Your first semester at Tarleton State University will be here before you know it, Texan! While summer is the perfect time to relax, travel, and make memories, it’s also a great opportunity to start preparing for your next chapter. From shopping and roommate chats to planning your future space, here’s your ultimate summer checklist before heading to Tarleton State this fall.
Connect With Your Roommate
If you already know your roommate, now’s the time to start chatting! Talk about room decor, shared items, routines, and what you’re both planning to bring so there are no surprises on move-in day. It’s also a great chance to start building a connection before arriving on campus. Having those conversations early can help move-in day feel way more comfortable, exciting, and a lot less overwhelming.
Start Planning Your Space
One of the most exciting parts of preparing for college is imagining your future space. Start a Pinterest board, save TikToks, or make a notes app list of room inspiration, organization hacks, and must-have essentials.
Bonus tip: Coordinate colors or themes with your roommate before you start shopping!
Build Your College Shopping List
Summer is the perfect time to slowly start collecting items you’ll need for campus life. Think beyond bedding and decorations, and start planning for the everyday essentials you’ll actually use for class, in your room, and shared spaces. Don’t forget:
- Shower necessities and laundry supplies
- School supplies and desk organization
- Snacks and simple kitchen essentials
- Storage bins and cleaning wipes
- Command hooks (trust us, you’ll use them more than you think)
Pro tip: Keep an eye on summer sales so you can spread out purchases and save money on bigger items before move-in.
Learn a Few Easy Meals
Even if you’ll mostly eat on campus, learning a few quick and easy meals now can come in handy later. Try mastering:
- Quick pasta dishes
- Microwave-friendly meals
- Easy grab-and-go breakfast options
- Simple coffee, drinks, and energy boosts
- A go-to comfort meal for late nights or stressful weeks
Nothing fancy, just easy, reliable options that make you feel a little more at home.
Make a Hometown Summer Bucket List
Before starting your Tarleton State journey, take time to enjoy your hometown and favorite people. Make a summer bucket list filled with things you want to do before move-in day:
- Visit your favorite local spots
- Have a movie night with friends
- Take lots of pictures
- Spend time with family
- Go on one last spontaneous summer adventure
Create a Vision Board for Your Next 4 Years
College is a fresh start and a chance to grow in so many ways. Create a vision board with goals, dreams, experiences, and reminders of what you want your college journey to look like academically, socially, and personally.
Get Excited, Texan!
This summer is the beginning of something exciting. While it’s important to prepare for college, don’t forget to enjoy the moments in between. Summer will fly by, and before you know it, you’ll be moving into your new home at Tarleton State and starting an unforgettable new chapter. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus this fall, Texan! If you have questions about enrolling at Tarleton State, connect with your Admission Counselor HERE.