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7 Essential Things to Do the Summer Between High School and College
As summer beckons and college draws near, students can make the most out of their time off in so many ways. The gap between high school and college is getting shorter and shorter…
[2023 Edition]
I have an amazing guest post today by Hรฉlรจne Tragos Stelian. Hรฉlรจne is a mom to twin daughters, who are leaving for college in the fall. She is the author of 3 books, including Moving to College: What to Do, What to Learn, What to Packย and is a contributing writer to Huffington Post. She also mentors first-generation, under-resourced Chicago teens on the college application process.ย Hรฉlรจne founded Next Act for Women, to share stories of midlife reinventions and is a professional transition coach, working primarily with women in midlife who feel stuck or lost, often as a result of an impending empty nestโsheโs been there!ย
Welcome, Hรฉlรจne, and thank you for this valuable information! There are many students and parents that can use your tips as they navigate high school and college!
You did it! You are going to college, congrats! As you finish off high school and enjoy end-of-year celebrations, youโll want to start looking toward your summer. Here are my top tips on what youโll need to accomplish before leaving for college, culled from my new book, Moving to College: What to Do, What to Learn, What to Pack.ย I hope these give you the guidance you need as you launch the next phase of your life.
1. Make, save, and budget your money.
Regardless of how much financial aid youโve received, youโll want to earn some money to spend on costs that you may not have factored in (think transportation, books, and supplies) and for unexpected expensesโnot to mention having some cash on hand to enjoy a social life too!
Start looking for a summer job as early as possible, as youโll face stiff competition from other students. Continue to apply for scholarships, as many may still be available.
Before leaving home, youโll want to get your parentโs help and work out a monthly or semester budget you can live by and decide where youโll bank and how youโll manage a credit card.
Now is the time to clip coupons for big box stores where youโre likely to be shopping for your dorm essentials (like Bed Bath & Beyond). Always ask for student discounts!
2. Network with future classmates and roommates.
Get on the Facebook group for your college class and talk to current students you know (or your friends know) at your college for their advice. If you are opting to find your own roommate, get on sites like RoomSurf.
Once you have one or more roommates, whether youโve chosen them or your college has done so for you, reach out to get to know each other. Youโll also want to agree on shared items and who is bringing them, or if youโll share the cost of rentals. Youโre likely to want a mini-fridge but some students also like to have a microwave, coffeemaker, hot water kettle, and printer – if theyโre allowed. Also, find out any allergies others may have when deciding what foods to bring. You could create a Facebook group if youโll be sharing a suite, in order to ease the coordination.
3. Make a packing list, then make it shorter.
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My book, Moving to College, features the most comprehensive shopping list, by category, separated by essentials vs. extras, with lots of product recommendations and reviews. If you focus on the essentials, your packing list should be reasonable.
To save money on new purchases, collect store coupons early, watch for sales, and always ask for student discounts like those found here. Beware of all-in-one dorm room packages the colleges may plug, as they are often not a great value (and allow very limited choice), despite the apparent convenience. And make sure to save all your receipts, for ease of returns.
Finally, leave knick-knacks and valuables like nicer jewelry or fancy watches at home!
4. Take care of all health matters.
Now is the time to get your physical, dental cleaning, eye doctor, OBGYN, and any other checkups completed (and submit the necessary forms to your college). If you need regular care beyond what you can schedule when you visit home or what your college health center will be able to provide (for chronic conditions or counseling, for example), secure a specialist near your college campus. In the case of a mental health care provider, you may be able to plan for regular remote check-ins via Skype or phone.
Make sure you understand your health insurance planโwhether youโre covered under your parentโs plan or your opt for the college or an independent planโincluding what is covered, co-pay fees, and how to fill prescriptions. Come to campus with copies of your health insurance cards, your personal and family health history, a 90-day supply of your prescriptions, and instructions for refills (extra paper prescriptions canโt hurt either).
5. Learn life skills.
- If you have not practiced these, now is the time. Do you know how toโฆ
- Eat a balanced diet, make basic dorm room foods, and shop for groceries?
- Avoid getting sick, get enough sleep, stay fit, and manage your stress?
- Take care of yourself or your roommate when one of you is sick, or deal with a medical emergency?
- Do your laundry, some basic ironing, sew on a button, shine shoes?
