Everything you need to handle before your first semester of college, from registration and housing to health forms and financial setup.
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Administrative Tasks
Accept your admission offer and pay the enrollment deposit
Deposits are typically $200-$500 and are due by May 1. Once paid, withdraw all other applications within 48 hours so waitlisted students at those schools can receive offers.
Submit your final high school transcript after graduation
Most colleges require final transcripts by July 1. A significant drop in grades during senior year (from As and Bs to Cs and below) can trigger an admissions review and even rescission of your offer.
Complete the housing application and roommate questionnaire by the deadline
Housing applications often open in March-April and fill on a first-come basis. Submit within the first week of availability for the best selection. Roommate matching questionnaires take 15-20 minutes.
Set up your college email account and student portal login
Your college email becomes your primary contact for all university communications. Check it daily starting in June, as orientation details, placement exam links, and housing assignments arrive there first.
Register for new student orientation
Orientation sessions often include academic advising, course registration, and campus tours spanning 1-2 days. Many schools offer multiple dates in June and July. Earlier sessions give better course selection.
Health and Safety Requirements
Submit immunization records as required by your state and college
Most colleges require proof of MMR (2 doses), meningitis, and tetanus vaccines. Some states mandate hepatitis B and varicella. Missing immunizations can block you from registering for classes.
Enroll in or waive the student health insurance plan
Student health plans cost $1,500-$3,500 per year. If you're staying on a parent's plan, submit a waiver form by the deadline (usually August) or you'll be auto-enrolled and charged.
Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near campus
Contact your doctor 2-3 weeks before move-in to transfer or refill prescriptions. Most campus health centers have an on-site pharmacy with reduced prices for enrolled students.
Complete any required online safety training modules
Federal Title IX regulations require all incoming students to complete sexual assault prevention training, typically a 1-2 hour online course. Most schools set a deadline before classes begin.
Academics and Course Planning
Take placement exams for math, writing, and foreign language if required
Placement exams are usually available online in June-July and take 30-60 minutes each. Your results determine which level of courses you can register for, so they directly affect your first-semester schedule.
Send AP, IB, or dual enrollment scores and transcripts to the college
AP scores of 3-5 can earn college credit at most schools, saving $1,500-$3,000 per course. Check each school's specific credit policies, as acceptance thresholds vary by department.
Meet with an academic advisor to plan your first-semester courses
Aim for 15-16 credits in your first semester, mixing required courses with one elective you're genuinely interested in. Avoid loading all difficult courses into the same semester.
Purchase or rent textbooks after confirming your course schedule
Wait until after the first week of classes to buy textbooks, as professors sometimes change requirements. Used and digital versions cost 40-60% less than new printed copies.
Financial Setup
Set up a bank account near campus or with a national bank for easy access
Choose a bank with free checking and no minimum balance requirements. Look for ATM availability on or near campus. Most students spend $150-$250 per month on personal expenses beyond tuition and board.
Create a monthly budget including meal plan, transportation, and personal expenses
Track fixed costs like phone, subscriptions, and laundry, then allocate a weekly spending limit for variable expenses. Students who budget spend 20-30% less than those who don't track spending.
Review and accept your financial aid package and complete loan paperwork
Complete entrance counseling (30 minutes online) and sign the Master Promissory Note before the deadline. Aid is typically disbursed 10 days before classes start, with any excess refunded to you.
Set up direct deposit for any campus employment or aid refunds
Without direct deposit, refund checks can take 2-3 weeks to arrive by mail. Direct deposit puts funds in your account within 3-5 business days of disbursement.
Social and Personal Preparation
Connect with your assigned roommate before move-in day
Reach out 4-6 weeks before move-in to coordinate who brings shared items like a mini-fridge, microwave, and TV. Discuss sleep schedules, study habits, and guest expectations early.
Join your class social media groups and pre-orientation programs
Most incoming classes have groups with 1,000-3,000 members where you can find roommates, form study groups, and ask questions. Pre-orientation outdoor trips and service programs help you meet people before the crowds arrive.
Research 3-5 clubs or organizations you want to join during activities fair
Students who join at least 1 organization in their first semester report 25% higher satisfaction and are more likely to graduate. Activities fairs happen in the first 2 weeks and can be overwhelming without a plan.
Prepare important documents: ID, insurance cards, emergency contacts, and medical records
Make physical and digital copies of your driver's license, insurance card, Social Security card, and passport. Store digital copies in a secure cloud folder accessible from any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do the summer before college to prepare?
Complete orientation (in-person or virtual), set up your student email and portal accounts, register for fall courses, submit your housing deposit and roommate questionnaire, and get required vaccinations (meningitis is mandated by most states). Take your placement tests for math and writing if required. Read the assigned summer reading book if your school has one. Practice basic life skills: laundry, cooking simple meals, managing a bank account, and setting an alarm independently.
How many credits should a freshman take per semester?
Most students take 15 credits (5 courses) per semester to graduate in 4 years (120 credits total). Taking 12 credits is the minimum for full-time status and financial aid eligibility, but this pace requires summer courses or 5th-year enrollment to finish on time. First-semester freshmen who take 15-16 credits actually earn higher GPAs on average than those who take 12-13, likely because the structured schedule builds better habits. Talk to your advisor about balancing difficulty levels across your course load.
How do I choose a major when I am undecided?
About 50-75% of students change their major at least once, so starting undecided is completely normal. Take introductory courses across 3-4 departments during your first year to test interests. Most schools do not require a declared major until the end of sophomore year. Visit the career center for interest assessments (like the Strong Interest Inventory or Myers-Briggs), attend department open houses, and talk to upperclassmen about what their major coursework actually involves day-to-day.
What are the biggest mistakes college freshmen make?
Skipping classes is the top predictor of poor academic performance: missing 3+ sessions in a course drops the average grade by a full letter. Other common mistakes include not visiting professors during office hours, waiting until the night before to start assignments, overspending on meal delivery and entertainment, and isolating socially by staying in the dorm room. Students who join at least one organization in the first month report 35% higher satisfaction and are significantly less likely to transfer.
How much spending money does a college freshman need per month?
After tuition, housing, and the meal plan, most freshmen spend $150-$400/month on personal expenses. This covers toiletries, laundry ($30-$50/month if coin-operated), off-campus meals, entertainment, transportation, and school supplies. Students in urban areas tend to spend 20-30% more due to higher food and entertainment costs. Set up a simple budget with categories, use a free app to track spending, and build a $500 emergency fund before move-in day.