So, you’re arrived at that long-awaited point in your college admissions journey where you’ve been accepted to a school you’re really excited about, and you’ve said “yes” to their offer of admission. Congratulations! You’ve withdrawn your other applications to other schools and submitted your enrollment deposit. You might even be sporting some gear with your soon-to-be home team’s football mascot. Beyond rocking a sweatshirt or daydreaming about finally arriving on campus in the fall, how else can you get to know your college before you go?
We’re assuming you’ve visited the school you’re planning to attend at least once. After committing, it’s not a bad idea to visit again if possible, this time with the fresh perspective of someone who will be a student there come fall. Look into admitted students events at your chosen school; if the school offers one, plan on attending, and bring your pressing questions to ask current students and staff. You could plan a weekend visit to simply walk around campus and familiarize yourself with the dorms, dining halls, classroom buildings and libraries, plus essential facilities like student services. You’ll certainly get to know your campus in-depth during student orientation in the fall, but in the meantime, a visit can help you visualize where you’ll be living.
Spend some time on your school’s website checking out the departments, programs and courses you’re interested in taking. You’ll actually sign up for classes when fall semester rolls around, but now is a great time to explore your college’s range of academic offerings, including disciplines you might not have explored before (Astrophysics? Gamelan music? Medieval European architecture? Intro to Wolof? You’ll be amazed at what you’ll be able to study in college!). While you’re exploring, look for the social media accounts of student clubs and organizations you can see yourself joining–those are a great way to get a sense of the kind of community you’ll be taking part in. You might also find forums or other ways to connect with current students or other students who, like you, will be starting in the fall.
Let the college get to know you, also. Your school may send you a questionnaire about your preferences and lifestyle, aimed at finding out what kind of roommate you’ll be (and matching you with a roommate who, hopefully, you will click with). Make sure to fill out those questions with honesty and care.
Keep this in mind: now that you’ve settled on a college for the fall, you can, to a certain extent, relax. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a plan you’re enthusiastic about. Use your newfound mental bandwidth to focus on your studies (and resist the temptations of senioritis!) and enjoy the rest of the school year with friends and family. While there is a lot you can learn about your college right now, your journey will begin in earnest once you get there, and there are many adventures you won’t know about until they happen.
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