From Deposit to Dorm: A Timeline for Seniors' Transition to College

Katie Garrett, Founder
May 1
9 min read

Congratulations on choosing your college! Making that deposit is a huge milestone in your educational journey, but it's just the beginning of your transition from high school senior to college freshman. The months between decision day and move-in day are filled with important tasks and preparations that will set you up for success when you arrive on campus. Make sure to download our helpful checklists at the end of the article that will help your preparations.

Communication is Key

The single most important step you can take after confirming your enrollment is setting up your college email account. This might seem like a minor detail, but it's absolutely critical. Your college will send virtually all important communications to this address, not your personal email or your high school account.

Katie Garrett, founder of Garrett Educational Consulting, reminds students that colleges don’t communicate important information by text or TikTok. Your new college email will deliver information about orientation, housing assignments, course registration, and numerous required forms and tasks over the summer break. Many students miss crucial deadlines simply because they aren't checking their college email regularly.

“I know students find email tedious,” says Katie, “but it is the way colleges, professors, and eventually employers will communicate with you. It is important to develop that habit now.”

Beyond email, familiarize yourself with your college's student portal or app. This is where you'll access course registration, housing information, campus maps, and other essential resources. Add key college contacts to your phone, including the admissions office, housing department, and academic advising. Setting up proper notifications now will save you headaches later.

Spring Semester Tasks

After making your deposit, several immediate tasks require your attention before you graduate from high school:

Housing applications typically open shortly after the deposit deadline, and options are often first-come, first-served. Pay close attention to roommate selection processes, which may include questionnaires about your living habits and preferences. Some schools allow you to choose specific roommates, while others use matching algorithms.
Registration for orientation should be among your top priorities. Orientation sessions often fill quickly, and attending earlier sessions may give you better course selection options when registration opens. Whether virtual or in-person, orientation is where you'll learn essential information about campus resources and academic expectations.
Don't forget that your high school still needs to send your final transcripts to your college. You need to make sure to update your Naviance or Scoir account with your final college selection so that your school knows where to send your information. Be patient, it takes time for these documents to be processed, sent, and uploaded. Just keep an eye on the deadline set by your college to ensure that it is received by the specified time.
Health forms and vaccination records might not seem urgent, but gathering this information can take time, especially if you need updated immunizations. Many colleges will place a hold on your registration and/or housing selection if these forms aren't completed by their deadlines.

Academic Preparation

Summer is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with your college's academic structure and requirements. Review the course catalog and understand what classes you'll need for your intended major. Many colleges have general education requirements regardless of your major, and understanding these early will help you plan your course schedule more effectively.

Many colleges require placement tests for math, writing, or foreign languages. Preparing for these tests is crucial, as they determine which courses you can take in your first semester. Take these assessments seriously—placing into higher-level courses can save you time and money by avoiding unnecessary prerequisites.

Course registration can be one of the most stressful parts of the pre-college process. Create a draft schedule before your registration date, complete with backup options in case classes fill up. If your college assigns you an academic advisor, reach out early to discuss your course selection strategy.

Some colleges assign summer reading or other academic tasks for incoming freshmen. While it might be tempting to put these off, completing them will give you common ground with other new students and prepare you for initial class discussions.

Summer To-Do List

Once high school graduation celebrations wind down, it's time to focus on practical preparations for campus life.

Connecting with your assigned roommate(s) should happen early in the summer. Discuss who's bringing shared items like microwaves or mini-fridges to avoid duplication. Have honest conversations about sleep schedules, study habits, and visitor preferences to set clear expectations from the start.

Shopping for dorm essentials is often more complicated than it seems. Most dorm rooms are small, so being selective about what you bring is important. Focus on necessities first, and hold off on seasonal items that can be brought later or shipped from home. Check if your college provides a recommended packing list specific to their housing facilities.

Technology requirements vary by school and major. Some programs require specific software or minimum computer specifications. Ensure your devices meet these requirements and consider investing in a good backup system for your academic work.

If you have accommodations, it is important to be in touch with your school to make arrangements before the fall semester starts. Check in with Student Accessibility Services to find out what you need to provide to document your accommodations and how to go about implementing these with your professors.

Transportation planning involves not just how you'll get to campus initially, but also how you'll navigate once you're there. If you're bringing a car, you'll need to register for a parking permit. If not, research public transportation options and campus shuttle services.

Many colleges host summer send-off events in different regions, giving you a chance to meet other incoming freshmen from your area. These gatherings can help ease anxiety by providing familiar faces when you arrive on campus.

Online community building starts well before move-in day. Join official social media groups for your incoming class, residence hall, or academic program. These communities often share valuable information and allow you to begin forming connections.

Before arrival, you'll likely need to complete required online trainings on topics like alcohol awareness, sexual assault prevention, and campus safety. These programs provide important information about campus policies and available resources.

