Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You're In

Congrats! You got into college. Football games and dorm decoration are in your future— but first you have a little housekeeping to take care of. This countdown will help you check things off and make it a smooth move-in day. 1 2 3 4 5

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

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You can score some real discounts through your new .edu email. Many places offer a student discount—all you need is a college email. PRO TIP

Confirm your email Now that you’ve chosen a school, you’ve got a school email. Schools often send critical information to your new email— even if you haven’t activated it. That is why it’s important to sign up for your

school’s online portal and email, then check the account daily. You got five minutes, right now? Check this off.

☑ Sign up for

college email ☑ Create a profile on your school’s portal ☑ Check your email

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

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Finalize financial aid

Your FAFSA may require verification for a few reasons: • You were chosen at random.

Sounds pretty boring, but this step is important to get your financial aid funds. Keep an eye out for any emails in your school account from the financial aid office about FAFSA verification. Some students require verification (about a third), and if that’s you, it’s important to jump on this.

• Your FAFSA contained estimated information.

• Your FAFSA was incomplete. • Inconsistencies were found in the information on your FAFSA. Remember: You cannot receive your financial aid until you complete the verification process—which can take up to 45 days.

☑ Check your email ☑ Be on the lookout for information on financial paperwork ☑ Follow-up with the financial aid office

You can find out if you were selected for verification early by checking your Student Aid Report (SAR). If yours indicated this, you can get a jump on things by reaching out to your financial aid office (instead of waiting for them to get in touch). PRO TIP

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

The Verification Process

Don’t widen the gap: Failing to verify your FAFSA on time can cause you to lose some or all of your non- federal aid—and who wants a bigger tuition gap? !

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

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Take care of health insurance and vaccinations Now that you’re technically an adult, you’ll need two things to walk onto campus in the fall: health insurance and vaccination records. Health insurance: Colleges need proof that you are insured. If you’re covered by your parents’ insurance or an individual plan, you can fill out a waiver form. Or you can sign up for the college’s health insurance.

☑ Find the deadline for the insurance waiver and get it in by then OR ☑ Sign up for your college’s health plan

Vaccinations: Just like kindergarten, your college won’t let you in without proof of vaccines. Find the form on your school’s site, and bring it to your doctor. Then, you can send it along to your college.

☑ Bring your vaccination form to your doctor ☑ Return form to your college

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

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Ask around for the best coffee shop and pizza place near campus—you’ll thank us later. PRO TIP

Get oriented Freshman orientation is where it’s at. You can get a feel for your school, meet professors, and find your new BFF. Many schools will help you register for classes during orientation, as well as make time for meeting with your faculty adviser. Be sure to check for placement exams that you may need to take. You will need to do these before you pick your classes. Also be sure to check your college for orientation times— some schools do it over the summer while others may have you come a few days early.

☑ Pick an orientation session, and get ready to check out your school ☑ Check for placement exams

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

Pay your bills and find creative ways to save 5 Many states allow you to buy textbooks tax-free. Your campus bookstore might still charge tax when you buy your books, but you may be able to get a refund depending on where you go to school. PRO TIP

Need some ways to trim your costs? • Pay less for books: Remember you can save a ton by sharing a book or finding them used. • Consider living off campus: Many schools won’t let first-year students live off campus, but if yours does, this option can save $$ and add in some instant friends. • Dial down the freshman 15: Some schools will let you decrease your meal plan options. This will save you $$ and avoid those late night munchies. • Look into part-time work: Find a job during orientation, and use the cash to pay for books or put your tuition on a payment plan and pay as you earn.

Once your financial aid is confirmed and your email is set up, a key step is paying any balance you may owe the school. Don’t let an unpaid tuition bill stop you from registering. Check for any outstanding balance, and pay it as soon as you can.

☑ Find your final bill and determine payment ☑ Look at options to save $$ now

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

Have fun! Get excited—college is just around the corner. Once you’ve checked off your to-do list, it’s smooth sailing from there.

Download this to-do list to keep as a reminder.

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In

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American Student Assistance | Countdown To College: 5 Things To Do After You’re In