What To Check Off Your List Before You Head Off to College

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Before you enter the hallowed grounds of college, take some time to make memories that your heart will remember for a lifetime. Because let’s face it, you’re one step away from entering the “real” world - so savor the moments you have left, while preparing for the amazingness that is to come!

THE FUN LIST

First up, let’s get our photo game on point. We’re talking Beijing photobomb style. Grab your squad and hit up your favorite spots in the city. Walk around campus and snap pics of all the places that hold a special memory. Don’t forget to get some shots with your tribe, your family, your pets, and your favorite teachers. But why stop there? Take a stroll down memory lane and recreate old photos in a new way. Scroll back to Freshman year. Find your favorites and recreate them now as a Senior. Don’t forget to download and print them- pics aren’t any use if you can’t see them on the daily. Plus, they double as art for your dorm room- win, win!

THE FOODIE LIST

Let’s be real, traditional college dining hall food can get old really quick. That’s why it’s important to indulge in all your favorite local eats before you head off to school. Maybe there’s a place you’ve always wanted to try and haven’t- now’s the time. Make sure to stock up on your “have to” snacks that you can only get here in the Jing.

THE SELF-CARE LIST

It’s a harsh reality, but college (and life itself) can be stressful. Before you know it, you will be away from your normal creature comforts- friends, family, pets, your room, your city and in a new space and place. Start tapping in now by turning inward and taking your emotional temperature. How do you respond when you are stressed? Sad? Lonely? Anxious? What healthy coping strategies help bring you back to a place of calm, or centered? Is it music? Podcasts? Going for a run? Knowing and implementing your coping skills now means you will be better prepped once you leave. Take it a step further and make playlists- so you can have them on the ready. Also, if you’re into meditation- check out Headspace, which is free if you are under the age of 20.

THE ADVENTURE LIST

Say yes more often! 

College is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying different experiences and opportunities. Why wait until college to do so? Maybe it’s heading out early to watch the sunrise at the Great Wall or experiencing Beijing like a tourist and heading out on tour. Have you always wanted to hike? Go rock climbing? Learn to salsa dance? Dress like a Mario Bros character and go cart racing with your friends? Whatever the -it is- go find and do it!

Participate in it all- even if you don’t feel like it.

Let’s face it, by this time of the year you may be over school (and sometimes people) in general- but push through the current feelings and participate in every Senior activity-even the silly ones- making memories is what it’s all about.

THE CLOSURE LIST

Say goodbye:

 It’s never easy, but it’s important.  Make a list of people you would like to bid farewell. If the phrase goodbye seems too severe, maybe it’s see you later. Whichever phrase you choose, determine how you will say it. Is it through a text, voice mail, email, card- you get the point! Having this type of closure gives you the chance to reflect on your time in high school and acknowledge the impact people have had on your life.

Say I’m sorry:

If there’s someone you need to apologize to, do it now. Talk to that friend you may have drifted away from and make things right. That petty argument that ended up lasting two years- forgive and make amends. The last thing you want to do is leave with regret- not a good way to start a new beginning.

Be grateful:

That one teacher that always gave you a hard time? Or the one that was secretly your favorite? How about the security guard that always greeted you with a smile? Or the nice lady at lunch that gave you extra fries? If someone inspired you, or made an impact on you in anyway- tell them. Be sure to say thank you and tell them how much it meant to you- a little gratitude goes along way. Plus, showing gratitude increases your sense of wellbeing and gives you a healthy dose of happiness!

THE ”ADULTING” LIST

Yep, entering college means the beginning of adulthood and there’s a few things you can do now to prepare.

Master the basics:

Learn to cook and wash your clothes. Go beyond the instant noodles and learn how to cook your favorite meal. It may even be helpful to learn how to cook quick, healthy meals. (Editor’s note: Read p.25!) Not only will your belly thank you, but you may even impress someone new with your cooking savvy. Washing. Sounds simple, right? But trust me, unless you want to start a fashion trend by turning all your whites to pinks- you may want to know how to sort your laundry. Learn now, you’ll thank yourself later!

Practice time management:

College is all about balancing your classes, social life, and extracurricular activities. That’s why it’s important to practice time management now. Start by creating a schedule for yourself and sticking to it. Make sure to include time for studying, hanging out with friends, and getting enough sleep. Pulling all-nighters and sleeping through morning classes is not a good look.

Get organized:

Start using a planner- now. I know it sounds cringy, but trust me, there are no reminders in college. Find an app, a great notebook, a sticky note - whatever your vibe is.  Make a commitment to staying organized so balancing your academic and social demands is not such a challenge.

Reinvent your social media:

As you start your college journey, you’ll want to remember that you’re also starting your professional career. The people you meet in college or on the job could be your future employer as a college grad one day! This is the time to revamp and redo your social media accounts. Delete those old photos that don’t highlight your current mature self. Makeover your profiles and pictures to look more professional or even just nicer than what they were before. Join LinkedIn, it’s basically the professional Facebook to network with future employers. Don’t forget to create a professional email as well!

Start finding your squad:

Research clubs/organizations that you want to join. Most colleges have pages and pages of all the different clubs and organizations that you can join! Set aside some time and look through them all. When it comes to joining clubs in college, you want to choose the ones that have your vibe and make you feel like you belong. Don’t get too excited though and sign up for everything! It’s not a competition to see who can join the most clubs. I would suggest only picking two or three that genuinely spark your interest that way you are making meaningful connections!

Get money savvy:

Take a few steps to get a better understanding of personal finance. Start budgeting, get a part-time job, or invest in something small. The earlier you start, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

Leaving high school is truly the beginning of the next chapter- remember to make the most of the time you have left. Create lasting memories. Embrace new experiences and be open to all the opportunities that await you.

Images: Pexels

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