Are you about to graduate from high school and head off to college? If so, you’re probably wondering what you need to do before moving out of state. It can be a lot of work preparing for such a life-changing event when everything goes smoothly. Here are eight things you should do before moving out of state for college. By following these tips, you’ll be able to easily transition to college life.
1. Ship Your Car To Your New Home
When you’re getting ready to leave for college, there are many things to think about. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is how to get your car to your new home. If you’re moving out of state, the best option is to ship your car rather than drive it. Here’s why:
- Shipping your car is cheaper than driving it. When you factor in gas, food, lodging, and wear and tear on your vehicle, it’s almost always cheaper to ship your car than drive it. Shipping is also faster than driving, so you’ll save time.
- Shipping is safer than driving. You don’t have to worry about car breakdowns or bad weather when you ship your vehicle. Your car will be in good hands with the shipping company, and it will arrive safely at your new home.
- Shipping is more convenient than driving. When you ship your car, you can fly to your new home and leave the driving to someone else. This means that you can travel light and not have to worry about packing everything into your car. It’s the most convenient way to move your vehicle out of state.
If you’re keen on using this route, an auto transport company like Easy Ship can help. It’s vital to research the reliability of a company before signing up. If you’re interested in what Easy Ship offers, read Easy Auto Ship reviews online. This will help assure you that you’re using a reputable and reliable company.
2. Figure Out What You Can Bring With You
Moving out of state for college is a big undertaking. In addition to finding a new place to live and making new friends, you also have to figure out what to do with all your stuff. Like most college students, you probably don’t have much money to spend on storage, so be strategic about what you pack and what you leave behind.
Start by taking an inventory of your belongings. Make a list of what you need to take with you and what can be left behind. Be sure to consider taking some items that have sentimental value. Even though you may not need them daily, they can help you feel more connected to home.
You can also make a list of everything you need to take with you. This should include necessities like clothes, bedding, toiletries, electronics, and study materials. Then, start sorting through your things and decide what you can live without. Anything that you don’t need should be left behind or stored.
Once you’ve decided what to bring, start packing your things. Don’t forget to label boxes so you know where everything is stored when you arrive at your new place. Make sure you pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top to avoid damaging anything.
Packing can be a daunting task, but it’ll be a breeze if you start early and are strategic about what you bring.
3. Do Research On Your New Neighborhood
Moving to a new state for college can be both exciting and overwhelming. In addition to being unfamiliar with the campus and its surroundings, students must adjust to living in a completely new area. For this reason, it is essential to do your research before making a move.
Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood around your school, including safe places to walk or run, grocery stores to frequent, and coffee shops where you can study. Pay attention to crime rates in different areas, and choose a neighborhood that feels safe for you.
Also, be aware of the climate in your new location. If you’re moving from a warm environment to one with lower temperatures, you’ll need to invest in some new winter clothing. By doing your research ahead of time, you start your college experience on the right foot.
4. Prepare A Suitable Budget
Creating a budget is one of the most critical steps in preparing to move out of state for college. This will help you manage your finances and avoid going into debt. Start by making a list of your anticipated expenses, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Once you have an accurate picture of your budget, research the cost of living in your target state and compare it to your current expenses. This will give you an idea of how much you’ll need to save. Create a realistic budget based on your projected income and expenses. Remember to account for unexpected costs, such as medical bills or car repairs.
Finally, stick to your budget and make adjustments as necessary. By taking the time to prepare a budget, you’ll be able to afford your new lifestyle.
5. Get In Touch With Your Future Roommate
One of the most crucial factors in your transition is communicating well with your future roommate. Try to find out as much as you can about their sleep habits, study habits, and social preferences. This will help you to avoid any potential conflict down the road.
It’s also good to establish ground rules regarding noise, guests, and cleaning. By getting to know your roommate and setting some expectations, your freshman year may go even more smoothly.
6. Establish A Routine
As any college student knows, establishing a routine is essential for success in school. Juggling classes, homework, and extracurricular activities can be daunting. Without a set schedule, it’s easy to allow important tasks to fall by the wayside.
When preparing to move out of state for college, it is vital to establish a routine that will help you stay on top of your responsibilities. This may include setting regular study times, making a list of weekly chores, and blocking off time for extracurriculars and socializing.
Of course, there will always be days when your schedule gets thrown off course, but having a routine in place will make it much easier to get back on track.
7. Visit The Campus
Envisioning your future college campus is one of the most exciting parts of the college application process. You close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting in your first-period class, making new friends at lunch, or cheering for your school’s sports team at the big game. However, remember that campuses are unique and very different from one another.
That’s why it’s so important to visit your top choice colleges before deciding where to study. Seeing the campus in person will give you a much better sense of what it’s like to attend that school. You’ll get a feel for the campus culture, the student body, and the surrounding community.
Plus, you’ll be able to get an answer to any lingering questions you have about the school. If you’re serious about attending a particular college, be sure to schedule a visit to the campus as soon as possible.
8. Stock Up On Essential Supplies
You need to make sure you have all your necessities before moving out of state for college. This may include items like clothes and toiletries, but it also means having enough food to last you until you go grocery shopping. Depending on where you’re moving, you may also need to buy some cold-weather gear or bring your favorite blanket from home.
No matter what, make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable in your new season. Being prepared will give you an excellent start to your freshman year.
The Bottom Line
Moving out of state for college can be a tricky task, but by following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth transition. From creating a budget to visiting your future campus, take the time to prepare thoroughly. It will pay off in the long run. So if you’re planning on moving out of state for college, don’t wait until the last minute to get started. The sooner you start preparing, the better off you’ll be.