Important Documents

When your child turns 18 and heads to college, they legally become an adult – meaning you no longer automatically have access to their medical information or the authority to make decisions on their behalf. Having certain legal documents in place before your student leaves for college can help ensure you can assist them during emergencies or when they need support. Here are some important forms to consider:

HIPAA Authorization Form: Allows healthcare providers to share your student's medical information with you, which would otherwise be confidential once they turn 18.
Medical Power of Attorney: Designates you to make healthcare decisions on your student's behalf if they become incapacitated or unable to communicate their wishes.
Durable Power of Attorney: Permits you to handle financial matters, sign documents, or manage accounts when your student is unavailable or unable to do so themselves.
FERPA Waiver: Gives parents access to academic records, grades, and billing information that colleges otherwise keep private from anyone other than the student.
Healthcare Proxy: Similar to a medical power of attorney, this allows you to make medical decisions if your student is unable to do so.
Advance Healthcare Directive: Outlines your student's wishes for medical care if they become seriously ill or injured and cannot communicate.

It's important to note that legal requirements and document formats vary by state. While many colleges offer basic versions of these forms, parents should consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to their family's situation and state of residence. These conversations with your student should be framed as preparation rather than control, emphasizing that these measures provide peace of mind for everyone involved.

Practical Life Skills to Develop

The summer before college is an excellent time to master basic life skills that will serve you well in your new independent living situation.

Learning laundry basics—sorting, appropriate water temperatures, and how to treat stains—will prevent clothing disasters. Practice doing your own laundry at home so the process feels familiar when you're managing it on your own.

Even with a meal plan, basic cooking knowledge is valuable. Learn to prepare simple meals and snacks, especially if your dorm has a communal kitchen. Understanding food safety and proper storage is equally important in shared living spaces.

Time management becomes crucial in college, where you'll have far less structured time than in high school. Practice using a planner or digital calendar to track commitments and deadlines. Developing a system now will make the transition to college-level responsibility much smoother.

“There are 168 hours in a week, and on average, you spend 15 hours in class per week,” says Katie. “That’s a lot of time that students aren’t used to having to fill, and they can choose productive activities or find ways to waste time very easily. It’s important to take care of yourself and have some fun, but make sure you are scheduling time for prioritizing schoolwork (outside of the classroom), exercise, sleep, etc.”

Basic budgeting skills are essential for managing everyday expenses like toiletries, snacks, social activities, and transportation. Start tracking your spending now to understand your habits and learn to distinguish between needs and wants.

Taking responsibility for your own health is a significant aspect of independence. If you take regular medications, develop a system for remembering doses. Know how to make doctor appointments and what information you'll need to provide. Familiarize yourself with your insurance card and coverage details.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

The psychological transition to college life deserves as much attention as practical preparations. Homesickness affects most new students, even those who are excited about independence. Building a support network both at home and at school will help you navigate this adjustment.

Resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks—is perhaps the most valuable skill you can develop before college. You will face challenges, from difficult classes to roommate conflicts to personal disappointments. Developing healthy coping strategies now will serve you throughout your college career.

Maintaining high school friendships while opening yourself to new relationships requires balance. Make plans to stay connected with important people from home, but also commit to being fully present in your new community. Both sets of relationships are valuable as you navigate this transition.

Managing expectations versus reality is crucial for a positive freshman experience. College life is rarely like the movies, and your experience might differ from what you've imagined. Approaching this new chapter with flexibility and openness will help you appreciate the actual experience rather than comparing it to an idealized version.

Katie cautions students from putting too much emphasis on what they see on social media. For many, this is your first time living on your own away from home and managing all aspects of your life. It is normal if you have feelings of loneliness or uncertainty from time to time.

“Everyone only posts the good times, and it can make you think that you are the only one having these feelings. That just isn’t true,” says Katie. “Don’t be afraid to share how you are feeling with your parents or your friends; more than likely, they are feeling the same way or can give some encouragement.”

Also, keep in mind that the mental health resources on campus are there for a reason. Take advantage of these, and they can help you seek out options specific to your campus.

Setting realistic goals for your freshman year provides direction without overwhelming yourself. Consider what you hope to achieve academically, socially, and personally in your first year, understanding that college is a marathon, not a sprint.

Last-Minute Details

As move-in day approaches, focus shifts to final logistics. Create a detailed packing checklist organized by categories (clothing, school supplies, room décor, etc.) to ensure nothing important is forgotten.

Confirm your exact move-in date and time slot, as many colleges stagger arrivals to prevent overcrowding. Know where to check in and what identification you'll need to present.
Review the orientation schedule thoroughly so you know where to be and when. First-week activities are often mandatory and provide crucial information about campus resources and academic policies.
Setting up your student ID typically happens during orientation or move-in. This card will serve as your meal pass, building access key, and campus identification, so keep it secure at all times.
Learn about campus resources before you need them. Know where to find the health center, counseling services, tutoring centers, and career services. Understanding what support is available makes it much easier to access help when necessary.
Plan your first week on campus with a balance of structured activities and downtime. The initial days can be overwhelming, and building in rest periods will help you process all the new information and experiences.

The transition from high school to college represents one of life's most significant passages. While there's much to accomplish between making your deposit and moving into your dorm, remember to enjoy your last summer before college. Balance preparation with relaxation, spending quality time with family and friends while looking forward to the adventures ahead.

This period marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The effort you put into preparing now will pay dividends when you arrive on campus feeling confident and ready to engage fully with your college experience.

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Know a college-bound senior who could use this guidance? Share this article to help them navigate the important months between deposit and dorm move-in! Together, we can ensure more freshmen arrive on campus prepared for success.