Back to College Checklist: Things to do Before Fall Semester

Photo by Corey Abel

I’m going to be a Sophomore this year, that’s kind of terrifying but calming in a way. Freshman year flew by but now, as a returning college student, I know my way around campus, I have a good idea of what I actually need to pack and I don’t need to worry about all of the freshman worries. With that being said, there are a million things to do before school starts again. Here are just a few of the things that you should definitely do before heading back to school for your fall semester!

1. Coordinate Decor & Supplies With Roommates/Housemates.

Before heading back to school, be sure to talk to your roommate (and housemates if you’re in a townhouse like I am). See who is bringing what so you know what you need to buy and can avoid bringing doubles. A great way to do this is to create a Google Doc with things you need and you can each choose a certain color and highlight what you’ve already got.

2. Get Back In Touch With Friends.

Those friends you dearly missed but haven’t seen or talked to much all summer? Drop a message or a Snapchat! It doesn’t hurt to send a tiny reminder that you’re going to see each other soon and you’ve missed them.

3.Make lists, SO many lists.

If you’re like me, you have at least fifteen different lists on your phone, laptop and sticky notes at all times. Now is the time to get together your back to school lists. I suggest creating a packing list (divided by category) and a to-buy list for items you still need but do not have. This very post can be your to-do list!

4.Go shopping!

I’m pretty sure even the devil loves back-to-school shopping. Buy all of the (probably unnecessary) dorm decor and notebooks that you’ll need this year! Invest in some jeans and cardigans for the upcoming autumn weather. This is the funnest thing on the list, seriously. Don’t forget these 10 Shoes Every College Girl Must Have! Those are fun to shop for, too. Also purchase the things you have to replace or had to get rid of from last year but still need. *Cough cough* Or the things you had to throw away because they wouldn’t fit in the car when you tried to move back home. I’m sorry desk lamp and shower caddy, I’ll replace you soon.

5. Learn your schedule, plan it out.

Create a pretty version of your schedule to hang on your wall! Also take the time to plan out your schedule a little bit, figure out which days you’ll have to bring which books and which days you won’t have a lunch break and blah blah. This is also a great time to have your friends share schedules with you so you can plan to hang out in between.

6. Buy textbooks & print syllabi.

Check your school website and e-mail inbox for syllabi from professors. You can also check for textbooks or any other materials you may need. By purchasing textbooks in the summer, you’re able to spend a lot of time on getting the best possible deal for your books!

7. Make a fitness plan.

This is optional, of course. I’m a fan of printing cute calendar printables and writing in workouts I plan to do that day. This plan might not last, but it could end up becoming a solid routine. Plus, you’ll feel super motivated to work out if you have a pretty plan.

8. Clean your room at home.

When you go away and come home on that rare weekend will you want to return to your home bedroom and see the papers still on the desk and your clothes still on the floor? Make the space you return home to a clean and tidy one. You’ll thank yourself later!

9. Make meal plans, find recipes & make a grocery list!

This especially goes for all of the students who are not only eating in the dining hall. This year I’m going to be responsible for my own food and, because I’m a little insane, I’ve already pinned about 500 recipes and made grocery lists for dorm shopping. This is a great time to figure out your food budget and have ideas for what you’re going to eat on a daily basis.

10. Transition your wardrobe.

This will help you narrow down your clothes packing as well. You’re going to go from summer to fall. This does, of course, depend on your campus—those who head off to Florida in the fall don’t really need to change too much but those headed up state might want to consider layers and sweaters. I’m excited to bust out the booties and burgundy, fall is my season.

12. Mentally prepare yourself.

You’re basically being thrown back into the social game, the school work and dorm life. Mentally prepare yourself! This isn’t really something you can do, but it’s something to think about. Just remember to relish your alone time and relaxing time while you’re home for the summer. All of the college things you love (and hate) will come at you all at once when you head back, keep that in mind.

13. Set Goals.

Do you want to become an editor for the paper? Put it on the list! Hope to be able to run five miles by the end of first semester? Write it down! Get straight A’s this semester? There are endless goal possibilities, this is a great way to get into a productive mindset and focus on what you wish to accomplish.

14. DIY Some Decor!

A great way to have some fun before heading back while also creating pretty things for your dorm is by DIYing some projects. I plan on doing some canvas art for my room and alphabet magnet DIYs for my kitchen. No feeling is better than being able to say, “I made that!” If you need some ideas, my DIY College Decor Pinterest board is full of so many. There you have it–14 things to do before starting the fall semester. This back to college checklist is hopefully going to help you seamlessly get back into your college life and routine.