Key Takeaways:
- The transition from high school to college is a major change that brings new experiences and greater responsibilities.
- To make the transition easier financially, it helps to set budgets, understand financial aid options, and take advantage of free campus resources.
- Get the most out of your experience by going to school events, trying new things, and communicating with professors and advisors.
The transition from high school to college is a big jump that comes with a lot of new and exciting experiences. Not to mention, a lot more responsibility. Going off to college is often the first glimpse of what being an adult looks like, especially if you’re relocating. The advice you can get from college graduates, parents, and other people in your life may seem endless. But here are some helpful things to know before going to college.
15 things you’ll want to know before you go
1. Don’t spend more than you have
In college, everyone manages money differently, but frequent outings can take a toll on your bank account. Set a budget with some flexibility to avoid running short on essentials like food or rent. Living within your means helps you avoid unnecessary student debt after graduation.
2. Don’t buy new textbooks
Do you have money set aside for textbooks? Buying them brand new can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars each year. Each semester, you can save on textbook costs by buying used books or renting. Check out sites like:
- Amazon Prime
- Knetbooks
- Chegg
- Ecampus
Once you’ve completed the class, you can simply send them back if you’re renting or reselling them if you’ve purchased.
“Textbooks were not covered by my scholarship. I was responsible for paying for them all throughout my college career. I had no idea about book rentals my freshman year and it cost me over $1,000. I wish someone would have told me about used textbooks and rental services before I started college. It could have saved me so much stress and money. My sophomore year book costs were less than $500 since I decided to rent. I’m here to tell you what no one told me before applying to college – do not buy the textbooks!
– Sam C.
3. Take advantage of school events
The thought of attending a school event may make you feel nervous but going at least once a semester is a great way to meet new people at school. These events are usually accompanied by fun activities and food. You may or may not just happen to meet your next best friend there. But most importantly, you could build a network that could potentially help you land a job or internship down the line.
4. Use all your school’s free resources
It’s amazing how many free resources your school has available. You can get free printing from the school library or get your resume professionally written and edited. You can get job interview advice and even get free counseling. Before you start college, make sure you take a look at all the free resources your school offers.
5. Live with random roommates
Yes, we know you might want to live with your best friend of 8 years when you move away to college. But living with a random roommate could be an amazing experience. There’s always the risk of not getting along with a stranger. But there is also the risk of damaging a relationship with a close friend. Especially if you’ve never lived together before. With any a roommate, try to establish clear boundaries and open communication.
“I decided to try living with random roommates my freshman year of college. If it didn’t work out, I knew I could live with friends the following year, but it actually turned out amazing. We lived together for 3 years before we all graduated and became more like sisters than friends. It was a great way to put myself out there. I’m so happy I chose to do randomly assigned roommates because I now have lifelong friends. Even though we all live in different places, we still talk and see each other a lot.”
– Anna T.
6. Meet with your advisor semi-regularly
Don’t be a stranger to your college advisor. They can help you change or declare your major, give you advice about which classes to take, and keep you on track for graduation. Meeting with a college advisor regularly gets them familiar with your path. Bonus, some can even suggest scholarships and grant opportunities to you.
7. Keep your family in the loop
If you’re moving away for college, the transition can leave you feeling homesick, not to mention your family misses you too. Regular calls and texts keep them updated with your life in college with.
8. Apply for scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants can be life changing, and you can apply for scholarships every year in college. There are scholarships out there for nearly everyone and unlike student loans, they don’t have to be paid back (although they may come with certain obligations). So be sure to apply to as many as you can.
“During my junior year of college, I was trying to budget more. I was so close to graduating and didn’t want to take out more student loans. I applied for a scholarship that required a short essay and ended up winning $2,500! That was enough to cover my tuition and books for my summer semester. It helped me out a lot. During my senior year of college, my advisor told me about a grant available for seniors. It ended up paying for my tuition, rent, and books for that semester. I had no idea I could apply for scholarships and grants as much as I wanted. I wish I knew about the importance of scholarships before going to college. It could have saved me even more money.”
– Selena S.
9. Take a fun/random class
Your college classes are the foundation for your career, but you deserve to take a few fun ones. Explore your school’s course catalog to see which electives stand out to you. From sailing to yoga, you can expand your horizons while still getting an education. Who knows, one of these random classes could change the course of your college career. If not, at least you got some fun experiences out of it.
10. Get rejected
Rejection is a huge fear for some people, especially college students. But when you decide to put yourself out there and get rejected, you learn how to deal with the disappointment that most people will eventually and inevitably see along the road in other areas of your life like jobs, friends, and significant others.
“I just say don’t be scared to like shoot for the stars, kind of just like aim for the best and hope for the best.”
– Patrick, Student at Bentley University
11. Learn how financial aid works
Don’t be intimidated by a sticker price—it’s often much higher than what most students actually pay for college. Start by filling out the FAFSA to unlock federal aid, then look for scholarships and grants to reduce your costs even more. Once acceptance letters come, take time to compare your financial aid award packages and see which college is giving you the best offer.
12. Attend orientation
Most colleges have a mandatory orientation for their incoming first-year students. It could be a one-day or three-day weekend event! No matter how long yours is, it’s important to attend and make the most of it. Many students meet their lifelong friends during this event and discover clubs and other groups they can participate in. It can also set you up for success with your housing, class schedule, and placement in your courses.
13. The study habit essentials
Did you breeze through high school with minimal to no studying? You could be in for a rude awakening when you get to college. College generally demands more study for your classes and exams. Learning those solid study habits early can help you succeed not only in high school, but in college, too.
14. Get outside your comfort zone
When choosing a college, consider options beyond your local area, even if it may feel a little scary. You may find a better fit somewhere else without losing touch with friends and family. College is a chance to try new things. Enroll in unfamiliar classes, join different clubs, explore different foods, and embrace fresh experiences.
15. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help
College presents new experiences, and students may encounter challenges in their studies, social life, or just feeling uncomfortable away from home.
- If you’re struggling in a class, go to office hours and seek support from your professor.
- Struggling to choose a major? Reach out to your advisor.
- Feeling anxious or down? Talk to a friend, family, or counselor.
You don’t have to do this alone. Take advantage of all your “people” resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
College is a time to embrace who you are in a new place with new people. Before you know it, you’ll be giving the same advice on things to know before going to college because you’ll have experienced it. Make the most out of your experience and enjoy the ride.
Head over to our Student Hub for resources and tips to help you embrace college life and support you each step of the way.
