Essential college preparation tips to help new students succeed
Thinking about heading off to college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way. After learning important things for college students to know, you’ll feel prepared to tackle all that comes with living in a dorm room, registering for classes and learning the layout of campus so you don’t get lost on the first day of class.
Setting Yourself Up for Academic Success
Starting your college journey on the right academic foot is crucial for long-term success. From understanding financial aid to participating in orientation, these first steps will help you navigate the transition to college life with confidence and clarity.
Navigate Student Financial Services
Navigating student financial services might seem intimidating at first, but it's one of the most important things for college students to know before heading to campus.
Take time to research available scholarships, grants and payment plans specific to your school. Don't hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office with questions — they're ready to help!
Remember to check deadlines for your FAFSA submission and keep an eye on your student account portal for important updates throughout the year.
Register for Summer Orientation
When preparing for college, get excited for your summer orientation experience. Summer orientation is packed with information, community connections and opportunities to start checking things off your list of to-dos.
At orientation, you will also be guided through the registration process for your fall academic courses and complete other key steps to prepare for your college journey. You’ll also have the chance to meet tons of new people and make new friends before you even move in.
Take Advantage of Campus Resources
College campuses offer an abundance of resources designed to support students in every aspect of their journey. Knowing what's available and how to access these services can make a significant difference in your overall college experience and personal growth.
Explore University Ministries
If you are a person of faith, check out the university ministries department at your school. This is a great place to find small group communities, worship nights and chapel services that pique your interest and help you grow your faith.
When preparing for college, connecting with a spiritual community can provide valuable support during your transition. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try different ministry activities during those first few weeks — it's one of the best ways to get connected to on-campus faith communities!
Make an Appointment with Counseling Services
When you’re wondering what to expect freshman year of college, it good to understand that the transitional time to be filled with big emotions — both positive and negative. Check out your college’s mental health resources to make sure you know how to take care of yourself in those tough seasons of life.
If your school offers counseling services, know that they are there to listen when life gets complicated.
Enhance your Career and Professional Development
It may seem early, but there are many ways to build up your resume as early as freshman year. Joining clubs and finding part-time jobs related to your future career are great ways to get started.
Before arriving on campus, research student organizations and internship programs relevant to your intended major on your college's website. You can also connect with current students in your field through social media groups to learn about opportunities they recommend for incoming freshmen.
If you’re not sure where to start, explore your college’s career and professional development office.
Tips for Living in a College Dorm
Dorm life is a quintessential part of the college experience that brings both excitement and challenges. Learning to navigate shared spaces, manage your personal environment and adapt to community living will help you create a comfortable home away from home during your academic years.
Get to know your roommate
Living with a roommate for the first time can bring lots of anxieties. Whether you met online, at orientation or were randomly paired by Residence Life, your roommate and living situation is certainly top of mind when you move into college. The best thing to do? Get to know them outside of just being your roomie!
As you learn more about their quirks, habits, likes and dislikes, you become more prepared to handle any potential issues that may arise down the road. Spend some intentional time during the first few weeks of school getting to know each other to build a solid foundation for the rest of the year. This is one of those freshman year of college tips that can make your transition so much smoother.
Think practically about your purchases
Finding inspiration for the perfect dorm room online can be super fun, but it isn’t always the most practical. For example, if you’re someone who loves the look of throw pillows, be aware that with the limited space in your dorm room and the fast-paced nature of college life, they may end up on the floor more often than not.
Storage can be a bit puzzling to figure out at first but try and search for an organizational system that will work for you ahead of time. One of the most valuable tips for living in a college dorm room is to maximize vertical space. To save space, there are under the bed and desktop storage systems that could be great options.
Be prepared for sickness
It can be jarring the first time you have to navigate college when you’re sick. Think ahead about purchasing medicine to be equipped when you first get sick your freshman year. Over-the-counter medicines may not always be the fix, but having commonly used items already in your space could help you until you’re able to visit health services.
Embracing the College Experience
College is about so much more than just classes and studying. It's a time to discover who you are, build lasting relationships and develop skills that will serve you throughout your life. Finding the right balance between academics and personal growth opportunities will help you make the most of these formative years.
Balance Your College Work and Social Life
Balancing academics, work and social life in college is an ongoing process of growth. By implementing organizational systems, practicing intentional time management techniques and creating a schedule that honors both your academic and personal needs, you'll develop valuable skills that extend far beyond your college years.
Organizing in college doesn’t just mean keeping your dorm room tidy — it also means keeping your life tidy!
Explore Leadership Opportunities 
Wherever you go, your campus will offer a plethora of opportunities for student engagement and leadership. Taking that extra step while in college will help you create more connections and demonstrate your commitment to whatever organizations you decide to join.
When preparing for college, research online what student engagement opportunities your college offers.
Get Involved On and Off Campus
Besides getting to know your on-campus community, discover what your off-campus environment can offer. Belmont University is located in the heart of Music City — Nashville, Tennessee!
Living in Nashville means there are unlimited opportunities for fun, as well as growth in your career. When you’re ready to start your job search, more than 18,000 local Bruin alumni stand ready to help.
Ready for Freshman Year?
Here at Belmont University, we’re excited to welcome every new generation of future Bruins, but we understand how overwhelming the college process can with these tips, tricks and resources you will be able to bridge the gap from high school to college with more peace of mind.
Common Questions about Preparing for College
To get prepared to apply for college, take a look at each school’s application process and requirements. For more information on how to apply to Belmont University, explore our website.
To mentally prepare for college, focus on reviewing deadlines and checklists while also taking time to make the most of your summer before the transition.
Here is a list of deadlines & checklists that may be helpful to review. This way, all the information about preparing for life at Belmont is in one place.
You should study time management, note-taking and basic research methods before college, as these skills will serve you best during your academic journey. While there's no universal pre-college curriculum, it's also beneficial to review fundamentals in your anticipated major, especially for math, science or language courses.
Most importantly, practice independent learning — college requires self-motivation and discipline that will benefit you from day one.
Learn more about life at Belmont!