Now that you’ve completed the initial steps to apply and get accepted into colleges, you’ll want to focus on enrollment and preparing for your first day of classes. Next steps include:&nbsp;

<ul><li>Attend orientation (yes, you can bring your family with you)&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Submit any pending items listed in your college student portal, such as a final transcript&nbsp;</li><li>Consider alternative options, such as a gap year, if unforeseen circumstances come up&nbsp;</li></ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Attend orientation</h2>

Most colleges and universities offer new students and their families some sort of orientation experience. In fact, it’s required at some universities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But what is orientation? What happens? And why should you and your family plan to attend?&nbsp;

Note: Larger colleges typically hold several orientation sessions throughout the summer, while smaller schools may only have one orientation. Keep an eye on your student portal for dates and registration information!&nbsp;

You might want to include a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult in orientation. There is often programming available specifically for family members.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Common orientation activities</h2>

Visit important buildings or offices on campus, in person or virtually, including dorms. 
Find the bookstore, dining options, nearby coffee shops and restaurants, and other places to spend time.

Campus tours

Academic life and student life staff will host panel discussions to discuss the services they offer, ways to succeed, and how you can find help. 
Many orientation programs offer small-group sessions about different topics. Examples include study abroad, financial aid, working on campus, and more.

Panel discussion and topical sessions  

Representatives from all kinds of campus organizations share information about joining, types of activities they host, and who to contact for more information.

Organization fair

Placement tests (like the TSIA2) help colleges place you at the right course level. Depending on the courses you need to take, you may need to take placement tests for math, English, and foreign languages.

Placement tests

You may even meet with an academic advisor to discuss your interests, courses you’d like to take and possible majors. Together, you’ll register for classes for your first semester.

Class registration

Orientation is often where students meet close friends and future roommates. Since everyone is new, it’s easy to meet people. Make someone’s day by saying “hi” first!

Meet new people

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tasks to complete before enrolling in classes</h2>

There might be some pending tasks that should be completed before you can officially enroll in your first semester of classes.

Once your grades are finalized, send your final high school transcript to secure your spot in college! Make sure you know your school’s final transcript submission deadline so you aren’t late.  
 Reach out to your high school counselor to request that an official transcript be sent to your college or university. If you took dual-credit courses, you&#8217;ll also need to get a transcript sent by the community college.

Submit final high school transcript

Setting up your student email keeps you in the loop of what’s going on at your school. It’s how your college reminds you about any pre-enrollment tasks, like registering for orientation, paying tuition, or signing up for classes.  
 Check your personal email for instructions on how to set up your school account. You can also look up your school’s IT website if you need more info or help.

Set up a student email account

Many colleges will ask you to submit your immunization records before you register for classes and come to campus. You can get these records from your doctor’s office. Your college will give instructions for how to submit records—usually you will just upload the forms in your student portal.  Request and submit your records ASAP so that you’re all set for your first semester.

Submit immunization records

Check your school’s academic calendar to find the tuition payment deadline. If you miss this deadline, you could get dropped from your classes. If your fall bill is posted to your account but you’re waiting on financial aid, check in with your college’s financial aid office. Find out disbursement dates and confirm you have enough aid to cover costs.

Review your student account balance

Complete summer checklist

Learn what your next steps are to prepare for your first day of college such as attending orientation and registering for classes.  