There’s just something about summers that makes them so special. Maybe it’s the warm weather, the bright sunshine, or the endless possibilities for fun and adventure. Whatever it is, it’s a great idea to make the most of your last summer before college. No matter what you choose to do, your goal should be to have a summer you’ll never forget. It can be difficult to decide, especially with so many options. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available online that can provide all the inspiration you need for an epic summer vacation. If you’re not sure where to start, read on to find out what you should do the summer before college.

What should you do the summer before college?

Road trips are an awesome way to spend your summer before college. They allow you to see a lot of different parts of the country, and they give you a chance to bond with your friends. You can also visit colleges along the way, which can help you decide which one is the best fit for you. Just make sure you’re prepared before going on a road trip. For example, before you go on your road trip, plan everything out. Figure out where you’re going to stay and what you’re going to do each day. You may also want to create a budget so you can stay within your spending limits.

You should also try to look for college scholarships in the summer before college. There are many scholarships available to college students. Some scholarships are for academic achievers and will be based on factors like your GPA in the previous academic year and standardized test scores. There are also scholarships available for those in financial need who require financial assistance or financial aid and for specific extracurricular activities like sports. The summer is an ideal time to start looking for scholarships because there are many more scholarships available then, and you can use your time off to apply.

Once you’ve chosen a college to attend, you should learn more about life on campus. The summer prior to moving in is the perfect time to do just that. You can find a lot of this information on the school’s website, but it’s also smart to talk to current students and alumni. They can give you an accurate picture of what life is like on campus.

How else can you prepare for your college experience?

When you’re getting ready to go to college, one thing you need to do is figure out your financial situation. This means creating a budget and sticking to it. One of the biggest reasons people struggle in college is because they’re not used to living on a budget. When you’re in college, you have to be careful with your money because you aren’t likely to have much of it. Creating a budget is actually pretty simple. You just need to track your expenses and income for a month and then figure out how to adjust your spending so that you can live within your means.

You need to have a sleep health plan before you leave for college. Sleep deprivation can cause decreased academic performance, illness, and a general feeling of being run down. Most people need around eight hours of sleep each night. However, many college students get far less than that. This lack of sleep can have serious consequences. In addition to decreased academic performance, sleep deprivation can lead to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and physical health problems, such as heart disease and weakened immunity.

The summer is a time to relax and enjoy your time before starting college. You should make the most of your last summer before college by doing things you enjoy, spending time with friends and family, and preparing for your college journey. You can travel, go on a road trip, or just keep yourself busy savoring your last few months living at home. You should also prepare for college. This includes getting your supplies, applying for scholarships, and working on your study skills. Learning to manage your money and creating a healthy daily routine will also benefit you in school.

For many, college is the next step that will allow them to secure their desired career and start building their lives. But before they can start making their vision a reality, they have to get into top colleges. Dealing with all the steps involved in finding and moving through the admissions process can take its toll. The good news? You’re never alone, and there are plenty of resources out there to provide you with the support you need. Here are three ways to manage the stress of college applications that will make working toward your future more enjoyable.

Reach out to a college admissions counselor for guidance.

You’re not the first person to feel overwhelmed by trying to get into your favorite college. This means that there are plenty of people out there willing to guide you through the admissions process so that you know what to do to impress the colleges on your list. Reach out to a college admissions company for college application help. With their support, you can polish your college essay, find internships for a startup that will give you some hands-on experience, and even help you better understand financial aid so that you can afford your top choices. No matter where you need guidance, a college counselor with years of experience is sure to help.

Get support from another type of counselor.

Stress is a healthy and necessary reaction that you experience daily. However, chronic stress can cause both mental and physical symptoms, impacting your overall health and leading to mental health disorders like major depression or anxiety disorders. College is important, but your mental health always takes precedence. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to get the help you need. If you’re a high school senior transitioning into adulthood, you can get the support you need from the comfort of your own home. Virtual intensive outpatient therapy (IOP therapy) will allow you to better understand your mental health issues and come up with a treatment plan that allows you to successfully cope with them.

Whether you’re a young adult dealing with depression, substance abuse, or eating disorders, getting the help you need from an IOP program will make it so that the triggers you’re dealing with are more manageable. Once you learn how to manage your stress, you will be much better suited to navigating the admissions process and your college life!

Make sure that you have a plan and that you stick to it.

Time management and planning are two of the most important skills you will need in college. The college admissions process is an excellent way to test these skills as you try to juggle these activities alongside your high school academics. Take the time to create a plan of action, set deadlines for all the things you need to do, and figure out how to avoid procrastination so that you’re not handing in essays or forms last minute. Things can certainly be overwhelming at times, but planning for your college applications way in advance will give you ample time to chip away at them rather than trying to take them on all at once.

Anyone who has gone to college knows how extensive the application process can be. However, you don’t have to let the stress of this process get to you. Instead, leverage the three tips above to make applying to your favorite colleges less impactful on your mental health. With the right support system of professionals and family members, you can make sure you have all the help you need to get through this final year with ease.