Preparing for Your First Year of College

You are about to embark on some of the most memorable, life-changing years of your life. The prep work you do now will lay the foundation for your entire college experience and maybe even affect your career after you graduate. No pressure, right? Here’s how to prepare for college during the months leading up to your first semester.

Choose a major: The degrees and certificate programs at ASA College take a “career-first” approach to learning, so you feel confident that any major you choose will prepare you for a real-world career after graduation.

Line up financial assistance: Unless you have cash saved up, you’ll probably need a grant, loan, scholarship, or another form of financial aid to fund your college studies. Tuition is due before classes start, so don’t delay figuring out your finances.

Register for classes: Once you declare a major, it’s time to enroll in the required courses. Upon enrollment, please speak with your admissions representative if you have any questions about creating your initial class schedule.

Educational Materials: Make sure you have everything you need before the first day of class, including access to ASA accounts such as student portal, Office 365, and BlackBoard, so you may be able to access your ebooks (or hard copy if you prefer) ).  Also,  you need to have a reliable wifi connection or data to use with your laptop, tablet, and/or desktop to attend classes remotely.

Housing: ASA offers several approved student housing options through reputable and experienced housing service providers. Rooms, dorms, and apartments are furnished, conveniently located near campus and public transportation, and available with short-term and individual leases.

Establish a budget: For many students, college is the first foray into financial independence. Now that you’re paying for food, entertainment, clothes, gas, and other expenses yourself, it’s wise to make—and stick to—a budget.

Download productivity apps: You have numerous digital tools at your fingertips to help you balance your academic and social life. Browse the smartphone app store for tools to help you take notes, generate citations, manage your time, track your assignment due dates, and more.

Attend orientation: Orientation is a great way to get acclimated to College, so attend, ask questions, and meet your fellow freshmen.

ASA College is eager to welcome you to our Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses this fall. If you have any questions about preparing for your first year of college, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by visiting us online or by contacting the Admissions Department at 212-709-6936 for more information.