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Here’s your ultimate pre-college checklist—10 important things every student should do before leaving for campus.Let’s make sure you’re not just ready for college, but ready to thrive.
You’ve got your acceptance letter, your dorm assignment, and maybe even a new laptop—but before you toss your cap in the air and call it a wrap, there’s still some real-life prep to do. Heading off to college is one of the biggest transitions you’ll ever make. You’re not just packing up clothes and school supplies—you’re getting ready to start a brand-new chapter in a brand-new place, often away from the comforts of home for the very first time.
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The weeks before move-in day can feel like a whirlwind—between celebrating, shopping, and saying your goodbyes, it’s easy to forget some pretty important to-dos. But trust us: taking a little time now to handle these key steps can save you a lot of stress (and phone calls home) later. So, before you zip up that suitcase and ride off into your college adventure, here’s your ultimate pre-college checklist—10 important things every student should do before leaving for campus.
Before you even step on campus, it’s important to make sure your financial aid is finalized. That means checking that you’ve accepted all grants, scholarships, and loans—and that any necessary paperwork like your Master Promissory Note or entrance counseling (for federal loans) is completed. Too many students overlook these final steps and find themselves dealing with late fees or delayed payments once the semester begins.
Take time to break down your costs and look at what’s covered versus what you still owe. Tuition and fees are just the beginning—remember to account for housing, meals, books, and other personal expenses. Knowing the exact amount you need to come up with each semester will help you plan ahead and avoid surprises. If there’s still a gap, you’ll know early enough to seek out additional scholarships or adjust your budget.
Even if budgeting sounds overwhelming, starting small can make a big difference. Begin by estimating your monthly income—whether from a part-time job, financial aid refund, family support, or savings. Then list your expected expenses, such as dining out, school supplies, transportation, and any monthly subscriptions or entertainment. Be realistic about what you spend and look for areas where you might be able to cut back.
A simple, clear budget can help you stay on top of your spending and avoid running out of money mid-semester. And don’t forget to factor in irregular costs like laundry, haircuts, or emergency purchases. Using a budgeting app or template can make this process easy and even kind of fun. You’ll feel more in control and less stressed once classes start and expenses begin to pile up.
📚 Read more: What Should Be on Every Student’s Financial Checklist This Summer?
If you’re going to college far from home, your local credit union or bank might not be the most convenient option anymore. Look into opening a checking account with a bank that has ATMs or branches close to your college to avoid extra fees. Many banks offer student accounts with perks like no monthly maintenance fees or overdraft protection.
It’s also smart to set up a savings account and try to automate a small monthly transfer into it—this could be the start of your emergency fund. Having separate accounts for spending and saving can help you manage your money better and avoid dipping into funds that you’ll need for books or other essentials.
Healthcare isn’t the most exciting part of college prep, but it’s definitely one of the most important. Before leaving home, find out if you’ll stay on your parents’ health insurance or need to enroll in your school’s student plan. Knowing what’s covered and where you can go if you’re sick will save you a lot of stress if something happens.
Make sure you have copies of your insurance card and understand how to refill any prescriptions you need. If you have ongoing medical needs or allergies, write them down and store them in your phone or wallet. It’s also a good idea to pack a basic first-aid kit, so you’re prepared for minor issues like headaches, colds, or cuts without needing a pharmacy run.
College comes with a lot of paperwork—and you’ll want quick access to important documents throughout the year. Before you leave, gather copies of your financial aid award letter, class schedule, housing details, student ID, health insurance information, and any loan paperwork. Store them in a labeled folder you can keep in your dorm, and also save digital copies in a secure cloud folder.
It’s smart to keep scans of your government-issued ID or passport as well. This can be a lifesaver if you lose your wallet, need to verify your identity, or need documents for an on-campus job or travel. Being organized from day one will make handling any surprise situations much easier.
Make sure you're signed up for orientation, whether it’s online or in person. Orientation is where you’ll get crucial info about campus resources, academic expectations, and student life—and it’s also a great way to start meeting friends before classes even begin. You’ll feel more comfortable navigating campus and asking questions when you know what to expect.
When it comes to buying books, don’t rush to purchase everything on your list until you get your syllabi. Professors often update reading lists or clarify which materials are actually required. Wait to see what’s essential and look into cheaper options like used books, rentals, or digital editions. You might even find past students selling books at a discount.
Packing for college can feel like a major event—but you don’t have to do it all at once. Create a checklist and start early, so you can avoid the last-minute scramble. Pack essentials like bedding (check the mattress size!), towels, toiletries, weather-appropriate clothes, and any small appliances your dorm allows.
Also include storage bins, a laundry basket, extra hangers, and a desk lamp. If space allows, consider bringing a fan, mini fridge, or small rug to make your dorm more comfortable. Focus on what you’ll actually use, and don’t feel like you need to pack your entire life. You’ll likely accumulate things once you arrive.
Reaching out to your roommate(s) ahead of move-in day can help you feel more at ease and avoid awkward surprises. Send a quick message to introduce yourself, and talk about what each of you plans to bring. That way, you won’t end up with two microwaves or no trash can. You can also set a few ground rules or talk about your expectations around visitors, cleaning, quiet hours, or shared items. Starting the year with open communication helps set a positive tone and can prevent misunderstandings once you’re living together full-time.
College is about more than academics—it’s your first real shot at independence. If you haven’t already, use this summer to learn a few life skills that’ll make your transition easier. Practice doing your own laundry, cooking a few simple meals, making your own appointments, and managing your time.
These small but essential tasks will make a big difference when you’re balancing classes, activities, and new responsibilities. You don’t need to be perfect—but the more confident you are in basic day-to-day skills, the better you’ll be able to handle college life.
If you haven’t had a serious financial conversation with your parents or guardians yet, don’t put it off. Sit down and ask, “What can we realistically afford each year?” This includes tuition, housing, supplies, travel, meals, and everyday spending. Clarify what your family is contributing, how much you’re expected to cover, and whether scholarships, loans, or a job are part of the plan.
This kind of transparency sets expectations and helps prevent conflict or stress once bills start rolling in. It also gives you the chance to come up with a shared plan, especially if adjustments need to be made along the way.
College is a huge milestone—and it comes with a lot of moving parts. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Inside our Fund Your Future student portal, we upload:
🎯 Ready to make a smart start? Sign up now and let’s build your college game plan together.
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