The Ultimate Freshman Planning Guide
Your summer may have been loaded with exciting moments, but it’s almost fall—and you’re about to embark on your biggest adventure yet! Your chance to meet new friends, experience new places, and make so many new memories is just around the corner. It’s exciting, but it might feel a little overwhelming, too. You might have so many questions about how to prepare for freshman year of college: How do I start planning for college? What should I plan before going to college? What should freshman do to prepare for college? What should a college freshman expect? What do college freshman need the most? We hear ya. That’s why we’ve created your ultimate college planning guide to help you prep for this next phase of life.
Our college planning timeline is broken down week by week, so you’ll know exactly what should be tackled within each time frame. It covers everything from your last few weeks of senior year to your last week at home before move-in day. Check out the overview below, then head to each section for more detailed to-dos. Happy planning!
- 8 Weeks Before Move-In — How to start your packing list, roommate considerations, and connecting with classmates.
- 6-8 Weeks Before Move-In — How to decorate your room, setting up your tech needs, and more.
- 4-6 Weeks Before Move-In — Figuring out your budget, coordinating with your future roomie, and planning your fall social calendar.
- 2-4 Weeks Before Move-In — How to register for classes, where to buy textbooks, and packing tips.
- 1 Week Before Move-In — How to ACTUALLY get packing, making a move-in kit, and DIY plans.
- Last Days Before Move-In — Last minute prep, and what to set aside for easy access on move-in day.
Looking for more? Check out our curated edit of shoppable rooms, our College Dorm + Apartment Checklist to make sure you have everything you need for move in, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more helpful tips and advice.