Make your new home, whether it is an apartment, a dorm or a house you're sharing with other students, reflect your personal tastes. Invest in a comfortable set of bedding, a quality desk chair if you like studying at home and a simple but functional desk. Make your own art for the walls by purchasing discount and dollar store frames and filling them with your favorite magazine covers or pictures of family and friends.
Moving to college often requires a move to a new city or state, or possibly another country. Review your insurance coverage for health, disability and life insurance. Ensure you have sufficient coverage and your existing package covers you in the area you will be living in. Consult an insurance adviser who specializes in students if possible. You may also want to invest in renters insurance, depending on the laws of the area where you will be studying; renters insurance covers your personal belongings in the event of a fire or burglary.
Transitioning to college life is about making new contacts and building your own community around you. Join on-campus groups that interest you and you will make friends for life as well as learn about topics within your personal, academic or future professional life. Visit your campus career center and sign up for sessions that introduce you to invaluable campus services like the library and the campus gym. Physical fitness is a must for any student -- it improves your concentration and helps you manage stress.
Your college degree or diploma prepares you for future career success. Before you declare a major or before switching majors, do career research. Interview professionals and leaders in the field (most are happy to help), read industry and trade magazines and avail of career counseling at your college or university. Keeping abreast of these issues while still a freshmen can help you make the most of your course of study and can prepare you for what comes after your college years.