What to Do After Choosing a College: 10 Critical Steps Every Student Should Take

A Practical Guide for High School Seniors Preparing for Campus Life

National College Decision Day on May 1 may feel like a grand finale to the stressful college admissions journey, but in truth, it’s only the beginning.

For students who have just committed to a college, a new to-do list begins to unfold, one packed with deadlines, paperwork, and critical decisions that will shape the early months of college life.

This transition phase—from high school senior to college freshman—is one of the most important periods in a young person’s life.

It’s also one of the most overlooked.

Many students and families believe the hard part is over once the enrollment deposit is submitted.

In reality, the months between commitment and move-in are a crucial time to get prepared.

Here’s a comprehensive, expert-backed breakdown of the 10 most important steps to take after selecting your college—so you can walk onto campus in the fall feeling confident, ready, and well-organized.

1. Formally Decline Other College Offers

Once your enrollment is confirmed, the respectful and responsible next step is to notify other colleges of your decision.

Admissions offices, especially at competitive schools, manage waitlists with care.

Promptly declining your spot allows them to offer admission to other hopeful students.

Some colleges will require you to decline via your student application portal, while others might ask for a short email.

If you’re unsure of the process, check the institution’s website.

And remember, even if you were waitlisted, a formal decline is still courteous and appreciated.

2. Activate and Check Your College Email Regularly

After committing, students are assigned a college email address.

This email is your direct line of communication with your school—from academic departments and housing to financial aid and orientation staff.

All critical updates will be sent to this account.

Experts recommend checking this email at least a few times a week, if not daily.

Whether it’s a roommate assignment, immunization deadline, course selection notice, or move-in checklist, this inbox will become your lifeline through the summer.

3. Send Thank-You Notes to Recommenders

Your application process likely involved help from high school counselors and teachers who wrote thoughtful letters of recommendation.

Before you walk across the graduation stage, take a few moments to express your gratitude.

A handwritten thank-you card is more personal and meaningful than a quick email.

Let them know where you’ll be attending and how their support made a difference.

It’s a small gesture that leaves a lasting impression.

4. Finalize Your Housing and Connect With Roommates

Shortly after committing, you’ll receive a housing questionnaire that asks about your sleeping habits, cleanliness preferences, and interests.

These forms help colleges match students with compatible roommates.

Once housing assignments are released, don’t wait—reach out to your roommate.

Introduce yourself, chat about interests, and coordinate who’s bringing what on move-in day.

Some students even like to align décor themes, though it’s not necessary.

The most important thing is to establish respectful communication early on.

Remember: your roommate doesn’t have to become your best friend. A healthy and polite living dynamic is the goal.

5. Choose a Meal Plan That Fits Your Needs

Colleges offer various meal plan options, ranging from unlimited access to dining halls to a fixed number of meal “swipes” per week.

Plans may also include dining dollars for campus cafes or restaurants.

When selecting your plan, consider your eating habits, dietary restrictions, and class schedule.

Most students rely more heavily on dining halls during their first year than they expect.

Experts suggest starting with a moderate or unlimited plan, especially if you won’t have access to a kitchen.

Be aware of the change deadline for meal plans each semester—many schools let you make adjustments after the first few weeks of classes.

6. Reach Out to Campus Support Services

If you have a mental health diagnosis, learning difference, or medical need, now is the time to connect with the relevant departments on campus.

These might include:

• 🎓The counseling center

• 🎓Disability services

• 🎓The student health clinic

• 🎓Academic support offices

You’ll likely need to submit documentation (like a doctor’s letter or 504 plan) to set up accommodations. These processes can take time, so begin them early to ensure you receive the support you need from day one.

As Nancy Steenson, a college coach, points out: “Students can’t assume they’ll just pick up therapy or support services where they left off.

Plans need to be in place before the semester starts.”

7. Connect with Other Students Now, Not Later

Waiting until move-in day to meet peers is a missed opportunity.

Many colleges organize regional meetups, virtual hangouts, or Discord/GroupMe chats for incoming students.

These groups may be tied to:

• 🎓Your graduating class year

• 🎓Specific majors or colleges

• 🎓Identity-based organizations (LGBTQ+, first-gen, etc.)

• 🎓Sports teams or clubs

Search Instagram, Reddit, and your school’s admitted student portal.

Socializing ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable—and you might even find a future best friend or study buddy.

8. Attend Orientation and Pre-College Events

Colleges typically host admitted student days in the spring and orientation sessions in the summer. Orientation is often required and includes:

• 🎓Campus tours

• 🎓Class registration

• 🎓Financial aid briefings

• 🎓ID card photos

• 🎓Icebreakers and meetups

Orientation is your chance to get comfortable with the environment, understand expectations, and meet peers before the rush of the first week.

Don’t skip it if you can help it—it eases transition stress and builds early confidence.

9. Brush Up on Life Skills

College introduces a level of independence many high school students haven’t yet experienced.

You’ll need to manage your time, money, and living space on your own.

Before you move out, take time to learn:

• 🎓How to do laundry

• 🎓How to cook basic meals or use a microwave safely

• 🎓How to set up a bank account or manage a budget

• 🎓How to ask for help and advocate for yourself when needed

Parents can help prepare students for this transition by stepping back gradually, encouraging responsibility in the summer before college.

As Helese Sandler, director of college counseling at Savannah Educational Consultants, explains, “Of course you’re supportive, but this is the time to launch your child and let them take charge of their life.”

10. Finish High School Strong

While the temptation to check out of school after committing is real, senioritis can come with serious consequences.

Colleges still require final transcripts, and poor performance in your final semester can lead to rescinded admissions.

Keep up your attendance, complete your assignments, and participate in end-of-year activities like prom and graduation.

These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll want to look back on with pride—not regret.

Also, let your school counselor know where you’ve committed so they can send your final transcript on time.

Final Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning

Choosing a college is a huge milestone—but it’s far from the finish line.

In the months between May and August, you’ll be laying the foundation for a successful freshman year.

By checking off these ten steps, you’ll arrive on campus informed, connected, and ready to thrive.

College is a period of immense growth and transition, both academically and personally.

Preparation doesn’t eliminate the challenges, but it gives you tools to handle them confidently.

So take a breath, celebrate your accomplishment, and then get to work.

Your future self—somewhere down the line, walking across another graduation stage—will thank you.