1. Contacting Roommates

Contacting your future roommates is essential! You should talk to them via email, or Facebook. It is important that you get to know each other before college begins to discuss who is bringing what. 

2.  Understanding Your Financial Budget

Learning to keep track of your expenses early on will help you make smart economic decisions. You will need to know how much money you can spend on certain things from your first day on campus. Make sure your finances are in order. While you are still home, you can look into opening a bank account and discuss your budget with your parents.

3.  Time Management System

Having good time management will help you in the long run! It is one of the biggest challenges for college students. Set a system that works around your class schedule and fits your needs. If needed, invest in a good planner. Teach yourself how to explore and take advantage of new opportunities!

4.  Stress Management System

College students are always stressed out about something. It’s part of the college experience! While having stress is normal, you must prepare and learn how to control the levels of stress. Focus on a sleep schedule to get the most out of recharging and rebalancing yourself. Keeping track of your nutrition is also essential as you will not have your parents around reminding you when to eat. Also, make time to exercise at the gym on campus or do a few yoga poses in your room. It can make all the difference!

5.  Balancing Your Workload

College can be overwhelming. While you are focusing on your academic and social life, do not forget to take care of yourself! How you spend your time outside of the classroom is a critical part of your college experience and, in a sense, of the education you receive. Make the most of it! Join a club or organization that explores your interests and passions. You are going to be in New York City, one of the most exciting places in the world! Take full advantage, as the city is yours!

6.  Buying & Packing

It is important to get a head start on your college shopping and packing. Deciding on what kind of laptop you may be purchasing is a big decision that will influence several aspects of your college academic life. Fordham offers special deals and more information can be found from the IT Department.

7.  Join Our Admitted Facebook Group

Meet your future classmates and friends earlier on by joining our Facebook group! You can also find us and your classmates there to help you answer your Fordham questions.

8.  Get the Most Out of Orientation Programs

Orientation is essential in helping you learn about the academic program, receive academic advising, and meet your fellow classmates who you will be spending the next few years with. Take this opportunity to be open minded, mingle and ask your Orientation Coordinators, Captains, and Leaders questions and their perspectives. They have gone through the same anxiety you have and can relate to what you are going through. Feel free to ask questions, that is what they have been trained to do!

9.  Set Rules with Parents & Friends

If you will be residing on campus, remember to set rules with your parents before your departure. Also decide when to conduct weekly calls to debrief your family and friends about your new college life.

10.  Enjoy Your Fordham Experience

Some say college is the best years of your life! In order for that to happen, you must make informed, smart, honest choices and enjoy the experiences.