Make the most of your last summer before college
It’s your summer before college: part victory lap, part “this is really happening” butterflies.
A lot of my students ask me: How should I spend my last summer before heading to university? I beg them, please don’t take an internship.
Here’s the thing. This is your last summer of freedom, without the worries of filling your resume with jobs and internships. That will definitely come later in your college career.
So enjoy the down time, spend time with loved ones, read some good books, travel if you have the budget. Be a fun-loving high school grad for a few more weeks. Things are going to get real, soon.
Meantime, here’s some things to do in your last few weeks before college bell tower tolls:
1. Relax—but not into a coma
You’ve earned a break. Take some time to unwind and celebrate. But don’t go full sloth. Use this time to recharge and prep for the next chapter.
2. If you haven’t already, learn some basic adulting
Please, for the love of laundry, learn how to:
Do laundry
Cook a few simple meals (eggs, pasta, something microwaveable that won’t explode)
Budget money
Make medical appointments or know how your insurance works
3. Connect with your future college
Join your college's incoming student social media groups or forums
Chat with your future roommate(s).
Check out course catalogs or explore general education requirements.
Maybe even email your academic advisor if you’re feeling ambitious
4. Make a packing list—and edit it
Talk to current students or check the school’s suggested packing list. You don’t want your last week at home to be a mad scramble to get everything together. Wouldn’t you rather be the life of the party at your going-away celebrations?
5. Brush up on time management and study skills
College is basically high school on steroids, minus the hand-holding. Make sure you’re thinking about how you’re going to ramp up. Consider some time-blocking apps, study techniques like Pomodoro, or even an old-school planner.
6. Do something interesting
Chances are, you won’t be bored. But if the summer weeks start to drag on, volunteer, take an art class, start a creative project—anything that stretches your brain or gets you talking to other people.
7. Have the important conversations
When you’re settled into your dorm, your dynamic with your family might change. You’lll have new friends, new routines. Before all of this happens, talk with family about:
Expectations (academic, financial, communication)
Boundaries
Emergency contacts, health info, etc.
You’ll be glad to get those convos out of the way.
8. Start building healthy habits
The first few weeks and months of college are going to be a blur. You’ll be running from class to class, making new friends left and right, trying to squeeze in time for relaxation and self-care. So try getting started now on good-for-you routines. Regular sleep. Decent food. Some movement. College is more manageable when you’re not surviving on Red Bull.
9. Read something for fun
Check out some good novels from the library or pick some paperbacks up at the local bookstore. Because soon, your reading list will be a lot of dense tomes that will bring you knowledge, but maybe not always joy.
10. Mentally prepare for change
College is awesome but also overwhelming. It’s okay to be nervous. Everyone else is too. Talk to people about your feelings. Or scream into a pillow. All this is healthy.
Whatever happens, just remember that you’re going to crush it. Sure, you’ll have ups and downs. But your future is bright. Now go make the most of your last summer of freedom!
Looking for help with any part of the college admissions journey? Reach out to Inclusive Admissions.