So you got into university or college! The wait is finally over and a load has been lifted off your shoulders, just in time for more stress to take its place. Now you’re stuck with the anxiety and worries of planning for this big change in your life. How will you prepare? What should you do? What shouldn’t you do?

To begin, you should definitely take a tour of any campus you are seriously considering, especially before you accept. The campus is a very important part of the overall post secondary school experience.  If you find yourself hating or feeling uncomfortable in these surroundings you could also find yourself missing out on the full, fun experience that post-secondary schooling should be.

Then the money situation arises. Let’s assume that with grants loans, or help from Mom and Dad your school expenses are covered. You may want a few dollars fr yourself. You should try to find a part time job in the area of your school ahead of time so that you’re all ready to go when you get yourself on campus. You could even try getting a job through the school, working at on-campus restaurants or stores. The walk would be short and the discounts couldn’t hurt either.

Before you go you should start working on your people skills, especially if you’re planning on going to a school where you won’t know many people.   Universities and colleges will give you an amazing opportunity to meet new people who could end up being life-long friends. So the more people you get to know, the better your experience will be. If you are someone who hates meeting new people, try introducing yourself to new people at your high school now and taking yourself out of your comfort zone. After all, the first few weeks of your new school will be all about meeting people you don’t know and so you need to make the best of it. Everyone will be in the same boat as you so embracing the experience instead of fighting it will only make things run smoother.

Finally, before you leave home do your best to “borrow” any extra utensils and necessities from your parents’ house. Once you’re on your own you may find yourself on a seriously slim budget which may cause you to eat Kraft Dinner for weeks on end.  With such a slim budget, even conditioner won’t be top of your priorities, so if you borrow a few freebies from home, you will be reasonably well off.  This way no one loses, right?