As you get ready to go away to school, you probably have a million thoughts swirling through your mind. No matter how excited you are, a little prep work can help ease any anxiety you have about this new phase in your life. If you’re wondering how to prepare for college, Varsity has you covered with tips ranging from bonding with friends and family to how to prepare financially for college.
What to Do the Summer Before College
Getting organized is a great way to kick off your post-high school life. Clean out your closet by hosting a clothes swap with friends or holding a garage sale. Start a new habit that helps you keep things tidy. For example, if you don’t always make your bed, start doing it as soon as you get up. Or start straightening up your room every night before bed. But make sure to squeeze in plenty of fun, too. Try these ideas for spending quality time with your favorite people before heading off to school:
- Organize a road trip or big night out with your friends
- Treat your family to a homemade dinner
- Plan a movie night with your parents
This is also a good time to (temporarily) say goodbye to your hometown. Make a list of your favorite places, especially those you haven’t visited for a while. You’ll have special memories for when you’re feeling a little homesick.
Preparing for College
Attending your university’s orientation is one of the best ways to get ready for the school year. In fact, some of what you’ll learn may help you for the next four years. Here are some other ideas for what to do the summer before college:
- Buy textbooks earlier and for less money online
- Figure out which clothes to take to school
- Get a job or sell unused belongings
- Read up on your school and its resources
- Research the town you’ll be living in
How to Prepare Financially for College
Start by visiting the financial aid office while you’re at school for orientation. A financial aid officer can teach you about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower and answer your questions. There are other ways you can easily manage your money while you’re in school, such as:
- Creating a budget
- Picking up extra cash with gig work, online tasks, or doing chores for family and neighbors
- Educating yourself about your student loans
Additionally, open an online savings account as soon as possible. Even if you have a local bank, a digital banking account allows you to save money and make a seamless financial transition to college life. Varsity offers low- or no-fee online accounts with access to 34,000 ATMs. Want to show school spirit? We also offer debit cards that feature your university’s logo!
Start Your Financial Education with Varsity
From convenient checking accounts to helpful tools like Credit Sense, Varsity is here to help you learn how to prepare financially for college.
Check out our Digital Toolkit to get started with our financial tools, and stay up-to-date on all things money-related with the Varsity blog.
For a financial partner for your college life and beyond, choose Varsity. Open your account today!
