It’s no secret that most college students will live with a roommate, at least for the first few years. Knowing how to share a space peacefully and respectfully will help avoid environmental conflicts.

From after-school and summer jobs to paid internships, college is a great time to practice the important skill of managing money. Getting a handle on things like credit card debt, savings, and responsible spending early will save you big headaches down the road.

Healthy adult living starts in the dorm room. Knowing the basics about making satisfying and nutritious meals (not to mention how to boil water) will give you an advantage in college and beyond.

These skills may seem unrelated or even obvious, but they’re each important elements of what makes a responsible adult.

Take these proactive steps to be sure that all of your paperwork is in order and to avoid complications later in your college career. You don’t want to end up dealing with an administrative emergency as you kick off your first semester of classes.

If you don’t already use a calendar, now’s the time to start. There are some appointments you’ll need make at home before you head to campus, as well as a number of dates from your school to keep track of over the summer.

Even before classes start, you will take your first steps towards achieving your academic goals. Selecting the right courses and accessing supports are key to your success.

Gathering everything you need for your dorm is one of the most exciting and stressful aspects of preparing to leave for college. Our overarching advice: pack lightly! You can always buy additional or forgotten items after you settle in.

Think of your first few days on campus as your own personal orientation (in addition to anything your school organizes!)

It can be tempting to get a jump on some of the below before classes start, but resist! Give yourself time to settle in before getting into the nitty-gritty.