Congratulations, you've been accepted to college! Now what?

The college acceptance letter is the first step in the process to stepping foot in a university classroom for the first time in the fall. Between the excitement of that letter (or email or portal) and taking that class, there is a lot that needs to be done to ensure your spot on campus.

COMPLETE YOUR FINAL ELIGIBILITY WITH THE NCAA

A college-bound student-athlete must request final amateurism certification before the NCAA Eligibility Center can process the student’s final certification decision.
 

Enrolling for the first time at an NCAA Division I or II school in the fall semester? Request your final amateurism certification on or after April 1 before that semester.
 

Enrolling for the first time at an NCAA Division I or II school in the winter/spring semester? Request your final amateurism certification on or after October 1 before that semester.
 

Are you an international student-athlete enrolling for the first time at a Division III school? Request your final amateurism certification on or after April 1 (fall enrollment) or October 1 (winter/spring enrollment).
 

Remember: Only Certification accounts can request final amateurism certification.
 

If you are being actively recruited by an NCAA school and have a Profile Page account, transition it to the best Certification account.
 

Steps to Request Your Final Amateurism Certification:

1. Log in at eligibilitycenter.org to view your dashboard.

   1. On your laptop/tablet? Select Dashboard from the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.

   2. On your phone? Scroll to the bottom and click Return to Dashboard.

2. Check your progress on your Dashboard. The first Account Creation circle must be complete prior to requesting your final amateurism certification.

3. Ensure all sports-participation questions are up-to-date and answered, your NCAA enrollment period accurately reflects your first full-time enrollment at any NCAA school, and all amateurism-related tasks are completed.

   1. You may have tasks open in the second Send Transcripts circle and still request your final amateurism certification.

   2. Your enrollment period can be updated at any time. To update this field, select Account Settings from the menu and continue to the Basic Information screen, where high school graduation and college enrollment dates are editable on the second page.

4. In the third box on your Dashboard, select the green “Submit Request Now” button.

5. Select each sport for which you want to request your final amateurism certification.

You may request your final amateurism certification even if you are not being recruited by an NCAA school. However, the
Eligibility Center may wait to begin your certification until after an NCAA school adds you to their institutional request list. Please provide the school(s) recruiting you with your NCAA ID.

 

REGISTER ON YOUR COLLEGE'S ONLINE PORTAL
All new students will need to create an account for their school’s student portals. In the portals students will find information regarding fees, housing, meal plans, and more than likely information regarding first-year orientation. Create the account and write down the password and keep it in a secure place for safe-keeping.

MEET YOUR DEADLINES, ESPECIALLY FOR DEPOSITS
Collectively, there are more than 350 Division I schools that field more than 6,000 athletics teams and provide opportunities for more than 170,000 student-athletes to compete in NCAA sports each year.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND HEALTH INSURANCE

All colleges and universities require a record of immunizations prior to allowing students on campus. The most common immunizations needed at US colleges and universities include:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

• Hepatitis B

• Tetanus

• Tuberculosis

Some schools may also require proof of vaccination for Covid-19 or Meningitis.
 

Reach out to your parents or family physicians for these records and submit them to the university prior to the deadline.

It may also be necessary to purchase health insurance. Many schools offer low-cost insurance policies to their students. American students may be able to use their parents’ health insurance. International students should check to see if there are any special requirements.

PLACEMENT TESTS

After you’ve been accepted by a college, you may need to take placement tests. Placement tests are used to determine the academic skills of entering students. Based on the test results, the students will be placed in the classes that best match their current skills. Low test scores may mean taking developmental courses to improve your academic skills.
 

Placement tests measure skills you’ve already learned in high school, so taking them doesn’t require much preparation. To get ready for these tests, you can do the following:

• First, check with an admissions officer at your college to find out if you have to take a placement test.

• If so, find out what subjects the test will cover.

• Ask the admissions officer what you can do to get ready. Or check the college website for information about the test and ways to prepare for it.

• It's also wise to practice with sample placement exams before the test. For better preparation, try simulating the real testing experience by not using calculators or other resources to complete the practice exams.

Generally, the courses in a normal math track consist of:

• Remedial Algebra (non-credit course)

• Intermediate Algebra

• College Algebra and Trigonometry

• Calculus I

• Calculus II

• Calculus III

Most students will be required to take at least two math courses in college.

