Campus Life

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Campus Life

If you're going away to school, you will be living in new surroundings. You may be filled with both excitement and fear, and you probably have a lot of questions. Use this time to be proactive and prepare for campus life.

Here are a few things to think about before you even know for sure where you're going…

Living and Dining

  • Do I plan to live on or off campus?
  • Is there anything I need to buy for an apartment or dorm?
  • What kind of budget do I have for living expenses?
  • Is it likely that I will have a roommate?
  • Will the school let me know who my roommate is in advance?
  • Do I want to contact my roommate and make arrangements for arrival day?
  • Will I buy a meal plan or cook for myself?
  • What kind of cooking facilities are available?
  • Will I have access to laundry facilities?
  • Do I even know how to do laundry?
  • What type of internet access is available?

Money Management

  • How will I access my money?
  • Will I incur fees if I use the ATMs on campus?
  • Should I open a separate bank account on campus?
  • Have I worked out a school-specific budget?
  • Do I plan to work while I'm in school?
  • Where can I find a job?

Getting Around

  • What kind of transportation is available on campus?
  • Will I need a car?
  • Where can I park my car?
  • How will I get back and forth to my hometown?
  • How much should I set aside for transportation expenses?

Health and Safety

  • Are there any free or low-cost health facilities on campus?
  • Do I have health concerns the school should know about?
  • Will my prescriptions run out while I'm at school?
  • Will I feel safe on campus?
  • Do I need to take any safety precautions?
  • Will campus life impact my sleep?
  • How will I cope with lack of sleep?

Being Busy

  • How long will it take me to earn my degree?
  • Do I plan to participate in any clubs or organizations?
  • Will I join an intramural sports team?
  • Are there places to exercise on campus?
  • Where is the nearest fitness center?
  • Will I be able to practice my religion at school?
  • Are there places of worship nearby?
  • How many activities can I reasonably juggle?

Coping With Stress

  • Do I think I'll get homesick?
  • What will I do if I get homesick?
  • Whom will I call when I get stressed?
  • How do I commonly deal with stress?
  • How can I prepare for the stress I may face?

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