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This guide will walk you through each of them. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember—you’re not alone.
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So, you finally did it—you submitted your deposit and made your college decision official. Cue the confetti and happy tears! 🎉 Whether it was your dream school or a last-minute surprise choice, you’ve taken a huge step forward, and that’s something to be proud of. But here’s what many students don’t realize: just because you picked a college doesn’t mean you’re done. There’s a whole checklist of things you need to handle before move-in day arrives—and now is the perfect time to get ahead of it.
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From confirming your enrollment to reviewing your financial aid package and planning your first semester, there are key moves that will make the transition to college smoother and a lot less stressful. This guide will walk you through each of them. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember—you’re not alone.
The team at College Funding Hero is here to help with scholarships, financial aid appeals, budgeting support, and everything in between. Head on over to our student portal for more details.
After submitting your enrollment deposit, it’s important to make sure that everything is processed correctly. You should receive a confirmation email or a status update in your student portal stating that your spot at the college is secured. Don’t assume it’s a done deal—log in and check for any alerts, incomplete forms, or missing documents.
Also, keep an eye out for tasks that pop up in your portal after enrollment. Many schools will ask for things like final transcripts, proof of graduation, or health records. If these aren’t submitted on time, it could delay your class registration or even impact your enrollment status.
If your college offers on-campus housing, you’ll likely need to complete a housing application—even if you already paid your deposit. This form might ask for roommate preferences, living style options (quiet floors, themed housing, etc.), and meal plan selections.
Act fast! Housing assignments often happen on a rolling basis, and students who apply early tend to get their preferred dorms or roommates. Also, take time to review your meal plan options. Some campuses offer unlimited dining hall access, while others operate on a swipe or points system. Choose what best fits your eating habits and schedule—and your budget.
Now that the excitement of choosing a school is over, take a deeper look at your financial aid package. Break down what portion is free money (grants and scholarships), what portion is work-study, and what’s in loans. It’s easy to gloss over these details in the rush of Decision Day, but understanding what you’re actually committing to financially is crucial.
If your financial circumstances have changed since you submitted the FAFSA—maybe a parent lost a job or unexpected expenses came up—you can file an appeal. This could lead to more aid or a reduced expected contribution. If you’re unsure how to handle an appeal or just want help understanding your award letter, the College Funding Hero team is ready to walk you through it.
College orientation is more than a fun welcome event—it’s where you’ll get critical information about academic requirements, meet future classmates, and often register for classes. Some colleges require you to attend a specific date, while others give you multiple options.
Orientation may be in person, virtual, or a mix of both. Whatever the format, make it a priority. You’ll get to know the campus layout, learn how to use systems like the course registration portal or student email, and even take care of logistical things like getting your student ID or parking permit.
Once you’ve attended orientation or spoken with an advisor, you’ll have the chance to register for your first semester of classes. Some schools pre-enroll you in a basic schedule; others let you build your own. Start by reviewing your major’s course requirements and any general education credits you’ll need to knock out early.
If you’ve taken AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes, make sure your college has your scores or transcripts. These might allow you to skip certain intro classes, saving you both time and tuition. Consider choosing one or two classes that genuinely interest you (not just core requirements)—it can help you feel more engaged as you transition into college life.
There are several startup costs that most students don’t think about until the last minute—but they can add up fast. From dorm bedding and shower caddies to textbooks and tech gear, expect to spend a few hundred dollars (or more) before your first class even begins.
Make a checklist and try to borrow or buy secondhand whenever possible. See if your school has a textbook rental program or online course material discounts. And if you’re traveling out of state, account for move-in travel costs or shipping fees for your stuff. These upfront costs are real, and planning for them now will save you stress later. The College Funding Hero team can also help you identify last-minute scholarships to cover some of these costs.
Once you're officially enrolled, your school’s primary way of communicating with you will be through your student email or online portal—not your personal inbox. If you’re not regularly checking these, you could miss deadlines for financial aid verification, orientation sign-ups, or even tuition billing.
Set reminders to check your student accounts at least once a week. Some schools also allow you to set up email forwarding so you don’t miss a thing. Keeping up with these messages will help ensure you’re prepared and avoid last-minute scrambling.
Making your college decision is a huge milestone—and now that you’ve crossed that off your list, it’s time to focus on the final steps that’ll set you up for success this fall. From housing to budgeting to registering for classes, there’s still work to be done—but don’t worry, you’ve got this.
And if anything feels confusing or overwhelming, remember that the College Funding Hero team is always here to help. Whether you need tips on managing your aid, finding scholarships, or simply planning for your first semester financially, we’ve got your back.
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