Preparing for College

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Getting ready for tertiary college is a process you should start late in your high school career. Learning to be independent and study on your own, how to think critically and be motivated to succeed are all valuable skills you need to master prior to leaving high school. During the summer before you leave to go to college or university, there is much you can do to ensure that you are ready.

Tutoring
Brush up on skills you did not do well on in the final exams. If your math, science or English skills need work, it’s best to brush up during the summer vacation. Getting a tutor is the most effective way to do this. A tutor can work at your pace and provide help in the areas that you need to improve rather than covering stuff you already know. A tutor can really help to shore up your foundations in preparation for college. Remember that college and university curriculums move at a blistering pace. You will have so much more work to do than you did in high school and there will be no time to play catch-up. Working through the summer also keeps you in study mode and will make the transition to college seamless.

Study Methods
You must be able to study independently and consistently. There is just far too much work to cram before exams and students who have not got great study habits will soon find themselves floundering. If you need help with your study methods, consult a tutor. Tutors will help to find a study method that suits your way of learning and your personality. Tutors can also help with ways to improve your memory, create study schedules and monitor your progress.

Cooking skills
If you are eating in the cafeteria, then you have little to worry about. However, if you intend to do some of your own cooking, it’s a really great idea to master a few basic dishes over the summer. Ensure that you know how to make easy, quick, delicious and nutritious meals that are cost effective. Along with your cooking skills you should also need to brush up on cleaning and laundry.

Get set
Get a credit card for emergencies, a first aid kit and a list of important phone numbers like hospitals, doctors and dentists in your new area. Contact your new roommates and get to know them prior to moving day. Log on to Ratemyprofessors.com and check out all your new teachers.

And go
Travel to your college town prior to moving there. Download the GPS maps and walk around town to orient yourself. Make notes of important places like shops, coffee shops etc. Do the same with your campus. Knowing where you are going is really a huge help when settling in.