You've gotten through the exams, made the big decision, and the hard work has all paid off. Congratulations! Now, it's time to prepare for your next chapter, and we know there's a lot that can be unfamiliar. Luckily, Cram Crew has been through this before; all the anxieties, questions, and uncertainties, we've felt them too. As such, we’ve pulled together tips and tricks for making the most out of the summer before your freshman year of college.
Orientation is mandatory for freshmen at most colleges. Typically, there are multiple weekends when orientation is hosted. Your orientation visit is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with your campus and meet future classmates. Plus, it's the time when you'll set up your class schedule, get your Student ID, and set up your student portal.
Orientation weekend is a critical time to set the foundation for your first semester. Along with clothes for attending meetings and socializing, it’s important that you bring along the following:
*Make sure to check in with your school to see if there’s anything else you may need for administrative work
Setting up your class schedule is the most critical part of orientation weekend. It will be the foundation for your day-to-day during the first semester and can help you start off on the right foot. As you build your class schedule, make sure to ask yourself the following:
Along with these questions, we recommend using tools like RateMyProfessors to gauge what courses may be a better fit for your learning style and get a sense of the workload. You should also prepare backup classes in case the ones you originally wanted fill up too quickly.
The summer is also a good time to get ahead on any health-related logistics. Schedule any last doctor or dentist appointments before you leave, make sure your prescriptions are filled with enough supply to last the semester, and familiarize yourself with your campus health center so you're not figuring it out for the first time when you're not feeling well.
Before you head to campus, you’ll want to find some time to set up your finances and connect with financial aid counselors as needed. If you don't already have a personal bank account, set one up (pro tip: opt for one with no foreign transaction fees if you're planning to study abroad or travel).
It’s also important to understand what your meal plan covers and how many swipes you get per week. Knowing where the dining halls are, their hours, and their offerings will help you to set a rough monthly budget for additional expenses like toiletries, going out, and transportation. A little financial planning upfront goes a long way toward avoiding stress mid-semester.
Joining Greek life is a personal choice, and there's no right or wrong answer. If you do choose to join, it’s a great way to build your community on campus and find other students in your age group to connect with. Ahead of joining, though, there are a few additional steps during the summer months that you can get ahead of.
At many large universities—including the University of Texas and Texas A&M—sororities require a recommendation packet submitted before recruitment begins. It's worth noting that not every school has this requirement, so check with your specific campus to see what applies. For those that do require them, each packet typically includes:
Keep in mind that you'll need a separate packet for each sorority you're interested in, and they're typically due before formal recruitment begins.
.png)
If you haven't already confirmed housing, including your roommates and dorm location, now is the time. While many campuses require freshmen to live on campus, some allow for off-campus housing from the start. Decide what makes the most sense for you and your lifestyle. Housing is also an important factor as you plan your class schedule; you'll want to account for travel time from your home base.
Once your dorm and roommates are set, the fun begins! Start a group chat and use the summer as a time to figure out who's bringing what.
Decide whether you want to divide and conquer on shared items or each express your own style independently. Whichever you choose, you’ll want to make sure someone is bringing:
With these items, your dorm will quickly transform into a functional and calming home base. Having this space set up in a way that feels right for you will make adjusting to campus life more seamless.
The summer before freshman year is one of the best times to start building your network, both socially and professionally.
Create a LinkedIn Account: Set up a profile with a professional headshot and your incoming college information. Start connecting with others in your major—they can be great resources as you get started, and building the habit early puts you ahead of most of your peers. It’ll also be a great platform for finding internships and opportunities.
Join Campus Social Groups: You'll find lots of groups online, from GroupMe to Facebook and everywhere in between. Don't be afraid to join and put yourself out there. You can start making friends before you even step on campus.
While there's a lot to think about as you head into freshman year, it's just as important to celebrate everything you've accomplished to get here. You got into university, finished your exams, and graduated high school. That's a big deal! Make sure to unwind this summer and spend time with the friends you've grown up with. The to-do list will get done!
Summertime is meant to be enjoyed and it offers a quieter time to set the foundation for what’s to come. Use it wisely, and do what you can to balance out preparation for freshman year and celebrate all that you’ve achieved so far.
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
Jordan Rossman graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and New York University with a Master's Degree in Journalism, with a specialization in Digital Media and Storytelling. Jordan collaborates with the Cram Crew team to educate students and their families on timely topics within the College Readiness, Test Preparation, and Academic Support programs.
Stay informed with academic support resources, college
application updates, key deadlines, and expert educational tips when you subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Let us keep you confidently
in the educational loop.
