Get Ready for College!

Hey incoming college freshmen! What an exciting time of the year! You have probably spent the past few months frantically watching every youtube video on moving into your college dorm. I get it. I was there too- super excited and nervous about my roommate sitch, as well as what to even bring. If you are like me and flew to college with limited bag space, the amount of things I needed was paired down to a few large checked bags.

If you are flying to your college, it is likely that your packing space is limited. I suggest flying an airline that accepts a free checked bag or two such as Southwest. This frees up a lot of pressure you may have about moving your stuff. Other airlines may charge a hefty fee for more checked bags and honestly after paying your first college tuition bill, you are gonna hate the thought of even spending a dime, so LOOK OUT FOR THIS PLEASE--- I AM SAVING YOU RIGHT NOW.

As for your room, talk it out with your roommate before moving in. Work out the kinks before move in day and please, COMMUNICATE. I cannot stress this enough. If you don't like what your roommate is doing or you feel uncomfortable, it is better to talk about it before a bigger issue arises. Also, networking with your roommate can help you two decide what to bring as well. Who wants two microwaves in one room? Exactly, that is why you talk to your roommate.

Okay, now that I got that settled, let me make a list of what to bring and what NOT to bring to college.

NOT:

-Multiple handbags/expensive handbags: to be honest, you will probably keep these in the back of your closet all sem so it's not worth bringing a bag you'll never use, especially if it is expensive.

-All your shoes: okay, if youre bringing all 20 of your stilletos, there's an issue bc tbh you'll be living in your Vans.

-Little trinkets: these just take up way too much space.

-Printer: chances are, your tuition already comes with some printing money, and most classes do online submissions, so a printer is really not worth it.

-All your makeup: unless you moved indefinitely like I did, bringing every beauty item isn't necessary. You'll end up using like 5 makeup products and like two skincare products. College is really an eye opener to what you really need!

-Microwave: chances are, there's one in your dorm lounge so you can heat up your soup there and save space in your room.

-Keurig: Ohhh my gosh I always laugh at the people who buy this. What a waste of money. You can literally get a water heater from Costco and a French Press from IKEA for wayyyy less. More money for grounds!!! More coffee=happier student.

-Expensive items: you're in college. College ain't boujee. Leave the stuff at home because you risk the chance of theft.

-A ton of school supplies: if it helps, I didn't open my binder once during last sem. Just take notes on your laptop. It is much easier.

-Super tight clothing: when you get to college, you'll only want to wear free flowing clothes. Seriously, if you don't believe me, you will soon.

WHAT TO BRING:

-ID holder: you can find these online for pretty cheap or at your college bookstore. It's nice to have your student ID easily accessible just in case.

-Power strip: you can find these for pretty cheap basically anywhere. Use these for giving power to multiple devices.

-Headphones: don't annoy your roommate. Please bring them.

-Sweatpants: Bring 10 pairs. Replace your jeans with sweatpants. (JK, don't do this)

-"Party outfit": bring a comfy and cute basic outfit for going out. Bring a few things to mix and match so in pictures people won't notice you're wearing the same things (like I did, lol)

-Checklist of all your items: Ok, you'll probably make the assumption that this is a waste of time, but don't come running to me when you lose track of that one sweatshirt you love!!

-Travel mug and water bottle: this is a given.

-A bat: If you know, you know.

-Portable charger: Comes in handy on nights you go out!

-Old versatile shoes: Good for parties!! Plus, who really cares what you wear on your feet. Plus, if you take pics w your friends, just add a little emoji over your shoes if you're that worried, or just crop your feet out.

-Binder of information: I'll make another post on how I set mine up. It's nice to reference this when you are applying for a job and such.

-A nice outfit for interviews!

-Extra chargers for your phone: Also, keep track of this. No one likes a stolen charger.

-Tip: when going out with friends, use Apple Pay. It is much easier to keep track of a virtual credit card rather than a physical one. This also means less stress!

Here are some tips about classes:

If you think you're gonna be a morning person and change by signing up for an 8am lecture, I will be honest with you, hahahaha you're joking, right??

If you have an issue in a class, or something is going on with your person life, LET YOUR PROFS KNOW. Communication is the KEY.

Look out for study groups or create one. Lift each other up!

Don't buy textbooks unless you know for sure you will use them. This saves hundreds of dollars. Or if you need to purchase one, ask friends who have taken the class previously, or look online for PDF versions of the text.

Honestly, your freshman year is an exciting and new time for you. Stay SAFE, make friends and JOIN things on campus. You'll regret not doing it!!! Have a fun and awesome time!