- Stay safe, protect yourself from sexual assault, avoid the risks of alcohol and drug abuse?
- Keep your valuables safe and what to do if you lose them?
- Manage your time and keep track of important dates?
- Take notes, foster a strong relationship with professors, and get academic help?
- Live on a budget, maintain your financial aid, pay bills, and manage bank, credit, and debit card accounts?
- Arrange for bus, train, and plane reservations and navigate an airport and train/bus terminals?
- Maintain your bike, keep it secure, and ride safely?
- Youโll find tips on these and more life skills in my book, Moving to College.
6. Finalize the logistics for your travel to campus.
Youโll want to get to your college town the day before so you can have everything ready for an early start on move-in day.

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Taking a plane, bus, or train? Monitor pricing for the best deals on tickets. Youโll need to be doubly frugal with what you pack to avoid luggage fees; be sure to check on baggage allowances and weight restrictions. When flying, choose an airline that allows the most bags for free, check-in duffel bags with your clothing and other personal essentials, and bring any valuables (think jewelry, documents, prescription medications, electronics) on board with you. Donโt pack anything you can buy or pick up near campus, such as toiletries, over-the-counter medications, kitchen items, and study supplies. You may also choose to ship several boxes out ahead of your arrival.
Driving? Make sure your car is in good shape and plan your route, including overnight stops along the way. Driving provides many advantages since you can simply pack and go, but be sure not to take that as permission to bring too much, or youโll regret it once youโre trying to stuff everything into your tiny dorm room. Avoid packing items in heavy rigid trunks or large boxes that canโt easily be lifted by one personโkeep in mind youโre likely to be carrying these up one or more flights of stairs to your room.
7. Enjoy some much-earned downtime at home with family and friends. The transition between high school and college is stressful!
Last but not least, do make sure to carve out time to enjoy summer with your loved ones and pals. This is a very special moment in your life, so take the time to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments and the promise for your future. And it canโt hurt to thank those who helped you along the way, from family members to special teachers and mentors. They are no doubt proud and deserve to share some credit for your successful launch!
This post was first published on University Parent.
7 Essential Things to Do the Summer Between High School and College Click To TweetFor more, check out Moving to College: What to Do, What to Learn, What to Pack. (available HERE)
Practical Resources include:
A step-by-step list of things to do, from decision to move-in day, such as:
- Booking hotel roomsย ASAPย for parentsโ weekend
- Securing scholarship money to close financial aid gaps
- Understanding your health plan options and HIPAA waiversย
The life skills every student should learn before leaving home, including:
- Staying safe and handling a medical emergencyย
- Managing expenses and staying on a budgetย
- Handling common roommate problems ย
The most comprehensive college packing list, for every category, featuring:
- Dorm life essentials and whatโs a waste of money
- Extensive product information and reviews
- Packing and move-inย day tips toย ensure a stress-freeย moveย
Hundreds of resources, with links at your fingertips, including:
- The best stores for college dorm shopping, with tips on student discounts
- Where to buy, rent, and sell textbooks so you never pay full price
- Great books, websites, and blogs for both students and parents
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Great tips here for prospective college students! I especially love the point about learning life skills – so true!
Thank you, Faye!
What helpful information for parents and students, my daughter is just now beginning high school but great to be forward looking and realize what needs to be done now!
You are in a GREAT place to work on scholarship and college prep, Rosemond! Feel free to email me with any scholarship questions that you may have. Early planning is key!
These are good tips. Though I think I did number 3…then made it bigger! That’s how I pack!
Uh oh! Less is more, LOL! ๐
I love the idea of networking with future classmates and roommates. The social aspect of college is huge, and having a group of friends who support you can make the transition much easier. As a parent, I always feel better when my kids are with good friends. What a great post with so many tips and tools. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you found value in this post, Rica! Thanks so much for reading. ๐
No matter what year this was first posted, all the information is still important today. I shared it on Facebook for all my friends and family.
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
Some really great tips here.
Thanks so much, Rachael! ๐
It’s summer! The time is now….
Happy Summer, Carol! ๐
#3 is fantastic advice. I took way too much crap my first year. Then I accumulated more. Iโm still trying to downsize 15 years later!
Thanks, Jody! ๐
ALL of this is so important!!!!!
I agree! Thanks, Stacey! ๐