4 must-dos before starting your first semester
Tips to prepare for a smooth transition, make the most of your summer
Meredith Hasken
Meredith Hasken recently completed her first year in the speech-language pathology program. Reflecting on her experiences, Meredith wants to share some valuable tips that she followed before starting her program, which contributed to her success.
1) Connect with other first-year students
Whether you are moving across the country or staying local, finding community will enhance your college experience. Luckily, everyone is in the same boat of wanting friends, and there are many ways to connect with other first-year students. You can try reaching out to others through the University of Cincinnati Class of 2028 Facebook page. You will find other first-years looking for roommates, people in specific majors and club interests. This can be a great way to start connecting with potential friends before you even step foot on campus. When you arrive at UC, you will be greeted with a warm welcome by staff and other students who would love to help give you advice on how to get connected and involved!
2) Make a to-do list for everything that needs to get done before you leave
It will probably feel like there is an overwhelming amount of things that need to be done before starting college. When in doubt, start to-do lists; one for dorm and school essentials and the other for miscellaneous requirements from UC. This should include everything from purchasing a shower caddy to registering for fall classes. This list will become long, but you have all summer to start chipping away at it, and you will thank your future self later.
3) Make a game plan on how you will stay organized throughout the semester
For some, the transition from high school to college academics will be seamless, and for others, it will be a bit more challenging. Something to be thinking about now is how you will stay organized. Once you start your first year of college, you will quickly realize how quickly your workload and schedule builds up. You will want to find a way of scheduling out your day to include classes, extracurriculars, time with friends and things you enjoy such as working out or reading a good book. Additionally, you will want to look ahead at the syllabus for each class, making note of important due dates and exams. Organization looks different for everyone, so find a method that best suits you, whether that is a paper planner or a Google calendar.
4) Spend time with family and friends
Last but not least, enjoy your summer before stepping into this new season! While you wait in eager anticipation for your first year of college to begin, spend time with your family and friends, carve out extra time for your favorite hobbies and just relax.
Featured image at top: University of Cincinnati students take a selfie. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Become a Bearcat
Whether you’re a first-generation student or from a family of Bearcats, UC is proud to support you at every step along your journey. We want to make sure you succeed — and feel right at home.
Meredith Hasken
Outreach and Engagement Intern , Office of Student Affairs
Related Stories
On track: Hoffman Honors Scholar studies public transit
April 2, 2026
Public transit is where Zane Sawyer’s lifelong passion for travel meets his commitment to making an impact. The University of Cincinnati first-year geography major in the College of Arts & Sciences and member of the second cohort of Hoffman Honors Scholars (HHS) has hit the ground running, designing a research project intended to capture both how public transit works and how its users perceive it.
Sage Bushstone found her IT path through co-op experiences
April 2, 2026
Sage Bushstone is a fifth-year student at the University of Cincinnati, pursuing concurrent degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with concentrations in Data Technologies and Software Development, and an Accelerated Master of Science in Information Technology. In this story she shares how co-op experiences led her to her preferred field of study.
UC Digital Futures and Cincinnati Fire Museum launch educational video game
April 1, 2026
A new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati's Digital Performance Lab (DP Lab), CCM Acting, UC's School of Information Technology, and the Cincinnati Fire Museum is using gaming technology to bring essential fire safety education to children. The project titled Fire Escape is an interactive video game designed to teach K-12 students how to respond safely during a house fire. It was developed through Digital Futures research support, student game development, and guidance from local fire safety professionals.