The Complete Summer Before College Checklist: Everything to Do Before Move-In Day

You're Going to College. Here's Everything You Need to Handle This Summer.

The summer between high school and college is weird. You're done with high school (congrats), but college hasn't started yet. It's this in-between period where you're supposed to be celebrating and relaxing, but there's also a surprisingly long list of stuff to handle before move-in day.

I'm going to break this down month by month so you don't miss anything important.

May: The Administrative Stuff

Send your final transcript. Your college needs your final high school transcript showing your graduation date and final grades. Most high schools send these automatically, but confirm with your guidance counselor. Don't let senioritis tank your grades either. Colleges can and do rescind admissions for significant grade drops.

Accept your financial aid package. Log into your school's financial aid portal and formally accept your aid. If you have loans as part of your package, you'll need to complete entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note on studentaid.gov. Do this early. It takes time and is confusing.

Sign up for orientation. Most schools offer multiple orientation dates over the summer. Earlier sessions usually have better course selection, so sign up for the earliest date you can attend. Orientation is where you'll register for classes, learn about campus resources, and start meeting classmates.

Submit your housing deposit and preferences. If you haven't already, complete your housing application. Most schools ask about your preferences: single vs. double room, quiet floor vs. social floor, early bird vs. night owl. Be honest. This determines your living situation for the entire year.

Complete health forms. Your college will require proof of immunizations, a physical exam, and a health history form. Many schools require specific vaccines like meningitis (ACWY and B), MMR, and sometimes a TB test. Check your school's health services website for the exact requirements and deadlines. Some states have additional mandates.

Set up your school email. You'll get login credentials for your school email, learning management system (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), and student portal. Set these up and check them regularly. Important communications come through these channels.

June: Financial and Planning

Create a budget. College is expensive beyond tuition. Estimate your monthly spending on food (beyond the meal plan), transportation, entertainment, personal items, and textbooks. Most students underestimate how much they spend in the first semester.

Open a bank account. If your current bank doesn't have branches or ATMs near your campus, consider opening an account at a bank that does. Having fee-free ATM access saves money over four years. Many banks offer student checking accounts with no monthly fees.

Look into work-study or campus jobs. If you have work-study as part of your financial aid, research available positions. Popular campus jobs (library, recreation center, admissions office) fill up fast. Apply early. Even if you don't have work-study, many campus employers hire regular student workers.

Research meal plans. Most freshmen are required to have a meal plan, but you often get to choose the tier. Analyze how you actually eat. If you skip breakfast and snack a lot, a smaller meal plan with more flex dollars might work better than unlimited meals.

Connect with your roommate. Once you get your roommate assignment, reach out. Coordinate who's bringing what (you don't need two mini-fridges or two TVs). Get to know each other a little. You don't have to be best friends before arriving, but a basic introduction reduces move-in awkwardness.

July: Get Ready

Start buying dorm essentials. The basics: bedding (check if you need XL twin sheets), towels, shower caddy, shower shoes (non-negotiable for communal bathrooms), laundry basket, detergent, hangers, desk lamp, power strip (check your school's rules on surge protectors), first aid kit, and basic cleaning supplies.

Get your tech ready. Make sure your laptop works and has the software your school recommends. Many schools offer free or discounted software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.). Check before buying anything.

Think about what NOT to bring. Common mistakes: bringing too many clothes (your closet is tiny), bringing a printer (use the campus printers), bringing excessive decorations (you have less wall space than you think), and bringing a car as a freshman (parking is expensive and often restricted).

Schedule any remaining medical appointments. Dental cleaning, eye exam, prescription refills. Get these done while you're still on your parents' insurance and near your current providers. Stock up on any prescriptions you'll need for the first few months.

Take care of logistical stuff. Forward your mail (or set up informed delivery through USPS). Update your address with important accounts. If you're turning 18, register to vote at your college address or request an absentee ballot from your home state.

August: Final Prep

Attend orientation if you haven't yet. This is where you register for classes, meet advisors, and get the lay of the land. Take it seriously. Pay attention during the academic advising sessions. The courses you choose for first semester set the tone.

Download campus apps. Most schools have an official campus app for maps, events, dining menus, and bus schedules. Download it along with any apps specific to your school (laundry alerts, library systems, student org platforms).

Pack smart. Roll clothes instead of folding (saves space). Bring a door stopper (great for meeting hallmates during the first week when everyone's door is propped open). Pack a basic toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, picture hanging strips). Don't forget your phone charger and a long charging cable for your dorm bed.

Say goodbye to your people. Have those last dinners with friends. Spend time with family. This chapter is ending and a new one is starting. It's normal to feel a weird mix of excited and sad. Let yourself feel both.

The Stuff Nobody Tells You

You will feel homesick. Almost everyone does, even the people who seem like they're having the time of their lives on Instagram. It usually passes within a few weeks. Call home when you need to, but also push yourself to go to events and meet people.

The first two weeks are the best time to make friends. Everyone is new. Everyone is looking for people to connect with. Say yes to things. Go to the floor meeting. Eat in the dining hall during peak hours. Join the GroupMe or Discord for your dorm. The friendships you make in September often last all four years.

You don't need to have everything figured out. Your major, your career path, your five-year plan. None of it needs to be locked in right now. College is for exploring. Take interesting classes. Try new things. The clarity comes with time.

If you're still deciding where to go or wondering what your chances look like at different schools, try [AdmitOdds](https://admitodds.com). We help students figure out where they stand and make smart decisions about their college future.