July College Checklist for a Soon-to-Be College Freshman

During the summer before your freshman year of college, it’s imperative to get many tasks accomplished so that you’re prepared for the year ahead. From completing paperwork to buying dorm room essentials, there's a lot to do within the next month to guarantee you're ready for your big transition to college. Get on track with a checklist of the top 12 items incoming freshmen should be focused on during the month of July:

College Planning Checklist for Soon-to-Be College Freshmen

1. Keep Saving for College

Continue saving money that you earn from your summer job. The more savings you have, the better off you’ll be while you’re in school. Many college students use the money they earn to help them pay for college.

2. Address Financial Aid Gaps

Summer is the time some college students realize they don't have enough funds to help them pay for school. If your family has financial struggles that weren’t captured on the FAFSA, now is the time to start a financial aid appeals process. If after a professional judgment, you still need more money to pay for college, there are ways you can fill the money gap. It's better to address this financial concern early in the summer than at the start of your busy college semester.

3. Organize Your Personal Records

Make copies of your important forms including financial aid, medical, etc. for your personal records. Consider leaving copies at home with your parents for safekeeping.

4. Confirm Your Transcripts Were Sent

Ensure your final high school transcripts have been forwarded to your college. If your college doesn't have these forms on hand, email your high school counselor to ask for help. Send thank you notes to everyone who helped you plan and prepare for college, including any teachers who wrote letters of recommendation for you as well as those who gave you gifts for your high school graduation (if you haven’t already).

5. Register for Orientation

Register for fall semester and freshman orientation. You may register for fall classes during the orientation, depending on the school. View your college’s website or connect with your college admissions team to get orientation details. While some of the activities may seem cheesy or even uncomfortable, you never know who you’ll meet at these events, like your college BFF or mentor.

6. Submit Remaining Forms

Check to see if you need to fill out any forms before orientation, like housing, meal plans, etc. You'll want to email these documents to the admissions office, rather than mailing or delivering them in person, if possible.

7. Talk to Your Roommate

If you haven’t already, it’s time to call, text, or DM your future roommate. Coordinate with your roommate on which shared items each of you will be bringing to the dorm room. You may also want to take some time to get to know one another through a series of conversations. That will make your initial interactions less forced and more organic.

8. Shop for Dorm Room Essentials

After you’ve talked to your future roommate(s), begin shopping for any dorm room items you’re responsible for bringing. Check out our dorm room packing list for a place to start. You don’t need to bring your entire life to college. To help you simplify your packing list, check out one of our Student Contributor’s tips on what to bring to college – and what to leave at home.

9. Try Job Shadowing

Contact professionals who you would like to job shadow. It may help you decide on potential career options, and as a result, a college major. Your first academic year is a great time to begin building professional relationships. You can also use this last summer month to research salary trajectories for your prospective majors and career paths. To help, search for job salaries by major, title, and location.

10. Learn Basic Laundry Skills

Learn how to do laundry…because you can’t bring Mom and Dad to college. It’s a skill you’re going to need, and practice makes perfect! The Spruce offers a 10-step guide to help you conquer this must-know life skill. While you’re at it, look up how to manage your time, stress, and communication. Though you’ll hone these life skills in college, it’s great to get a head start by researching helpful tactics.

11. Send Thank You Notes

Send thank you notes to everyone who helped you plan and prepare for college, including any teachers who wrote letters of recommendation for you as well as those who gave you gifts for your high school graduation (if you haven’t already).

12. Apply for Scholarships Now

Many students make the mistake of limiting their scholarship search to their junior and senior years of high school. In fact, students can apply for scholarships through their senior year of college. Keep your scholarship application momentum going throughout college and commit to a monthly, or even weekly, goal of applying to multiple scholarships. Remember, the more you apply to, the greater your chances of winning.