The months between graduation and move-in day go quickly, and a surprising number of small tasks can sneak up on you. This checklist groups them by type, so you can work through them a little at a time and avoid a last-minute scramble. Exact deadlines differ by school - your portal and your school's emails are the source of truth.
Paperwork and Forms
- Send your final transcript and any test or AP/IB score reports your school requests.
- Submit immunization and health forms. Schools often require proof of certain vaccines and can place a hold on your account until they're in. Doctor's offices can take time to process requests, so start early.
- Complete any required online training or agreements, such as a housing agreement, a code-of-conduct acknowledgment, or a safety module.
- Update your contact information and set up your school email. Check it regularly - important notices go there, not to your personal inbox.
- Set up any accommodations you may need. Disability and accessibility offices usually have their own paperwork and timeline, and it's best not to wait until classes start.
Money
- Accept your aid and finish loan paperwork if you're borrowing.
- Find out how your bill works. Learn when it posts, how to pay it, and whether the school offers a payment plan.
- Set up a bank account you can access easily from campus, and decide how you'll manage day-to-day spending. See what move-in really costs for budgeting.
- Have a conversation with your family about who covers what, so there are no surprises later.
Housing and Roommates
- Complete your housing application and roommate questionnaire. Answer honestly - matching works best when you do. Our guide to choosing a dorm explains the options.
- Connect with your roommate once you know who it is. How to vet a roommate has questions to ask. Coordinate on who's bringing shared items like a mini fridge or a rug.
- Learn what's allowed. Every school has a list of items you can't bring - what not to bring covers the common ones.
Orientation and Classes
- Register for orientation as early as your school allows. Popular sessions fill up.
- Take placement tests if required, in math, languages or writing.
- Explore the course catalog and start thinking about your first schedule. Some schools let you register over the summer; others do it at orientation.
- Look up your textbook needs before buying anything. Often you don't need to buy everything on the list, and waiting until you've seen the syllabus can save real money.
Packing and Logistics
- Start a packing list with our move-in checklist, and buy in stages instead of all at once.
- Shop for dorm essentials once you've talked with your roommate about what you'll share.
- Plan your move-in day. Find your assigned window on your school's page via search, and read our hour-by-hour walkthrough.
- Decide how you'll get around. Read should you bring a car and our campus transportation guide.
For You (Not Just the List)
- Spend time with friends and family. The goodbyes are part of the summer.
- Try a few things you'll do on your own, like doing laundry or cooking a simple meal. See how to do laundry in college.
- Give yourself some downtime. You'll be busy soon enough.
A good rule is to do one small thing each day for a few weeks and you'll be finished well before the car is packed. Parents can find their own version in our guide for parents.