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5 Things You Can Do To Get Ready For College This Summer

5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer might not sound like much, but taking these small steps now can make a big difference once the school year begins. Whether you’re a student counting down the days until move-in or a parent trying to help your teenager prepare for this big transition, summertime offers the perfect opportunity to build the foundation for a successful first semester.

At Canopy College Coaching, we’ve worked with countless students across the country—and we’ve learned that students who use the summer wisely don’t just survive college; they thrive. So here are 5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer that will help you (or your student) hit the ground running in the fall.

1. Get Familiar With Executive Functioning Tools

The first of the 5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer is to start building executive functioning habits now—especially if you’ve never had to manage your own schedule before.

Executive functioning refers to your ability to plan, organize, initiate tasks, and manage time. In college, no one’s going to remind you to start that paper a week early or that your chemistry lab meets in a different building. You’ll be juggling classes, activities, social life, and maybe even a part-time job.

Try practicing with tools like:

  • Google Calendar or a planner
  • Task management apps like Todoist or Notion
  • Time-blocking techniques

Canopy College Coaching helps students build these skills one-on-one—so they’re not scrambling once classes begin.

2. Practice Daily Life Skills

This one might sound basic, but one of the most important 5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer is to make sure you’re ready for independent living. Can you do your own laundry? Cook a few simple meals? Manage your own prescriptions or appointments?

Summer is a great time to practice:

  • Grocery shopping on a budget
  • Creating a weekly routine that includes hygiene, sleep, and self-care
  • Managing stress without someone always stepping in to help

Even students headed to dorms with meal plans will benefit from these daily life skills. Independence isn’t just about being away from home—it’s about knowing how to take care of yourself when no one else is watching.

3. Clarify Academic Expectations

Another of the 5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer is to review what academic expectations will actually look like. College is different from high school in almost every way. Deadlines are firmer, classes move faster, and professors expect students to seek help on their own if they’re falling behind.

Spend some time this summer:

  • Reading syllabi or course descriptions if they’re available
  • Learning how to email professors professionally
  • Watching sample lectures online or attending an online seminar

And if you’ve used academic accommodations in high school (like an IEP or 504 Plan), now’s the time to connect with your college’s disability services office to set up accommodations. Canopy College Coaching can help students navigate that process with confidence.

4. Explore Your New Environment

The fourth of the 5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer is to start familiarizing yourself with your new environment—physically and socially.

Here’s how:

  • Review your campus map and housing assignment
  • Learn where the dining hall, health center, and academic support offices are
  • Join class-specific groups on social media to meet future classmates

If you live nearby, consider visiting campus again. If you’re farther away, take a virtual tour or spend time on the school’s website. Feeling familiar with your environment reduces anxiety and builds a sense of belonging—before you even unpack your bags.

5. Set Goals and Talk About Expectations

The last of the 5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer is all about mindset. What do you want your first semester to look like—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and personally?

Set some concrete, achievable goals. These might include:

  • Attending at least one club or event each week
  • Going to office hours twice a month
  • Getting at least 7 hours of sleep most nights
  • Connecting with a coach or mentor regularly

And if you’re a parent, this is a great time to talk with your student about expectations: How often will you check in? How will you handle challenges or setbacks? What kind of support system will be in place?

At Canopy College Coaching, we help students set meaningful goals and stick to them—with structured support, regular check-ins, and personalized strategies.

Be Ready, Not Just Admitted

Starting college is about more than just getting in—it’s about being ready. These 5 things you can do to get ready for college this summer will help ease the transition and build confidence before the semester starts.

🎯 Want expert support in building executive functioning, independence, and academic skills before college begins?
Schedule a free consultation with Canopy College Coaching today, and let’s build a summer prep plan that works for you.