Whether you’re just starting College in the Fall or have a year or two under your belt, I think we can all agree that summer is a time for some much needed , well deserved, fun and relaxation! What’s especially great is when you can come off of a fantastic summer and be ready to face the school year ( if not the early mornings that come with it) head on! The good news is there are four easy steps you can take during the summer that will, in my opinion, help your September start strong. ( And they won’t even interfere that much with your beach time!)
1. Get Your House in Order-
Until I started College, I had no idea how much paperwork I had, that I needed but didn’t even think about. While it can be easy to remember things like bedding if you’re a residential student or a parking pass if you’re a commuter, some of the more “administrative” details slipped my mind at first.
Whether you’ll be living at school or at home, summer is a great time to make sure you have important paperwork such as immunization records, health insurance documentation, and any documentation related to your disability that you might want to share with your school in order ( or in my case have your parents tell you where to find it!) Your College should give you more information about any documentation/paperwork you might need but, this way you avoid scrambling to get everything in order come September!
2. Scope Out the Scene –
If you are local, or can arrange another visit to your campus this summer, it might be helpful to do a “ test run” of your daily routine, ( go from your dorm, to classes, to the cafeteria or explore the area around the school etc.). This way you can become more comfortable with your new surroundings and come up with a game plan for any obstacles along your route, if necessary.
If a campus visit isn’t feasible this summer, no worries! Part of “ scoping things out” could be as easy, as connecting with fellow students through Facebook or email to get the inside scoop on what everyday life at your school is like. You can also look into different clubs or activities that the school offers so you can start to get ideas about how you want to be involved on campus come September.
3. Start Connecting with Resources
A good support system is key to any student’s college success but, it’s especially helpful for students with disabilities. The good news is you can start putting one in place before you even set foot on campus. Check with your Disability Services Office to see if you can begin the process of registering for accommodations over the summer, or get information about how to start the process in September!
Also, make sure to stay connected with people who have supported you in the past. They know you well and can give you great advice about how to move forward into the next stage. Make sure to touch base with doctor, especially, before you head to school. He or she can help you make sure you go into school on the healthiest possible note, and could also be an objective person to troubleshoot with about any concerns you may have.
4. Relax and Recharge
While it can be helpful to take care of all the things I mentioned above during the summer, it’s also important to spend plenty of time doing things that you enjoy, like traveling or hanging out poolside with family and friends. Happiness is a great confidence booster and that combined with a little preparation, is the perfect recipe for success in September!
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