| College starts after labor day for most college-bound | | | | Budget what to spend each month, especially for |
| students. It's time to pack your things and get ready | | | | entertainment and other outside activities. You can run |
| for the big day. | | | | out of money quickly if you don't have a spending plan |
| Many first-time students don't have the foggiest idea | | | | in place. You need to manage your spend each day |
| what to expect; it will be an entirely new experience | | | | and shop for less expensive books, supplies and |
| for them. You can make your first day go more | | | | entertainment to stay within budget. |
| smoothly by completing some important preparation | | | | - Consider What Kind of Transportation |
| and "getting ready for college" tasks. | | | | It would be nice if you have your own wheels for |
| Some ideas to follow: | | | | school to give you the freedom of movement. But |
| - Get to Know the Campus Familiarize yourself with | | | | having your own wheels comes with a cost: insurance, |
| the campus and its surroundings. It will make your | | | | parking fees, fuel, maintenance, and perhaps a monthly |
| adjustment to college much better. If the campus is | | | | financing payment. Again, budget what you can spend. |
| near by, spend a day to walk the grounds and | | | | If you are not coming to college with your own wheels, |
| familiarize you with the buildings, your living quarters, | | | | you need to consider alternative transportation. School |
| and service facilities. Pay particular close attention to | | | | can get lonely fast if you get stuck at campus every |
| safety rules and suggested walkways for maximum | | | | day. Alternative transportation includes a motorcycle, |
| protection. If the school is too far away to make an | | | | scooter, bicycle, and public transportation. Come |
| actual visit, go online and take a virtual tour. It will help | | | | prepared for what you need. |
| you understand the campus on your first day. | | | | - Download Our Off-to-College Packing Checklist |
| - Get to Know Your Roommate(s) | | | | Starting college means starting your first home away |
| You should have an idea who you will be bunking with | | | | from home. Check to see if you have everything you |
| for the coming year. If no, find out. Get online to chat | | | | need. You will be surprised what you will miss once |
| with your roommate or make a phone call to get | | | | you leave your parent's home. Pack your cosmetics, |
| know each other. Talk about your interests, your | | | | medications, cooking utensils, light bulbs, clothes, shoes, |
| major, things you like to do for fun, and most | | | | laundry detergent, and much more. Download our |
| importantly, your expectations for a good relationship. | | | | college packing checklist for reference (see below). |
| - Make Sure You Have Enough Money | | | | - Do You Need a Computer?The answer is big YES |
| The last thing that should be on your mind when | | | | for most classrooms. Avoid wastng time in a |
| starting class is whether you have enough money to | | | | computer lab when you can do your work more |
| pay tuition, housing, food, books, etc. Avoid being like | | | | conveniently at home or in a group session at the |
| many students who hope for that last minute | | | | library. You don't need something fancy; and many |
| scholarship to kick in. Make sure you have enough | | | | college bulletins and community web sites offer great |
| funds to get through the entire year on Day 1. You | | | | bargains for used systems. Make sure you backup |
| may want to look into private student loans to help | | | | your work. Losing your term paper or other school |
| meet your cost needs. You can borrow up to $30,000 | | | | work can be devastating. |
| or more to pay for tuition, housing, books, and other | | | | - Finally, Maintain a Positive Attitude for |
| education expenses, including a computer for | | | | SuccessCollege can be fun, but stay focused. Your |
| classroom instruction. We have more information | | | | goal is to graduate with honors so that you can begin |
| below. | | | | a successful career. Set goals. Discipline yourself. And |
| - Plan and Make a School Budget | | | | execute your plans. |