Aug 01 2009
Freshman 101: what to bring and what not to bring to college!
August is finally here! We all know what that means…back to school! Some are returning while others are starting a new stage in their lives! If this is your first time to college, I am advising you on what to bring and what not to bring to college!
Now, this list is not extensive. I am trying to save you a few dollars( still in recession mode), not many people got the opportunity to go to college this year! I recently heard on the news less are entering college and we all owe that to this struggling economy.
Here below I have made a list of a few things you need and do not need! Plus I give you reason why you do or do not need the items!
What you need
1. You need a first aid kit!
You might not think so right now,but college health centers are not too reliable! They will have you near dying just as they do in the normal hospital emergency room, but worse! Oh and they often diagnose you with the wrong things and give you the wrong medications to take! Now, the first aid kit will not save your life,but it will help you with minor things, such as cuts, burns, and fevers! You can get one for a good price at Target or Walmart!
2. Buy a mini tool kit!
You will thank me later for this but it always comes in handy. I have used my tool kit every year of college to set up things I need in a dorm, to fix things, and to measure things! You can get this at Target or Walmart as well!
3. Flashlights!
You never know when this might come in handy! The power might come off! You might end up in the boondocks or on a shady part of town! Buy a big one and one on the go! They can be used for guidance and for weapons! Never under estimate the power of a flashlight!
4. Buy Sandals and a robe!
You should have a pair to chill with and a pair for the shower, or water shoes! You do not want athletes foot! Also, a robe will not hurt( i mean, run around naked if you like). The community shower can get gross! I have seen many things that have burned my eyes in community showers…from sex to gross pubic hairs! I never knew pubic hair could be that gross!
5. Bed lifters.
You can always use a couple of inches more under your bed! It is the best place to store your things, from snacks and books, to clothes and shoes! You can get some decent ones from Bed Bath and Beyond. I recommend signing for an account online as well! They always have sales and coupons! I often go there for extra things I need for college. It is a life saver!
6. Buy a safe!
It can be any size,but get one! You would be surprised who goes through your things when you are not around! Put it somewhere safe or decorate it to look like something no one would suspect. Put crucial documents and funds you need inside it! Once again, you will thank me later!
7. Get a mirror.
Get a mirror that is full length. You can get a decent and fashionable one from Target! You never know. You might have a hot date or a job opportunity awaiting you once you leave your dorm room! Keep yourself together.
8. Buy comfortable pillows and sheets!
You can get some great ones at Target, Walmart or Bed Bath & Beyond! A good night sleep does the body good!
9. Storage bins!
You can not ever go wrong with these! Great for organizing and saves up space you will need( I count shower caddies and totes as storage as well)! You can get reasonable priced ones at Target. I do not really recommend Walmart for this or the Container store, unless you want to waste money. Bed Bath & Beyond has some pretty decent storage bins!
10. Extension cords, plugs and Christmas lights!
You save space and you always add things useful to it! Buy a few stick on hooks and hang things from the walls! Target has lovely Christmas lights! I have some butterfly ones! Great for late night reading without having the bright lights on( also for romantic ’setting the mood’ situations)!
11. Get some cups, some bowls, plates and utensils!
You might miss a meal during cafeteria hours! If you are in a rush you can always put some food together, especially if you have a fridge or microwave in your dorm!
12. If you have the slightest thought you might want to be sexually active,buy some condoms! You do not want to multiple your first year of college! You will financially struggle for a longtime! Just wrap it up!
Things you do not need
1. Don’t bring your entire room with you!
You will not need your whole life story in your dorm! It will make moving in and out a pain!
2. Don’t bring anything you will be devastated to lose.
If you think you can not live without something, do not bring it. You will be really pissed when it is stolen or accidentally broken.
3. Do not bring a bunch of clothes.
Bring a few blazers, one or two pair of jeans at most, some clean undies, some out on the night clothes and then you just do not care clothes! Laundry will be easier and if you do not have it, buy at the mall! Keep it classy but use your head. You do not need your whole closet wardrobe.
4.Don’t bring the tears or the drama.
Seriously, no one cares! They will hear your story for entertainment but other than that…don’t expect much!
5. Don’t buy a bunch of entertainment stuff and forget that you are going to school for an education.
You can and will get lost in the mix of parties and classes if you lose the reason why you are here! Remember, how you start is how you will finish!
Until later, peace!
