How to prepare for college success!

Making the transition toCOLLEGE

… of your senior year

Let’s start at the END…

Complete college documents

• Admissions – final transcript• Financial Aid – apply for loans, if

needed• Housing – complete forms

Make housing arrangements

• Deposit usually due May 1• Send housing documents early to

secure best housing• Complete roommate survey

Attend freshmen orientation

• Participate in presentations and activities

• Take a campus tour• Meet your academic advisor• Register for classes• Buy books• Meet other students

Prepare for big changes

• New experiences, new friends• Roommate adjustments• Lots of reading• Less structure• Weight gain• Grade shock

Get to know your roommate

• Colleges typically match students based on roommate surveys

• Some students request a roommate – mixed results

• Contact roommate over the summer o get to know him or hero coordinate shared items

Get along with your roommate

• Set ground ruleso Shared itemso Guestso Expectations for cleanliness

• Be considerate• Communicate!• Use Resident Advisor as sounding

board

Participate in “Welcome Week” Activities

• Meet new people• Enjoy activities lead

by student leaders• Join in residence

hall activities

Prepare for classes

• Find classrooms• Meet professors and fellow students• Get class syllabus – follow it all

semester• Use a student planner to stay on task• Hit the books • Start a study group

Do these simple things to succeed!

• Manage your time• Go to class!• Review your notes and re-read the

text book• Seek help with classes as needed• Select a major by the end of your

sophomore year

Take advantage of campus accommodations

• Residence halls – shared spaces• Food

o Cafeteriao Campus restaurants o Campus convenience stores

• Gym• Library• Student Center• Athletic venues

Seek out campus resources

• Academic Advising• Student Services• Career Center• Counseling Center• Multicultural Center• Tutoring• Business Office /

Registrar

Join student activities

• Clubs and organizations• Intramural sports• Student government• Fraternities and sororities• On-campus jobs

Check out community events

• Intercollegiate sports

• Speakers and concerts

• Theater, movies, local restaurants

Have fun…without spending lots of money!

• Rent movies• Go to free events

on campus and at your residence hall

• Find food specials for students

Avoid excessive debt

• Complete the Renewal FAFSA every year

• Keep looking for scholarships• Borrow only what you absolutely need• Create a budget and stick to it• Avoid credit cards• Finish college in four years!