4 tips to calm your pre-college nerves

Students doing handstands with mountains in background

You’ve applied, been accepted, and announced your college plans. Now all you have to do is enjoy your summer and look forward to a brand-new adventure. But, whether you’re traveling away from home to attend college or staying local, it’s a big step and a big change. This is the beginning of a whole new journey, and guess what? Everything you’re feeling is totally normal. Here are some steps you can take this summer to help you make the most of your college experience from day one.

#1. Start fresh

Group having lunch and laughing

Getting a chance to meet new friends and find people who share your interests is a huge opportunity to explore your passions from a whole new angle. If you’re not already in the Admitted Rams Community, be sure to join. It’s a digital forum where you can connect with other admitted students and join interest-based groups. Next, take a look at the hundreds of clubs and organizations already active on campus. You’re sure to find people passionate about the same things you are, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore new interests, too.

#2. Get oriented

Sidewalk marked with arrows leading to campus

Ram Orientation may be the best way to get comfortable with campus and to make sure you’re on track for your first day of class. Attending your orientation session is ideal for calming your pre-college nerves, meeting some of your future classmates, and getting acquainted with the campus itself. Freshmen will stay in a campus residence hall, get invaluable academic advising, and register for their first semester of classes.

#3. Get excited about your new home and roommate

Students skateboarding down sidewalk

Wherever you’ve landed with your housing, there’s a lot to think about. What you should bring (and what you should leave home), how you’ll decorate your space, and how you’ll get moved in and settled are just a few of the things that might be on your mind. But perhaps the biggest thing you’re thinking about is who you’ll be living with. Whether you’ve gotten your roommate assignment or not, try to imagine how much fun you’ll have doing all those things together. Living with someone new is bound to add some nerves, but it’s also exciting to think about having a built-in BFF to explore CSU with! Read up on some of our roommate tips before you move in, and get an inside look at living on campus.

If you’re living off campus, Off-Campus Life is an outstanding way to start your housing hunt, and offers everything from rental listings to roommate matching and beyond.

#4. Discover your academic path

Two students study together

Your educational journey is important, and it’s no small feat to choose your academic program, set your schedule, and make a multi-year plan for academic success. Whether you’ve declared your major or you’re entering CSU as an Exploratory Studies student, you’ll get to meet with your advisor at orientation to set your academic game plan and discuss options. They’ll help you set goals, navigate requirements, and refer you to all the other resources available to help you be a successful student. You can also check out our programs yourself, take a quiz to help you narrow your major interests down, or browse the catalog to see the types of courses required for each program.

So, go forth and tackle the summer before college like a pro! Once fall semester rolls around, you’ll be set. See you soon, Rams!

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Prairie Smallwood

Prairie Smallwood is a writer and content creator for the Office of Admissions at Colorado State University. She is passionate about education and exploration, and knows that going to college can be both an adventure and an overwhelming experience. She aims to create content that helps students through that journey — the wonderful, the scary, and everything in between.