 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/after-youve-applied/what-are-college-placement-tests

HOUSING AND MEAL PLANS

Housing

The transition to college – which for many students is their first time living on their own – can be stressful. To ease that adjustment and build a sense of belonging, many colleges require first-year students to live on campus. But living on campus is not just reserved for first-year students. There are also plenty of campus options for upperclassmen. Here's what to know about living on campus. When imagining college housing, the first thought that comes to mind is likely residence halls with single, double or triple rooms and shared hall bathrooms. But at many colleges, on-campus living options have expanded to include Jack-and-Jill style rooms (two rooms connected by a bathroom), suites with private rooms and a shared living room and kitchenette, apartment style housing and even small townhouses.
 

"In general, an on-campus residential experience provides students with greater structure, support, and connection to the campus community," Brenda Ice, senior associate dean and senior director of residential life at Brown University in Rhode Island, wrote in an email. "Residential staff provide education and engagement through programs and activities, and operational services such as utilities, custodial, and maintenance are included in the room rate."

 

Students who live off campus, on the other hand, "need to be prepared to independently manage their lease, monthly bills, and relationships with landlords, roommates, and neighbors.”
 

Costs vary, but some colleges charge a single rate for all on-campus housing. For off-campus housing, costs are dependent on location, size of unit and amenities.
 

The housing selection process looks different at each campus. Some colleges have first-year students rank their preferences for residence halls as part of the housing application. Others allow both first-year students and upperclassmen to select their own rooms. Colleges often have a lottery system in which students are assigned a time slot during which they select from the available housing. Many schools also have living-learning communities, where freshmen and beyond can apply to live. These themed residential communities give students the option to live with peers who share similar academic interests, identities or passions. Living-learning community participants were up to three times more likely than other campus residents to meet with faculty, attend class, see an advisor or use academic support services, according to a 2021 Association of College & University Housing Officers—International report. Generally, colleges send out a roommate questionnaire to first-year students as part of the housing selection process, which asks questions about sleep and cleanliness habits. Students are then matched with others based on their responses. As for older students, it may be tempting to live with friends, but it's also important to think about compatibility.
 

To keep students safe, university housing typically has restricted access and requires residents to scan their student ID to enter the building. Experts also advise students to take extra safety precautions by keeping their rooms locked, especially at night.
 

Many colleges have cameras posted around campus and in buildings. Resident assistants, as well as other residence life staff members, and campus police officers are available to provide support for students in case of an emergency.
 

Meal Plans

Some college dining halls lack variety, serving iterations of the same meal every day. Others serve restaurant-quality food, with made-to-order omelet stations, global cuisine options and themed dinner events.No matter the selection, the dining hall can be a place of community on campus. But it does come with a price tag.The cost of a meal plan for an academic year usually ranges between $3,000 and $5,500, with the most expensive plans reaching upwards of $9,000, experts say.

College meal plans are pre-paid accounts that provide students with access to dining services on campus. Depending on the selected plan, students are given a set number of swipes per week to use at dining halls or other food vendors on or near campus.
 

Schools typically require residential students to purchase a meal plan, especially first-year students, as kitchen space is limited in dormitory common rooms.
 

A meal plan offers a fast dining solution for students who want to avoid cooking or buying groceries.
 

Costs vary based on the type of plan and location of the school. For instance, at Texas State – which requires residential students to purchase an on-campus meal plan – prices for the 2021-2022 school year start at $1,355 and go up to $2,145 a semester, depending on the plan. The most expensive option includes unlimited meal swipes and $500 in dining dollars, which can be used for food options outside the dining halls.
 

At Syracuse University in New York, prices are almost twice as high, with unlimited meal plans ranging between $4,135 and $4,335 per semester, according to its website.
 

Meal plans, alongside tuition and housing, are considered part of the total cost of attendance at a university or college. These fees can be significantly reduced or covered under financial aid. To qualify, a student must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

 

Though a school might have specific requirements, choosing a meal plan is usually the responsibility of students and their families. But plans can be assigned if a student fails to pick one before the school's deadline.
 

Meal plan selections are not permanent. Students can often downgrade or upgrade their plans up until a certain date each semester.
 

Before selecting a meal plan, students should consider factors such as the school's rollover policies and their own dietary restrictions and sleep habits.
 

