Savoring the Summer

School’s out and sooner than you think, it will be time to start the newest journey – boarding school or college. If you’re not going to a summer program, this is a great opportunity to relax, recharge and reshape your mind for what’s ahead. That means while you’re relaxing, you’re also thinking about what needs to be done this summer. Do you need to clean out your closets? Volunteer your time? Have some last-minute memories with friends who are also going away?

All of this can be done if you PLAN. Believe it or not, the summer is going to fly by and you’ll be wondering where the time went. It’s easy for you to pass off these tasks to your parents, but why not start adulting now? You’ve got time on your hands (even if you are in a summer program) to think about what’s coming. You’ll be on your own and won’t have the conveniences of yelling down the stairs or across the hall when you need something. 

Now is the time to research your school and make all the necessary adjustments – if you’re on campus for the summer, you may be able to see what your actual college dorm room will look like. If you’re not, it’s time to find out all you can. For starters, your room probably won’t be as big, and your closet may seem like a small box. The wonderful thing about college or boarding school is … you learn how to do a lot with a little.

If you haven’t thought about what you need, let’s get to it. There are a number of ways you can get everything – and more without breaking the bank.

Here are a few tips:

• If you’re going to a cold climate and don’t have winter clothing, check a nice thrift store. Many of them have very nice coats and jackets at half the price you would normally pay. 
• Know the blueprint of your college dorm room. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the college or university campus and see what it looks like, research videos to get an estimate. The last thing you want to do is haul a bunch of stuff to school and there is no where to put it.
• Get all your medical tasks out of the way early. When it’s time for school, there is a wait list to get glasses, see the doctor for a physical, get braces tightened or removed, update shots and get refills for prescriptions. Be smart and get this stuff done between your trips to the beach.
• Estimate your costs. This means sit down with your VC funders (your parents) and figure out how much of an allowance you will be getting (if at all) and consider the financial aid you will also receive if it applies. You’ll really be surprised how quickly that money you thought you had disappears (broke college student anyone)?

This is an exciting, but possibly scary time in your life. You’re going to learn how to survive and thrive one way or another. Why not make the most of it? So, savor the summer, plan well and strap in for the next journey of your life – are you ready?