 5 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Tags: Blog High School Parents
