As the school year winds down, high school seniors across the country are counting down the final days until graduation. The transition from high school to college is both exciting and overwhelming, and students are already deep into the preparations that mark the beginning of their next chapter.
With signing day behind us now, seniors are 100% committed to their respective universities and schools. One of the first important steps seniors are taking to prepare for their first semester of college is scheduling their college orientation. These sessions, often held in the summer, give incoming freshmen a chance to meet their future classmates, register for classes, explore housing options, and get to know their campus. For seniors, it’s the first real taste of college life. “I finally signed up for my orientation in June,” senior Max Greenberg said. “It made everything feel real — like I’m actually going to be living there soon.”
Along with orientation planning, students also dive into the roommate search. Whether they’re relying on school-matched housing apps or connecting through 2029 Instagram accounts, the goal is to find someone who shares their lifestyle and interests. Finding a roommate is all about building a connection before the big move. “I found my roommate on Instagram and we’ve been texting for a couple of weeks — we just clicked. It also makes me feel less nervous knowing I already know who I’ll be living with,” senior Justin Huang said.
The dorm shopping frenzy has begun with the countdown to move-in day ticking away. From twin XL sheets to mini fridges, students are filling carts with the essentials for college living. Stores and websites alike offer back-to-school sales and discounts so students don’t miss out. College-bound seniors are also grabbing school-branded gear to show off their future pride. “I already bought a couple of my school’s shirts and some sweatshirts. I can’t wait to be able to represent my new school,” senior Emma Yuan said. Students may be coordinating room decor with their future roommates, hoping to make their new space feel like home from the first day.
As exciting as college prep may be, seniors are also feeling the weight of saying goodbye. With just a few weeks left, the reality of leaving behind friends they’ve grown up with is starting to hit. They may be heading to different states or even across the country, making the time left together feel even more precious. The final hangouts, late-night talks, and senior traditions have become even more meaningful as students savor their last moments together before beginning this new journey.
Though the process may seem daunting, seniors are embracing the excitement and anticipation of what lies ahead. College is more than a place to learn — it’s a place to grow, connect, and discover who you want to be. And for this year’s graduating class, the journey is just beginning.
