Many college students have the option to live on campus; some are even required to live on campus! Living on campus means a whole new set of responsibilities. As a college student living on campus, you’ll need to keep your dorm room and bathroom clean, do your own laundry, manage your money, take care of your health (e.g., take your medications on time), and make sure you know how to get from your dorm to your classes and other social events.
Students can start practicing these skills while they are still in high school to help them prepare for college. Click the dropdown links below to explore additional information and resources related to preparing for living on campus.
In college, you will have more responsibility for managing your health. Make sure you are familiar with what medications you take, how much, and how often. Practice making doctor’s appointments for yourself.
Resources:
Learn and practice how to travel independently within your community. For example, walk, bike, or take public transportation to different places in your community. Learn and practice good hygiene such as showering and brushing your teeth regularly. Identify what hygiene products you need, such as deodorant and soap, and purchase them at the store.
Resources:
Strategies for Practicing and Improving Navigation Skills
Missouri Transportation Services List
Transportation Resources through MO Governor’s Council on Disability
Learn different ways to use your phone to help you complete tasks and manage your time. For example, use the calendar to schedule events, write reminders in notes, and use the clock to set timers. You can also explore other phone applications that make managing your time easier, such as Habitica or BeFocused.
Resources:
Use the calendar app on iPhone
In college, you will be responsible for maintaining a clean dorm room. Practice maintaining cleanliness at home. For example, learn how to do your laundry, clean your bathroom, and change your sheets.
Resources:
Practice creating a budget. How much money do you have, and how much can you spend each week? Each month? Learn how to use a budget tracker to keep track of your spending.
Resources:
Financial Empowerment Resources from the National Disability Institute
Help your family plan and prepare meals. Ask to help create grocery lists, shop for groceries, and cook meals. Depending on your dorm room, you may only have access to a microwave. Explore some no-cook or microwave-only recipes!
Resources:
Maggie has found that living on campus is not so scary after all. She says she feels safe navigating her way around campus and has found a group of friends who make her happy.
Click the links below to find specific information about living on campus at each of the four inclusive postsecondary programs in Missouri: