College is an exciting time, but it can be difficult to remember all the little things you need to do before coming to campus. Here's a short list to help!
1. High School/College Transcripts - Make sure to send USI your high school/college transcripts. You may need to send a second, finalized transcript at the end of the school year as well.
2. College Credit (AP, IB, Dual Credit, etc.) - This may be included in your transcript or you may have to make a separate request to get these scores sent to USI.
3. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - If the student is 18 or older, FERPA prevents anyone other than the student from having access to that student's academic records. Students will need to sign a form allowing access for their parents or guardians.
1. File your FAFSA - The FAFSA for each school year becomes available October 1 of the previous school year (For example, the FAFSA for 2023-23 becomes available on October 1, 2022).
2. Scholarships - Keep track of the scholarships you've earned, and the due dates for the scholarships you are applying for.
3. Authorized Users - If someone other than the student will be helping with college expenses, it's a good idea to make them an authorized user in TouchNet, USI's billing and payment system. Only the student and authorized users have access to the student's financial information and can make online payments on the student's behalf.
3. Transferring Money - It may be nice to have a way for parents or guardians to transfer money to the student, especially in case of emergencies.
4. Budgeting - Budgeting in college can be scary, especially with all the costs associated with attending university. Make sure you know what you're being charged and keep up with your payment plan. If you live in an off-campus residence that you are paying for, consider keeping a monthly budget sheet to ensure you have enough to pay rent, buy food, etc. Off-campus students may also consider getting renter's insurance.
1. Know Your Routes - If you're a commuter student, take some time to get to know the route to campus. Have some alternate routes as well in case your primary route is unavailable.
2. Register Your Car - Whether you're a residential or commuter student, registering your car with public safety is a good idea. For residential students, this is a requirement to park your car in residential on-campus parking.
3. Flying - If you're flying to USI, consider getting a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to ease your time at the airport.
1. Submit your vaccination records - This is a requirement for all students and can be done online, in-person, or at Screaming Eagles Orientation.
2. Know Your Care Locations - For many students, the nearest location for medical care is the University Health Center. However, it is a good idea to know the locations of some other urgent care centers as well in case you're off-campus at the time or the University Health Center is not equipped to handle the situation.
3. Psychological and Mental Care - USI has a great office called Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for all your needs. They can help you through tough situations and suggest local resources for care.
3. Know Your Plan - The Office Visit Plan (OVP) is required for all residential students and encouraged for commuter students. Included are a free annual flu shot, unlimited office visits, and other benefits.
4. Access to Medical Records - Turning 18 means your parents or guardians no longer automatically have access to your medical records. You may want to sign the appropriate forms to grant them access.
5. Insurance Cards - It's a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance card with you.
6. Eye Care - Before you leave for college, it may be a good idea to get an extra pair of glasses. It's nice to have one pair at school and another at home or more than one at school in case you lose or break one.
7. First Aid - Consider purchasing a small first aid kit to keep in your residence hall room or apartment.
8. Prescriptions - If you have a prescription that you will need to refill, make sure you have a way to do that while at college.
1. Social Security Number - Before leaving for college, it's a good idea to memorize your social security number. You will need this number for various forms and other paperwork.
2. Roommate's/Friend's Contact Information - It may be a good idea to share your roommate's and/or friend's contact information with your parents or guardians in case of emergency.