Every college graduate should have a checklist of things they need to do before leaving campus. This list can be customized to fit the individual, but some key items to include are: registering for classes, looking for a job, establishing financial stability, and networking.
College graduates will be more prepared and less stressed when starting their post-secondary careers by following these steps before graduation.
Student Graduation Checklist
Return your cap and gown on time
This will avoid a cost of $50 for each item. However, if you do not return the items in a timely manner, you may be assessed a $150 expense fee. As a graduating student, you have likely been told to return your cap and gown on time to avoid an expensive fee. This is good advice, as returning them on time can save you significant money. Here are some tips to help make this process as smooth as possible:
The first step is to list all the items that need to be returned. This includes your cap and gown, diploma, transcript, and miscellaneous things like pictures or awards. Make sure to keep track of when each item was received so that you can accurately timestamp when they need to be returned.
When it comes time to return the items, organize them into categories and bring them back in one trip. Try to avoid bringing them back simultaneously so that you can minimize traffic congestion at the university office.
Leave a forwarding address with the campus mail center.
When you graduate from college, it’s crucial to have a forwarding address. This way, your friends and family can continue sending you mail, and you can keep up with your old contacts without worrying about sending them expensive postage. Campus mail centers offer a free forwarding service. However, you have to leave your current address with the center when you drop your mail.
- Make sure you don’t have any change in your residence hall or apartment before checking out.
- Before you check out your residence hall or apartment, make sure you don’t have any change in your pocket. Change can get lost easily, and it’s not worth the hassle of going back to retrieve it.
Check-in with the career center
Are you considering a new career? Do you want to explore different options before making a decision? The Career Center at University is the perfect place to start. We offer a variety of resources, including job postings and workshops, to help you find your ideal career.
The staff is knowledgeable and can help you identify the necessary skills and experiences for success in your chosen field. If you’re unsure where to begin, their team can provide advice and support throughout your search. They know that every person’s path to success is unique, so we’ll work with you to find the best way for you to achieve your goals.
Complete an exit interview if you’re on financial aid
If you are on federal or state financial aid and are considering leaving school, now is the time to complete an exit interview. This interview is a chance for you to give your school administrator a clear understanding of your plans and what resources you will need to continue your education elsewhere. Make sure to have all of the necessary documents handy, such as your transcript and student loan information.
Ensure everything is cleared on your financial aid and registrar’s office account.
If you are hoping to obtain financial aid or register for classes in the upcoming semester, make sure you have cleared up any outstanding balances with the registrar’s office. Many colleges and universities require students to have at least one clear bill from a registered account to be eligible for financial aid.
Furthermore, many schools require that all outstanding balances on student loans be paid before registering for classes. If your school is one of these institutions, please speak with the financial aid office about any outstanding balances so that everything can be taken care of in advance.
Check-in with the alumni office for deals on short-term insurance.
As the semester comes to a close and you start to think about what to do next, one of the first things on your list should be checking in with the alumni office for deals on short-term insurance. To make sure you’re getting the best deal possible, here are a few tips:
Always compare rates online. There are plenty of websites that will allow you to do this without even having to leave your computer.
Be aware of what type of coverage is necessary for your particular needs. For example, car insurance may not be as important as health insurance when thinking about short-term insurance.
Know the deadlines for purchasing short-term coverage. Generally speaking, policies must be purchased within 30 days of enrolling in classes or 60 days if you are a graduate student.
Get copies of all your loan (and other) papers.
If you’re considering a loan, it’s important to get copies of all your loan (and other) papers. You’ll need to provide proof of your identity and financial stability, and the lender may request additional documentation. If you’re in doubt about anything, ask a friend or family member for help before taking any steps.
Compile all your electronic files in one place
If you’re like most people, you have a lot of electronic files scattered around your computer. Maybe you have a document file for each work project, an image file for every photo you’ve taken, and a spreadsheet for tracking your finances. Managing all of these files individually can be time-consuming and difficult. If only there were a way to compile all of your documents, images, and data into one place…
Well, that’s where electronic organizing tools come in handy. These programs allow you to store all of your information in one place, making it easy to access and manage. Plus, if something changes in one of your files – like a new document is created – the organizing tool will automatically update the corresponding database. This makes keeping track of your data simple and hassle-free.
Grab a few copies of your transcript
College is an expensive journey, and often it can feel like you’re on your own. However, you can do a few things to make the experience more manageable. One of those things is to have a transcript handy. Transcripts are essential because they show schools your grades and how well you did in college courses. They also help colleges determine if you’re eligible for scholarships or financial aid.
Having a transcript around can make life a lot easier when figuring out which classes to take and where to apply. So if you’re ready to take the next step in your education, make sure to grab a few copies of your transcript!
Update your address with anyone who sends you a bill
If you get a bill in the mail, update your address with whoever sent it. This will help you avoid being charged for things you didn’t buy and could save you money.
Get the contact information for your references.
If you are a college or university student looking for contact information for your references, a few resources are available to help. Many universities have online databases that list faculty, staff and alumni contacts. Additionally, many placement agencies or career centers have directories of professionals with who they have worked in the past. Once you have compiled your list of references, it is important to follow up with each one to ensure they are still willing to provide feedback on your resume.
Get the contact information for your friends.
There are many ways to get the contact information of your friends. Some methods are easier than others. Here are some tips to help you get their contact information:
- First, check your phonebook or electronic address book.
- Look online. Many websites will provide this information, including social media sites and search engines.
- Ask your friends. Ask them if they would be willing to share their contact information with you. If they don’t want to share their information, ask them why not?
- Contact your friends through email or a letter. Send them a friendly email or letter asking for their contact information. Be polite and calm when contacting them, and avoid asking for too much personal information in an email or letter.
- Visit your friend’s house or meet them to ask for their contact information.
Write thank-you notes: Student Graduation Checklist.
Sample thank-you notes for a student’s graduation
Dear Professor/Dr. ____________,
Thank you so much for all of the guidance and support you have given me during my time at [college name]! I appreciate everything you have done for me, and I am grateful for everything you have taught me.
