April 16, 2013

Why boot camp is a good idea for incoming freshman (part 2)

Apr. 16, 2013 at 08:00 AM | By Fran Levin-Vadeboncoeur | Comment Count

From deciding where to apply to taking those first steps onto campus to receiving a degree, join Hobsons over the next few months as we follow students, counselors, and their families on the path from college choice to completion. See more in the series.

Keep your brain active. Do you read for pleasure? If you haven’t before now, the summer before college is a great time to start. Why read? Exercising your brain builds upon vocabulary, critical thinking, and of course, you’ll have something to talk about with your professors and peers besides the weather, celebrity gossip, and sports.

Get in touch with roommates. This may seem obvious but students should reach out to their roommates to discuss what they are bringing to campus (TV, phone, curtains). Roomies can also talk about décor, schedules, and make arrangements to meet, if possible, before the semester begins.

Pre-Order dorm room essentials. Many retailers now offer the option of “buying here and picking up there.” This saves students and their families the hassle of finding storage before leaving for school - not to mention a long ride in a cramped car.

Resist the urge to sign up for every credit card offer and “freebie.” Charge cards require payment at the end of each month and interest continues to accrue until balances are paid in full. Parents, counselors, and guardians can help students prepare for college financially by setting aside time to educate students on the pros and cons of using credit to pay for expenses; how to use credit cards properly; and by drafting a list (with $$ amounts) of acceptable credit card purchases. Students and parents should also look into pre-loaded debit cards as they provide an alternative to traditional credit.

If possible, buy used books. Once you register for classes, you will know which books to buy. Some schools now offer textbook rentals while others offer used book sections at the campus store. Regardless of whether books are new or used, make sure they are the right editions.

Talk to friends who’ve just finished their freshman year. Never be afraid to ask. You don’t have to learn everything the hard way. Speaking with friends about what they wish they’d known before walking onto campus allows you to benefit from others’ experiences.

Most of all . . . take time to make decisions. You should take a final deep breath, say “goodbye for now” to friends and family, and welcome the next stage of your life, college!

Fran Levin-Vadeboncoeur is the counselor and college/career coordinator at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut.

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