I have many friends who will be starting college for the first time next year. I realize that is still quite some time from now. However, it's never too soon to start thinking about things. As I'm currently in a similar transitional stage (second semester isn't quite the same thing, but bear with me) I started thinking about things I wish I had known before I started school. And so I compiled a list (which may be as much for the student as for their moms!). Feel free to tell me any more you can think of and I will add them to the list!
Things I've come to know that I wish I had known before entering college.
1. Bring more quarters than you think you will need. Laundry is expensive. And it's better to have too many, and still have clean clothes than it is to run out and face the alternative...
2. Keep a supply of extra notebooks, pens, etc. Stock up when it's cheap in the summer because chances are you'll forget when it comes time for second semester.
3. Get creative in the cafeteria. the food gets pretty repetitive. My favorite is making different bagel creations. Keeps things interesting.
4. Keep everything you need for pbjs on hand in your room. So many times I'll need something quick to eat when I'm running late. Sometimes you won't have time to go get a regular meal, and pbjs are a great fix.
5. Bring things such as paper clips, post it notes, stamps, envelopes, sharpees, tape, etc. Things you always use at home but only have because your parents keep them on hand. Your dorm room will not come fully equipped with these things, however surprising that may be to you.
6. When making flashcards (which I strongly encourage) cut the note cards in half. That way you get twice as many cards for your buck.
7. Get a desk lamp. Sometimes your roommate will want to go to bed before you are done doing homework. A desk lamp becomes a necessity.
8. Stock up on toiletries before you head off to school. It sucks having to pay for conditioner when you run out.
9. Bring a good laundry basket. And put your name on it. Mine got stolen once.
10. Two words. Storage crates. Great for food, books, printers, your desk, etc. Dorm rooms do not have nearly enough storage space. And if you have one of those locker shelves, save it! They work great on your desk!
11. Bring your own pharmacy. Tylenol, band aids, cough drops, etc. Again, anything your parents keep on hand that you will want at some point. Eye drops. Nail polish remover. Clariten.
12. Go to events on campus. For one thing you make friends. For another, they usually have free food.
13. Find out which churches do college ministries. They will usually feed you.
14. Make a point of making friends right off the bat. It's really easy to stay in your room and not branch out, but then you get stuck. And bored. REALLY bored.
15. Remember that is more than acceptable to buy Great Value brand items.
16. Bring crayons, construction paper, and glue sticks. These are vital. I cannot stress their importance enough.
17. Bring your nerf gun. If you don't have one, get one.
18. Set good study habits early. Set a goal for yourself and give yourself a reward when you reach that goal. Movie nights are always good motivation for me. :)
19. Good walking shoes. It's not like high school where everything is right in one spot. Sometimes you will have a long walk between classes.
20. Get to know your profs. Chances are they have some amazing stories to tell, and are probably brilliant. They will invest in you if you make an effort.
21. Take notes. I would not have survived Philosophy without notes from class.
22. Don't get discouraged. College is hard, but keep plugging along. You'll get through.
23. Don't be afraid of asking for help. There are so many people who can help you but you have to ask.
24. Keep things on hand to snack on.
25. Try to budget your money. Sounds lame, but it is so easy to spend away your life savings.
26. Command strips and hooks. Life savers!
27. I can't stress enough the importance of getting involved in things at schools. Go to games. Go to events. Speakers. Everything.
28. Keep your chin up. Bad days will come and go. Don't let them get you down. Focus on the good days and make time for fun things. You will survive.
29. Remember God has a plan for your life. And he will see you through.
No comments:
Post a Comment