If you are nervous about going to college, you can ease your mind by making sure you have done everything possible to prepare yourself. The tasks you need to do before going to college can feel overwhelming, but a checklist can break it all down.

This checklist can give you some ideas you may not have considered before, but you should also check your school’s website before going off to college. It may provide a few tips specific to your school, such as policies, weather-related warnings and any dorm furnishings that are provided by the college.

Furnishing Your Dorm Before Going to College

• Buy extra-long sheets for your dorm mattress.
• Pack towels and a robe for the shower.
• Buy flip flops or shower shoes if your dorm has a community bathroom.
• Decide which posters and photos will grace your dorm room’s walls.
• Bring plenty of quarters, detergent and a laundry basket.
• Take a can opener and a small set of dishes.
• Bring a computer with a printer.
• Take duct tape, a screwdriver and other small tools to make quick fixes.
• Bring earplugs in case your roommate is a noisy sleeper.

Familiarizing Yourself with a New Campus and New People

• Contact your roommate to discuss who will bring the microwave, mini fridge and TV.
• Attend any mixers that help new students meet before college begins.
• Visit campus at least once to find your dorm and nearby amenities, like supermarkets, pharmacies and restaurants.
• Check out the campus gym and food options before going off to college.
• Find out where you can park, or what public transportation options are available.

Being Responsible

• Memorize your Social Security number before going to college.
• Make a budget for the school year.
• Update your resume if you plan to get a job soon.
• Choose your meal plan.
• Select your courses carefully.
• Make sure you understand your financial aid package.
• Know what not to bring to your dorm, such as a hot plate or candles.
• Know how your health insurance plan works.

You might need some assistance from your parents before going to college, and most are happy to help. For example, if you got financial aid or health insurance with their help, they should be able to explain how your plan works.

Parents can also usually assist with creating a budget, selecting a meal plan and shopping for the items you need before going to college. Asking them for help will probably make their day! Plus, you might not see them for a while if you are going away to college, so why not use their expertise while you still can?

Consider comparing this checklist with the ones compiled by your friends who are also going to college, whether or not they are going to the same school as you. This way, you can feel confident that you have not missed a thing, and you can hang out with your high school friends one last time before going to college.

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