Higher meal plans come with perks such as unlimited access to dining halls, extra guest passes and additional swipes to other food vendors on campus. But if not budgeted correctly, there's also a risk of being left with extra meals or dollars at the end of the semester or year.
 

Some meal plans roll over from the fall to spring semester but not to another academic year. Others don't roll over at all and are nonrefundable except under certain circumstances such as a leave of absence or withdrawal from the university.

To avoid being left with unused meals, some students stock up on nonperishable foods at the end of the semester. Another option is to donate meal swipes.
 

A student should refer to their own sleep habits and class schedule to determine how many meals a week they need.

Students who wake up early or spend the majority of the day on campus could require more meals than those who sleep in late, for example.
 

At many dining halls food is served in a buffet, where cross-contamination is possible. This can make it difficult for students with dietary restrictions or severe allergies.
 

Before selecting a meal plan or eating at a dining hall for the first time, experts suggest reaching out to the dining hall staff or school nutritionist to find safe food options. A meal plan at Emory University in Georgia, for instance, offers kosher lunches and dinners.

 

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/living-on-campus-a-guide-to-college-housing

COMPUTING

The following is the General computing requirement for USF:

PC/Laptop that is preferably less than 5 years old and meets the minimum specifications:

• Processor: current generation of Intel Core Series (i3, i5, i7, i9) or AMD Ryzen equivalent

• Memory: 8GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB

• Camera, Microphone, and Speakers

• Wireless connectivity (WiFi)

• Windows 10 or Mac OS X

Please Note: Individual colleges and programs may have their own requirements. Check with your school and department to determine if you need to upgrade hard drive capacity, the processor, or the graphics card and if you’ll need any additional software for your degree program.

 

https://www.usf.edu/it/remote/requirements-for-students

FINANCIAL AID

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows you to be automatically considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs based on your dependency status and Expected Family Contribution (EFC).Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to transfer your federal tax data directly to your FAFSA.  If you are completing the 2022-2023 FAFSA, use the DRT to transfer your (& parents) 2020 tax data to your FAFSA. If you are completing the 2023-2024 FAFSA, use the DRT to transfer your (& parents) 2021 tax data to your FAFSA. The FAFSA is free - there is no charge to apply for financial aid. Beware of sites advertising services to help you apply for financial aid for a fee. If you use one of these services, you will be providing personal information to a non-government agency.
 

The information you provide on the FAFSA is used by the Department of Education in a formula to determine Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the approximate amount you and your family should be able to help pay your educational costs.

The FAFSA information and EFC are sent to the Office of Financial Aid to determine your financial need for need based financial aid programs. OFA determines your Cost of Attendance (COA) for the semesters you will be attending USF. Your COA minus your EFC determines your Financial Need.
 

OFA uses your financial need to award you need based financial aid funds (excluding Federal Direct Unsubsidized, PLUS and/or GradPLUS loans) for the school year.
 

Your EFC should be displayed in your FAFSA once it is completed. Follow the steps in the video below to see an example of where it is located.
 

Athletes should check with the NCAA and their compliance office to ensure other scholarships or forms of financial aid will not affect their eligibility.
 

A student may receive financial aid from the following sources:

• Parent and Legal Guardians;

• Prepaid College Tuition Plans;

• Outside aid awarded solely on the basis of having no relationship to athletic ability;

• Outside aid awarded where athletics participation is not a major criterion;

• Outside aid awarded where athletic participation is a major criterion, provided the value of the award or in combination with other athletically related financial aid does not exceed the value of a full grant-in-aid or the value of the award in combination with non-athletically related aid shall not exceed the student’s cost of attendance. If the recipient is recruited, he/she is considered a counter and the amount is applied to the maximum award limitations for the sport in question.

In all cases, recipients will receive a written statement of the amount, duration, conditions and terms of the athletic award. This award will come from the financial aid office with the director of financial aid and scholarships and athletic director’s signature authorizing the award.
 

Per NCAA rules Academic Honor Awards are defined as those that are part of the institution’s normal arrangements for academic scholarships, and are not countable against team limits. The following criteria apply:

• The award is based solely on the recipient’s high school record and awarded independently of athletics interest;

• The award amounts are consistent with the pattern of all other such awards made by the institution;

• The recipient was ranked in the upper 10% of the high school graduating class or achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 or a minimum ACT score of 105 or minimum SAT score of 1200 (critical reading and math).

