Welcome to Summer Bridge- Week 8
The Final Edition
In our final Summer Bridge Newsletter, we have some final tips for successfully transitioning to college. We’re sharing tips from past students, offering advice on what to pack, and demystifying college dorm life. Plus, we’ve included a handy link to an article on mastering laundry skills.
You’re ready to embark on your college journey! Remember, we believe in you and are always here if you have any questions.
Starting College
Five Tips for Success
Leaving home for the first time is both a thrilling and daunting experience! We reached out to college students for their advice on starting college, and here’s what they had to say:
- Homesickness is natural. Reach out to friends and family by calling, video chatting, or texting them. Find your balance between reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
- Getting involved in campus life can help turn a new environment into a familiar one. Find a club or organization to join; whether it's connecting with people who share your interests or trying something completely new, these groups can make branching out much easier.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Whether it’s in class, with new friends, or in the cafeteria, not knowing everything is natural. Others around you probably have the same questions but are too nervous to ask.
- Find a job on or off campus! Having a job while you are in school can help you stay busy outside of class and learn time management skills. That said, make sure you are striking a good balance between your work life, classwork, and socializing. You do not want to burn yourself out on one task and have the other ones suffer.
- Sometimes meeting new people and making new friends takes time, but be patient! You will meet neighbors, classmates, club members, coworkers, friends of friends, and more. Your friend group may even drastically change from year-to-year or term-to-term, and that is okay! Keep an open mind, and you will find your niche.
What Should You Bring to Campus?
Packing Tips
Campuses have different guidelines for when students begin moving in, but there are several universal essentials. For your dorm, you’ll need items such as bedding, a phone charger, a shower caddy, and laundry supplies (e.g., detergent, basket). For your classes, you’ll need notebooks, pens or pencils, required textbooks, folders, and so on.
It may feel overwhelming to consider everything you might need before you move, but you can start early. Look out for “back to school” sales, visit Goodwill or other second-hand stores, and check what you already have.
Resource: The Essential First-Year College Dorm Packing Checklist
Dorm Life
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What is a Dorm Room?
A dorm room is on-campus housing for college students, typically located in a residence hall. Many dorm rooms don’t have private bathrooms; instead, most share bathrooms with other residents on the same floor or in the residence hall.
Article: What to Expect Your First Year Living in a College Dorm.
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How Big is a Dorm Room?
The size of your dorm room depends on several factors, including how many people are living in the room, the number of rooms in the hallway, and the size of the residence hall.
Article: The Basics of Having College Roommates
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What Comes in a Dorm Room?
In your dorm room, you can expect the basics, including a bed, desk, chair, lamp, and a closet. The room will also include a mattress, but you will be responsible for providing sheets, blankets, and other bedding. Some colleges may provide a small refrigerator or microwave, but this is rare.
Tip: How to Do Laundry in a College Dorm
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