If you're going to a college that isn't too far away, it would be helpful to spend some time in the city and around campus. Get to know the lay of the land, learn where the nearest grocery and convenience stores are to campus, figure out which local bars are 18+ rather than 21+, learn which restaurants are open all night, and maybe even memorize some of the university campus. That becomes very helpful when you get to school, because you'll be so busy signing up for and finding your classes and figuring the basic things out that you won't have time to look for these places. If you know it already, you can help other people and become friends with them on the way. Otherwise, if you have a shot at any summer job, go for it. Don't spend the money on restaurants (EXCEPT for dates, you can spend however much you want on those); go for the grocery store or whatever cheap meal plan you are stuck with. Use that as "get around town" money to help build a social life and stuff.  I too went to a small private school, but it was much more subdued than yours; though we had more than our share of super-rich families. Only a few students had BMWs or Mercedes (and all of them were used cars, at least), though one girl did have a new GT-R (the base model, but still awesome). Also, there was a huge sense of community in my school, and very little if any backstabbing, at least among the guys. And when classes start, visit the dance club. That is an awesome skill to have, it's a great way to meet girls, and also a great way to meet the guys who are cool enough to know how to meet girls. Or if you're a girl, go because it's fun and its a way to meet cool guys who are actually interested in girls.