Going to college sometimes means leaving your home and all the comfort and accessibility we usually take for granted. You can’t waltz around your house looking for an umbrella. If you don’t pack one, you’ll get drenched. But don’t be scared I am pretty sure you might be able to borrow stuff from your roommate or a neighbor. Despite that, don’t can’t always rely on people, and you need to be responsible enough to bring your own essentials. It’s just part of the experience. My time in school is coming to an end, and as I approach the finish line, I like looking back at moments I would have loved a helping hand, some kind of guide. So why not help you guys? Moving into the dorms can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, and you might feel like you are not bringing enough things. Don’t worry! I am going to tell you 5 essentials you’ll definitely need (especially during your Freshman year:
Unless you enjoy sleeping on a literal rock, I recommend a mattress topper. Not only will you sleep like an angel among clouds, but you won’t get scoliosis, which is essential. If you dismiss this tip, you are ignoring your back. Because let’s face it, that mattress could break a window if you tried (but don’t). This item is extremely easy to find; it is everywhere, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc. So there isn’t an actual excuse to not get one. You can get a decent one for $20-$50. Remember to always check the dimensions of the bed. The bed usually tends to be either a Twin or Twin XL.
Sleep tight!
This item is more of a want rather than an essential. So if you can afford it/have an extra one at home lying around, bring it with you! Why? Don’t colleges offer free printing services? Not always, which is something worth checking for before you get there. But why would you want to walk all the way to the library at night to print the summary for the exam you procrastinated on? I know it might sound lazy, but depending on what part of campus you live you might want to consider getting one. It can be a great hook to make friends on your floor, you will not only be saving yourself from leaving the comfort of your place to go print, but you can also help others.
Yes, you could technically just live off water bottles, but it is 2022, and we are all trying to reduce our carbon footprint, so hop on the EcoTrain, and get a BRITA! You will not only put your grain of salt towards saving the planet while avoiding plastic, but you will also be saving money. To put it into perspective, a BRITA pitcher (with filter) ranges from $21.99 to $41.99. The most expensive one is equivalent to just 32 plastic water bottles of 500ml (on average), which is not even enough for three weeks. When you are in college, you need to budget your savings, so don’t spend your money on bottled water so that you can get free overtime, as this investment will end up paying for itself. Instead, save that money for other groceries or a night out. Your pocket and the planet will thank you very much.
Are you a social butterfly? It is valid if you plan on having your friends over regularly and are not a big fan of people jumping on your bed. I recommend getting floor cushions. They are both decorative and functional. Though, if you planning on taking your reunions on the floor, I recommend getting a fuzzy rug and some fairy lights for an extra flair. You’ll create a cozy environment for your peers and beautify your room! Soon, your room will be The Hangout Spot! Beware introverts! You guys might want to skip this tip. College is the perfect time to burst your bubble, get out of your comfort zone, and make significant connections. Networking is crucial during this time in your life, so whether you decide that your room is more of a private space rather than a meet-up spot, I still encourage you to explore clubs and try finding YOUR crowd.
This might seem a joke, but I guarantee you it is not. Headphones are essential if you are going to have a roommate. Rooming with someone (you don’t know) can be fun but tricky, and you need to be mindful of the other person sleeping next to you. Sometimes your sleep schedules might not align, and they could go to bed before you. So, please do them the (not so) huge favor of putting your headphones on. It’s okay if you guys agree to have background music playing every now and then but always check with the other roommate first. You’ll need to communicate with each other and be verbal about your issues, that way, you’ll make each other’s dorm experience easier. Keep in mind that you will have a RA (Resident Assistant) available on your floor that will offer resources for conflict resolution, maintenance, and more. Take advantage of everything your school has to offer and make your tuition count!
Hopefully, these tips will help you feel more confident about moving into school! Remember to always be mindful of others, speak up, have fun and save money. Though it might seem like a lot right now, I promise you’ll be alright. College is a fun uphill battle full of growth and self-discovery, and I am beyond excited for you to join this life-changing experience. Remember to stay focused on your Freshman year, as it will dictate the pace of your career. As you keep climbing steps, don’t get lost in the background noise, anything getting in between you and your goals needs to be put aside. This period will make you evolve into the person you are bound to be!
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