Freshman Checklist
Table of Contents
Before you Arrive
Go to the university website to read reviews of classes.
Get a feel for campus life.
Comb through the course offerings.
Pick a freshman seminar on a topic that interest you.
Get a calendar you will use.
Look at the academic calendar to get a sense of the flow of the semester.
Don't stress if you feel unprepared.
In the First Weeks
Attend at least one academically-oriented workshop or activity.
Go to a few certificate program open houses to get more specific information about courses.
Get input on your course schedule from an upper-division student.
Go to the activities fair.
Find routes to your classes and other destinations.
Once you get your syllabi, map out your due dates for all your classes.
Visis webportal of your university.
Check what resources are available for your classes.
Sleep a little.
During Your First Semester
Create a study group for one of your classes.
Go to at least one of your professor's office hours to talk about something you find interesting in the course.
Find at least one workshop to prepare for your fist midterms.
Take time for recreation.
Take 20 minutes a week to reflect on your academic approach.
Look around campus for additional resources, workshops, and activities to help make a stress-free transition.
Download or Print this Freshman Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Who it's for
This Freshman Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Freshman essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Freshman structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Freshman Checklist
- Save Freshman Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Freshman (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.