As students prepare to move to URI, there are several important habits and responsibilities they can begin practicing now, while they still have access to their high school support network, family guidance, and familiar routines. This period before arrival is an ideal time to build confidence, independence, and structure.
Manage Health & Medications Independently
Students who take prescription medications should begin transitioning to self-management.
- Handling prescription refills independently
- Storing all prescriptions appropriately
- Monitoring medication supply and scheduling timely renewals
- Taking medications consistently and on schedule
- Scheduling and attending their own healthcare appointments
Learning to manage prescriptions now helps ensure continuity of care once students are on campus and responsible for their own schedules.
Build Scheduling & Organization Skills
College requires students to manage their own calendars and commitments. We encourage students to begin using tools, such as Google Calendar or another digital scheduling system, reminder apps for appointments and deadlines, and/or digital or paper personal planners. Practicing now helps students feel confident tracking classes, meetings, deadlines, work shifts, and social commitments once the semester begins.
Get Comfortable with Technology
Technology plays a central role in college life. Before arriving on campus, students need to
- Become familiar with their laptop, tablet, or other devices
- Learn basic troubleshooting steps
- Practice logging into important systems
- Ensure software updates are complete
- Set up email, calendars, and file storage
Arriving with technology already set up and understood reduces stress during the first week of classes and allows students to focus on learning rather than logistics.
Practice Life Skills
Students are responsible for daily living tasks that may have previously been shared or supported at home. Now is a good time to begin practicing things like
- Doing laundry independently
- Maintaining shared living spaces
- Managing personal belongings
- Establishing healthy sleep routines
- Planning balanced meals
- Creating consistent daily schedules
Building Confidence Through Preparation
When students arrive on campus, they will be responsible for managing their time, health, coursework, and daily routines. Beginning to practice these habits now, while support systems are still nearby, helps create a smoother transition. Developing independence before move-in day allows students to start college feeling more prepared, capable, and confident.
