We’re well into August, and if you're attending Centennial College this September, now's the time to get ready for the new semester. Maybe you've got your books, your bags and your school supplies, and you’ve got your classes figured out. But there's more you need to think about before school starts, things you might not have considered yet. Here's everything else you need to consider before September.
The food situation
Think about where you're going to be getting your lunch, or your dinner if your classes are later. If you're buying it, those costs are going to add up. If you're bringing something to eat with you, you'll need time to put your meal together at home. It's a choice that will affect your time, money and, yes, health.
While it can be more convenient to buy your food at school, it'll cost you, and it probably isn't as healthy as something you can make at home. On the flip side, groceries are cheaper and healthier, but take time to get and prepare. One way we can help is with the CCSAI's Good Food Boxes, supplying you with crates of healthy fruits and vegetables on the cheap.
The cash situation
If you haven't already begun to figure out your finances, college is a perfect time to start. If you don't already have a credit card and a proper savings account, now's the time to get them. If you're coming to us out of high school, you're young enough that you can experiment with them and figure out what system works for you. This means developing good credit habits, including using a card and paying it off by the due date to avoid interest charges. And no matter where you’re at financially, heading to school with a budget of how much you’re going to be spending each week is a great way to go.
Your transportation
Unless you're living in our Centennial Place Student Residence, how you get to school is going to be a larger factor in your life than you think. If you're going to be driving, you need to have a car, and afford to keep it in good shape, as well as pay for gas and insurance – and campus parking. Public transit is far more affordable, but it means you need to know the route to school and the schedule, and it’s almost always more of a time-sink than driving. Either way, explore your options to prepare for the commute.
Your extra-curricular activities
Don't plan to just go to class, then head straight back home. Participating in school life is important for personal growth, not to mention career development. Just knowing your subject isn't enough, you need school activities to develop your communication skills and confidence. Maybe you can volunteer to help at orientation or graduation, or join a student club, or simply participate in the events the CCSAI holds on campus. There's a lot to do, and you don't have to do all of it, but it's worth looking into and finding something you like. Get social!
Your life outside school
College is a busy time, busier than high school, and like it or not, you're not going to have as much time for recreation as you do now. For example, if you binge-watch TV shows, watch a new movie every week, play a bunch of video games, and tear through a book a month, you'll have to get used to the idea that you're not going to have time to do it all. So, pick the ones you like the best, whatever media that is, and put the others on hold. This applies to exercise, sports, going out, and anything else that takes up your time: You can still do some of it, you just have to figure out what's essential for you.
Most importantly, though, remember that this isn't as hard as it sounds, and that you don't have to know all the answers to this right away. College is a time where you can figure this all out, but it’s good to start thinking about it now, so you can enjoy the start of your educational journey when September comes around.
Written By: Anthony Geremia