10 things I’m doing to help me prepare for college
Hey I’m graduating high school soon. And I feel like there are a lot of things people expect from you to do before then, like saving money, applying for scholarships, picking a major, etc. and while those things are important, those things will all fall into place, and if you don’t start thinking about the little things now, you’ll realize you figured out all the big stuff, but then question yourself like “well now what do I do?”
I often like to think about the more long term things that will help you be prepared for college on your day to day life. So here are 10 things I started doing to make my transition from high school graduation to college life.
1: decluttering: I have been slowly getting rid of clothes I don’t wear, old toys, stuffed animals, notebooks etc. because I cannot take everything with me when I move. And when I come home from college, I want to be able to feel refreshed, make room for new things, and let go of the past. I’ve also been Deleting old pictures, apps, messages off my phone. There are some things that are just meant to be left in high school. And you need space on your phone for all of the new people you’re going to meet, and new memories you’re going to make!
2: cleaning habits: I have been practicing daily / weekly cleaning habits because even though my space now, might not be too messy, I do plan on sharing a dorm with other people. And when you live with other people, things just naturally get messier. So I have been cleaning all my surfaces every Sunday, taking out trash and vacuuming regularly, having a set laundry day, keeping my get ready / study space tidy always. Because waking up and feeling cluttered while having 100 other things to do is one of the worst feelings.
3: meal prepping: I feel like one of the biggest “norms” for college students is “you eat ramen every day” but I have actually found so many cheap, and healthier options to eat while you’re budgeting in college, from Pinterest, lemon8 and TikTok users.
4: study habits: I feel like this often just gets “don’t procrastinate” or “set a specific time to study” which I have found is very UNHELPFUL advice. Practice new techniques like color coordination, planners, finding times and your own ways that work for you. I have yet to find exactly what works for me, as a major procrastinator, so I wish I had more tips for this, but I don’t yet. Let me know what helps you guys!
5: breaking relationships
Some relationships are only meant to last through high school, and that is OKAY. Not in a rude way, but I have slowly started distancing myself from certain people, unadding acquaintances / randoms off my snap and explaining “hey we are all going to go our separate ways soon, and it is very unlikely that we will see each other regularly anymore. No hate towards you, and hopefully later on, our paths will meet again”
I simply just see no point in holding onto either: toxic, passive, on/off, not very close friendships.
6: finding your healthy outlet, and excepting reality:
I write a lot, that is my healthy outlet. Your outlets might be drawing, singing, sports, music, etc. whatever it may be, I have found ways to incorporate my passion into reality. The reality is, soon enough, we will be on our own, living more independently, and finding ourselves in new ways that right now, we don’t even know are possible. I often write about “perfect scenarios” I will have in college, goals I plan to make, things I want to try, the people I could meet, and how I can bounce back from tough situations. The reality is, there are going to be hard days, moments, fights, breakups, friendship losses, and it’s not all going to be perfect. But it’s not anything most of us haven’t already experienced in high school, and we always come back from them!
7: lists of things I will need:
I have started a list in my notes app of random things I won’t think about when I am packing for college. So when I see something when I am out shopping, or if something just simply comes to mind at a random point, I have a place to write it down, so when the time comes that I am packing, I have hopefully everything I need! Ex: thermometer, scrub-daddy’s and other random things I’m not going to think about until I need it.
8: building daily routines, and getting used to relying on myself for my own schedule: it is hard to think about being away from my family, and I’m trying to be more self-reliant in simple tasks, like getting my own water when I want it. My mom won’t be there to do it for me when I’m feeling lazy.
9: rebranding myself: college is THE time to create a new version of yourself. I have written down mistakes I don’t want to repeat in college, and actions and choices I made in high school that led to disappointing results. I have started selling old clothes / things and buying new clothes / decor, house supplies, etc. with the money I’m making from that. DePop is a great place to do that! Also, finding a new aesthetic, and thinking about the person YOU WANT people to meet. Like “what kind of tone do I give off?” And “what kind of people does my style attract?” Those things will help you find YOUR people!
10: working 2 jobs: This is NOT a requirement, however, it is helping me learn that I will have a really busy schedule in 9 short months.
#collegelifehacks #collegetipsandadvice #healthyliving #selfdevelopment
Preparing for college isn’t just about applying to schools, saving money, or picking a major—it’s equally important to build daily habits that will support your mental and physical well-being during this major life transition. Decluttering helps create a fresh start by shedding unnecessary items and mental clutter, while regular cleaning habits keep your shared living space comfortable and welcoming. Meal prepping is a smart move for maintaining health on a budget, as it prevents last-minute unhealthy choices often associated with college life. Exploring simple recipes through platforms like Lemon8 or TikTok can provide diverse, budget-friendly ideas beyond just the cliché of eating ramen daily. For study habits, instead of generic advice like "don't procrastinate," experimenting with color-coded notes, planners, or unique study times tailored to your personal rhythm can make a big difference in productivity. Recognizing that some relationships may naturally fade after high school allows you to focus energy on cultivating meaningful, supportive connections in college. Having a healthy outlet, such as writing, art, or sports, helps manage stress and provides emotional balance during challenges and changes. Maintaining a packing list for college essentials prevents last-minute stress, ensuring you have all the items you’ll need, like thermometers or cleaning tools often forgotten. Building daily routines and learning to rely on yourself for tasks like hydration or time management will ease the emotional burden of independent living. Rebranding yourself in college is a powerful way to grow—reflect on past mistakes, adjust your style, and curate the kind of community you want to be part of. Platforms like DePop offer opportunities to fund new purchases by selling old items, supporting this fresh start. Lastly, working part-time jobs can prepare you for managing a busy schedule and developing crucial time management skills, although it’s not mandatory for everyone. Taking the time now to develop these habits creates a strong foundation for a smoother, healthier college experience. Each step emphasizes growth, responsibility, and self-care—key components of thriving in this new chapter of life.
