You have finally been accepted to college but the planning isn’t over yet. To make sure you have a smooth transition, use the below guidelines.

Admission and housing

Most colleges require deposits by May 1 in order to secure your place in the freshman class. Make sure that you understand the deposit date and the required deposit amount.

Orientation

Once you are admitted to a college, you will be invited to an orientation session where you will meet some of your classmates and attend information sessions about services available on campus. Information sessions are also offered to parents. Though you will be staying on campus in a residence hall, your parents are responsible for their own overnight arrangements if they attend. The college will provide a list of nearby hotels and motels. During your orientation session, counselors will assist you in choosing your fall semester classes. By attending an early orientation session, you will have the most flexibility with your class schedule.

What to pack

Download our College Supplies Checklist for a list of suggested items to pack. If possible, contact your roommate and discuss the possibility of sharing items such as a small refrigerator, microwave or television. Take inventory of what you have and what you will need to purchase. Create a list of essentials and pack those items first. Save items that are not essential but nice to have for last. That way, if you run out of room in your car, you will still have all of the supplies you absolutely need. You can collect any additional items when you come home for break, have them shipped to you at school at a later date or purchase them upon arrival. If you are traveling by plane, consider making a list of items you can purchase once you get to your college to avoid hefty shipping costs or airplane surcharges.

Move in day

Move in day can be very hectic. Hundreds of people are moving in at the same time. Your room may be on the upper floor of the residence hall and elevator access may be limited, so it is important to only pack what you will absolutely need. Bring a small cooler filled with bottles of cold of water. You will be glad you did after making multiple trips up the stairs. Remember to bring enough for any student volunteers that help with the move. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.