Get Back Into Fall: Your Commuter Readiness Checklist
Welcome, Rams! Whether you are commuting from home, living off campus, or returning for another year, a little preparation before classes begin can make your semester smoother. Use the universal toolkit to get your transportation, study space, technology, and campus connections ready. Before you head back to Kingston, take a little time at home to prepare your routines, technology, supplies, and schedule. A few simple steps now can make your first weeks of the semester easier.
Reset Your Routine Before Classes Begin
Your summer schedule may look very different from your academic schedule.
Before returning:
- Start adjusting your sleep schedule
- Move toward your semester wake-up time.
- Practice getting up early enough to prepare for your commute or first class.
- Rebuild your weekly rhythm
- Review your class schedule.
- Identify your busiest days.
- Block time for studying, meals, work, exercise, and personal responsibilities.
- Remember: vehicles parked on URI property require a valid parking permit.
- Plan your first two weeks.
- Mark important dates in your calendar.
- Identify days when you will need extra time.
- Leave flexibility for unexpected opportunities and adjustments.
Your “Launch Pad”
Make leaving for campus easier by organizing what you need before you go.
- Designate a departure area:
- Backpack
- Laptop
- Charger
- Keys
- ID
- Water bottle
- Daily essentials
- Prepare your commuter bag:
- School supplies
- Headphones
- Portable charger
- Snacks
- Personal care items
- Weather-related items
- Avoid the first-week scramble:
- Wash clothes you plan to wear.
- Gather supplies.
- Replace items you use daily.
- Prepare meals/snacks if helpful.
Your Technology
Your devices are your connection to URI.
Before arriving:
- Update your laptop, tablet, and phone
- Confirm access to:
- URI email
- Brightspace
- e-Campus
- Student systems
- Organize your digital workspace:
- Create folders for each course.
- Bookmark important websites.
- Download required apps.
- Test your equipment:
- Charger works
- Headphones work
- Camera/microphone work if needed
Review Your Semester Before Day One
Avoid surprises by looking ahead.
- Review your class schedule:
- Where are your classes?
- How much time is needed between locations?
- Are there days with long gaps?
- Review course information:
- Read available syllabi.
- Note required materials.
- Identify early assignments or deadlines.
- Make a “first week plan”
- Think through:
- When will you arrive on campus?
- Where will you go between classes?
- Where will you study?
- When will you leave campus?
Talk With the People Around You
Returning to school changes your routine — and the routines of people around you.
If you live with family, roommates, or others:
- Share your semester schedule
- Discuss:
- Quiet study times
- Transportation needs
- Household responsibilities
- Changes from your summer routine
- Set expectations early so everyone understands your new schedule.
Prepare Mentally for the Transition
Returning to campus is a transition — even if you have done it before.
Before classes begin:
- Identify something you are looking forward to at URI.
- Plan one way to reconnect:
- Meet a friend
- Attend an event
- Visit a familiar campus location
- Join a student organization
- Give yourself time to settle back into your routine.
Your “Night Before Classes” Checklist
Before your first day:
- Pack your bag
- Charge your devices
- Set your alarm
- Check your route/time
- Review your schedule
- Pick out what you will wear
- Get a good night’s sleep