Preparing for liftoff into the galaxy of college

Steffany Bane[Ed. note: This belongs to our series of posts featuring tips for recent grads from LinkedIn users. Steffany Bane works as a Copywriter at a Digital Advertising Agency. She is also Co-Author of the off-to-college book I’ll Miss you too]

As a student, winding down the senior year is stressful enough. You’re mentally and physically preparing to leave home and embark on your new adventure. The summer before you leave is always a whirlwind of shopping, packing and saying goodbye to your friends. Starting anew is scary for both the student leaving the comforts of home and the parent who will be left with a quieter house.

Use these tips to help you navigate through the transition.

* Make a checklist. As you’ve probably noticed, parents love these. It’s the therapeutic feeling of being able to cross something off when you’re done. It’s great for reminders. Carry a small notebook around to keep track of aha moments, or tape a list on your mirror.

* Stay focused on the present task until it’s done. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed about your plans tomorrow, or next week’s summer orientation.

* Call your roommate ahead of time to discuss who will bring what. The last thing you need in your 2X4 dorm room is multiple fridges, lamps and TV’s.

* Keep your valuables at home. They will be there when you get back. This will keep you from stressing out every time someone you’ve just met comes to your dorm room.

* Take out 20 of the 30 pairs of jeans you packed. You will probably only end up wearing 2 pairs anyway. And college dorms don’t leave much room for wardrobe options.

* Take a journal, even if you’re not a journal writer. It helps as a non-responsive ventilation device when you’re feeling homesick.

And overall, enjoy every stressful, scary, exciting, wonderful moment.  Every other college Freshman is freaking out too.