The Renewal of an academic honor award is exempt from counting against team limits provided:

• The recipient achieves a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the institution;

• The recipient meets all NCAA, conference and institutional progress toward degree requirements.This is an award for a continuing student and must meet the following criteria:

• The award or grant is a standing scholarship or established research grant;

• The basis for the award is due to the candidate’s academic record at the institution;

• The candidate is competing among other students of a particular class or college to receive the award.[iii]

Prior to high school graduation, college-bound students should reach out to their financial aid office to determine if they are eligible for additional awards.

 

https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid/apply/index.aspx

https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid/apply/efc.aspx

Washington State, Financial Aid, Information Resources; https://financialaid.wsu.edu/student-athletes/

ORIENTATION

Stepping onto a college campus for the first time as an incoming freshman or transfer student can be overwhelming, especially with numerous buildings to navigate and new faces to meet.
 

To ease the adjustment, colleges and universities offer orientation, which helps students learn more about college life and campus traditions.
 

Orientation looks different at each school. But in most cases, it's a way to introduce incoming students to campus.
 

It can last anywhere from one day to a week, experts say. Some schools offer a two-part orientation session, with one taking place in the early months of summer and the other scheduled days before classes start. Others request that incoming freshmen move in early, before upperclassmen arrive on campus.
 

Students meet with orientation peer leaders in small groups. Transfer students are typically placed in separate groups or have orientation on a different day than incoming freshmen.
 

There are numerous different sessions throughout the day, with orientation leaders answering questions and leading tours of residence halls and classrooms. Students have the chance to meet faculty and staff members as well as their academic adviser to discuss a potential major and register for classes.
 

Additionally, there might be information sessions around campus safety, technology, academic resources, student support services and available clubs or intramural sports.
 

Rather than connect with peers solely on social media over the summer, experts suggest taking advantage of the opportunities for in-person interaction at orientation.
 

Not only is there new student orientation, but there are also sessions for families to attend to provide more information about the school. This may include a discussion with the school's administration and a meet-and-greet for parents.
 

Student orientation is mandatory at many colleges. Although that's not always the case, skipping could inhibit your ability to sign up for classes.
 

There are exceptions, so experts advise students to contact the school if they have extenuating circumstances. Some schools may offer an online version of orientation as a replacement.
 

Many schools offer several dates throughout the summer. Select a date that works best for you and register online. Note that there is sometimes a cost to cover food and housing, especially for orientations that include an overnight.
 

Before the start of orientation, schools may require you to submit immunization records, a photo for a student identification card and documentation of transfer or dual credits.
 

Some orientations coincide with move-in dates, so students should bring everything they need for their dorm room. For overnight orientation dates throughout the summer, bring a photo ID along with a bag that includes clothes, toiletries and a towel. Many colleges post a list of items to pack on their website.
 

During orientation, a lot of information is thrown at students. But to ensure that all your needs are met – like how to access mental health services and who to talk to about classroom accommodations or dietary restrictions – make a list of potential questions to ask at orientation.
 

Consider some of the following questions:

• What kind of security methods are in place for entering residence halls and other sensitive areas?

• How does the school communicate with students in an emergency?

• How might the career services office help a freshman as compared with a senior?

• What is the student-to-adviser ratio?

• What first-year experiences are available on campus?

• What health insurance or health discount programs does the school's health center accept?

• How can I drop or add a class?

• What are my financial aid and tuition payment options?

• Are all dining options covered in the campus cafeteria?

 

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/what-to-expect-at-college-orientation

TIME MANAGEMENT

College can be a stressful time for many students and time management can be one of the most crucial — but tricky — skills to master.
 

Attending classes, studying for exams, making friends, and taking time to relax and decompress can quickly fill up your schedule. If you often find yourself wishing there were more hours in the day, this guide will offer time management tips for students so you can accomplish what you need to get done, have fun with your friends, and gain back some valuable time for yourself.
 

Create a Calendar

Don’t be caught by surprise by an important paper due two days from now or a dinner with your family the same night you planned for a group study session. Create a calendar for yourself with all your upcoming deadlines, exams, social events, and other time commitments well in advance so you can see what’s coming up.
 

