Top 10: Things to Do Before You Bolt

David Lymburner on July 26, 2011 in College Entry

Hasta la vista, Mom and Dad. Hello, independence but wait! Not so fast. Before you hit the road and leave your parentals behind, make sure youre fully prepared for your new life of unwavering autonomy by spending your summer days wisely. Here, 10 things to do before you bolt. Ready, set

1. Check up on your computer
New computers rarely come with programs like Microsoft Office, which youll definitely need, so be sure to purchase before youre stuck handwriting your first assignment. And if youre using an older comp, make sure its ready to take the heat: Since you will be on it all the time, install any updates or think about an upgrade. Also, find out if your school offers wireless Internet access (and if your computer is compatible) or whether youll need an Ethernet cable. Note: Some schools prohibit users without spyware or virus protection from connecting to the network. So, seriously, get the deets!

2. Make nice with your new dorm mate
As if you need us to tell you, check out her Facebook or MySpace page so you can get a feel for what youre in for. Then buckle down and dial her digits for a quick chat to break the ice. Ask if theres anything you should be aware of (like her fatal allergy to dusk or fear of the dark) and let her know of any immediate concerns you might have (like the fact that you cant live without cable, and youre relying on her to bring the big screen).

3. Do it up at a discount department store
Knock out the staples on your to-buy list before the selection is sold out: sheets, towels, toiletries and storage containers. But also pick up the following often-forgotten items you do not want to leave home without:
One-cup coffeemaker. Brew your own instead of wasting a whole meal swipe for a cup o joe from the dining hall or blowing wads of money at Starbucks.
Mattress pad. Make your dorm cot as comfy as the cushy oasis youre used to at home while protecting yourself from whatever lived on your bed before you.
Rubber flip-flops. Save yourself from the foot infections, clumps of hair and other mysterious masses that live in your communal shower.
Power strip. Surge-protect your PC while hooking up your iPod station and hair dryer all at once.

4. Secure your class schedule
Enrollment deadlines are not meant to be ignored. In fact, the earlier you sit down to set your schedule, the better your course selection will be — so definitely dont wait until the last minute. Also, pay attention to class restrictions, since some courses may require department approval ahead of time.

5. Plan your budget
Living costs at college range from campus to campus — the amount of money youll need largely depends on the location of your campus (cities can be more expensive) and the choices you make (like ordering in instead of suffering one more dining hall meal). Extra expenses will include social costs (movies, concerts, game tickets, cover for some parties), toiletries, food and drink beyond your meal plan, and transportation. Ask an upperclassman or student advisor how much cash she spends on average each week. Then pool your summer savings to determine whether you can cover your own expenses. If you need help, ask your parents or start looking for a part-time job on campus — before you get there.

6. Visit your schools Web site
Your university may offer registration guides, campus news and summertime get-to-know-each-other sessions that you definitely do not want to miss out on — especially if youre in the habit of throwing college junk mail in the trash (which is where important info may very well be). Plus, seeing your campus colors on the screen will psych you up — or at the very least, calm your nerves and get you into the spirit.

7. Get packing
Whether youre shipping all your stuff UPS or loading up the car and driving cross-country, dont leave packing to the last minute, when youll want to laze around and hang out with friends you wont be seeing for a while. Designate an area of your house or bedroom to stow things you buy especially for college or things you dont use daily but know youll need to take. Do not overpack! The amount of space you will have in your new room is likely much smaller than your current living quarters. Only bring whats necessary, as your parents can always mail any left-behind belongings.

8. Put together a tool kit
Once youre at school on your own, youll be shocked how often youll need a pair of scissors or a screwdriver — even if youve never used one. If you need to hang a poster or fix a loose screw, a simple, handy kit will be of great use when you least expect it. Bring a little box with a screwdriver (both Phillips and flathead), hammer, pliers, nails and screws. An inexpensive small cordless drill/screw gun is a good investment too. Pack scissors as well as adhesives, like sticky tack and tape, with your desk stuff.

9. Get protection
Theres no harm in being prepared for safe sex even if you have no particular plan or person in mind with whom to have it.

10. Hang with your high school pals
You know youre going to miss your hometown friends, especially during the first few weeks you are apart. Yeah, youll make a whole slew of new friends. But make some memories first by hanging with the crew this summer.

This is a guest post by Lauren Joffe for The Real College Guide.

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