The summer before college can be a pivotal time for students, in part because finishing high school means they are one step closer to adulthood. At Green Ivy, we believe graduates should relax, see friends, and pursue enjoyable activities. We also see it as an optimal time to think more concretely about the transition to college in the fall.
Here are some ideas and activities for students for the summer between high school and college:
Switch to a college mindset. For many students, college means living away from their parents for the first time, which means having to deal with everything from schedules to laundry. We recommend students start using a paper planner (if they don’t already) to track all of their commitments and to-do lists for the summer and carry that habit into the fall. Time management and organization are critical in college. In most cases, teachers and professors will not be monitoring students’ class attendance and whether or not they have turned a paper in on time.
Participate in something that broadens understanding of the world. Traveling is one way to expand perspective. Similarly, enrolling in a community college class or volunteering for a meaningful cause both offer opportunities for growth. Being in unfamiliar situations and forming connections with new people serves as excellent practice for the early months on a college campus while fostering the development of community-building skills. Essentially…become more comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Take time to become acquainted with the college before arriving on campus. While freshman orientation provides valuable information, it can feel overwhelming to absorb everything at once. Using virtual resources to prepare over the summer can ease the transition. This might include exploring the campus layout to understand the distance between dorms and the main library, registering for classes, or researching required books and supplies.
Plan for living expenses. The summer before college is a great time to estimate the costs of on-campus and off-campus expenses while considering the sources of funding, whether through student loans, parental contributions, a part-time job, or any combination of these. Developing a realistic budget and thoughtfully allocating resources for each month can help students avoid financial challenges and reduce stress in the future.
Create or update a professional resume. Even if an activities list or basic resume already exists, updating it to a polished version for jobs or internship opportunities is a productive step. Taking a course in resume writing, such as those offered by ReadWriteThink, can provide valuable guidance. Having the finished resume proofread by someone else ensures clarity and professionalism as well! You might already have a resume or activities list, but using the summer months to draft a professional version to use at college for jobs or internships is a good use of your time. Consider taking a course in resume writing from a place like this, and be sure to have someone proofread it for you as well.
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