Keep your calendar in a place where you can see it every day, such as in your planner or on your wall above your desk. If you prefer a digital calendar, check it first thing every day to keep those important events fresh and top-of-mind. For greater efficiency, make sure you can integrate it with your other tools, such as your email.
 

Digital calendar options include:

• Google Calendar

• Outlook Calendar

• Fantastical

• Calendly

Set Reminders

After you’ve created your calendar, give yourself periodic reminders to stay on track such as to complete a study guide in advance or schedule a meeting for a group project. Knowing deadlines is important; however, staying on top of the micro tasks involved in meeting those deadlines is just as important. You can set an alarm on your phone, write it down in a physical planner, or add an alert to your digital calendar. The reminders will help to prevent things from slipping through the cracks during particularly hectic days.
 

Make sure you’ve allotted enough time to study for that big test or write that final paper. Time management is all about setting yourself up for success in advance and giving yourself the tools to accomplish tasks with confidence.
 

Each person’s day-to-day is different and unique to them, so make sure your schedule works for you. Once you’ve accounted for consistent commitments such as classes or your shifts at work, add in study sessions, extracurriculars, chores and errands, and social engagements.

Consider your personal rhythm. If you typically start your day energized, plan to study or accomplish chores then. If you fall into an afternoon slump, give yourself that time to take a guilt-free TV break or see friends.
 

Having a schedule that works for you will help maximize your time. Plus, knowing exactly when your laundry day is or when your intramural volleyball practice is every week will help you avoid trying to cram everything in one day.

 

Use Tools That Work For You

Just like your calendar and schedule, the tools you use to keep you organized should be the right fit for you. Some students prefer physical planners and paper, while some prefer going totally digital. Your calendar can help you with long-term planning, but most of these tools are best for prioritizing from day to day.
 

Explore what best suits your needs with some of the following suggestions:

Planners

Planners can help you keep track of long-term deadlines, such as important essay deadlines, upcoming exams, and appointments and meetings. They often provide a monthly overview each month, as well as day-to-day planning sections, so you can stay ahead.

• Papier – Offers a 20% student discount

• Plum Paper

• Moleskine

Scheduling

If your schedule is jam-packed and you have trouble figuring out what to do and when, scheduling day by day—and sometimes even hour by hour—can help you slot in everything you need to do with less stress.

• Asana

• Trello

• Structured app

Note-Taking

From class to study sessions to errands, keeping track of everything can feel overwhelming. Keeping everything in one place, whether on the go or at your desk, can help keep you organized.

• Bullet journals

• Notion

• Evernote

Prioritize

Sometimes there really is too much to do with too little time. In these instances, take just a few minutes to evaluate your priorities. Consider which deadlines are most urgent, as well as how much energy you have.
 

If you are able to complete simple tasks first, try getting them out of the way before moving on to tasks that require a lot of focus. This can help to alleviate some of the pressure by checking a couple things off your to-do list without getting bogged down too early.
 

If you are struggling to fit everything in your schedule, consider what you can postpone or what you can simply say no to. Your friends will likely understand if you have to meet them for coffee another time in order to get in a final library session before a challenging exam.
 

Make Time to Have Fun — And For Yourself

Time management isn’t just about getting work done. It’s also about ensuring that you can put yourself and your mental wellbeing first. Consistently including time for yourself in your schedule helps to keep your mental health and your life in balance. It can also be helpful to have things to look forward to when going through stressful periods. 
 

Whether it’s going for a bike ride along the river, spending time with your friends and family, or simply sleeping in on a Sunday, knowing you have space to relax and do things you enjoy can provide better peace of mind.
 

Find Support

Preparation and organization can sometimes only get you so far. Luckily, you have plenty of people rooting for your success. Keep yourself and your classmates on task by finding an accountability partner or study buddies. Remind your roommates when you need extra space to work on a paper.
 

Your school’s academic resource center is also there to support you and point you in the right direction if you need additional help. Getting—and staying—organized is a collaborative effort and no one can do it on their own.
 

Be Realistic and Flexible

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances will come up or you simply may not be able to get to everything you set out to do in a given day. Be patient with yourself when things don’t go exactly to plan. When building your calendar, schedule, and priorities list, be realistic about what you can accomplish and include buffer time if you’re unsure. This can help to reduce obstacles and potential friction.

Time management isn’t just about sticking to a rigid schedule—it’s also about giving yourself space for change.

 

https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/8-time-management-tips-for-students/