Moving to college is an incredibly stressful time, as I’m sure you already know if you’ve stumbled upon this article. Applying for school, making a decision all while trying to enjoy your senior year of high school keeps everyone pretty busy. For me, packing was a last minute activity, and I wish I’d had a bit more guidance. I remember being so stressed, so my first bit of advice is to take a chill pill. There are stores on whichever campus you choose and anything you forget you can go grab after move-in. With that being said, there are a few things I wish I had been sure to grab before I left home. Save your mom a trip to your school and save yourself some time by making sure you have these few things before you move out.
1. Slippers
Most people– I am aware– have slippers, but, I, did not think that would be necessary to bring some pink fluffy slippers to school with me. I don’t think I have worn them at home since I was in middle school, but walking around the dorm, they’re perfect. Whether it’s doing laundry in the middle of the night or going to get cereal in the morning, slippers are super useful and comfy for running around your residence hall.
2. Ice Tray
I’m sure you already know that you need ice to keep your water cold, but it didn’t occur to me until my first day of class that minifridges don’t make ice by themselves. I just got a little cheap one from target and it’s probably one of the things I use the most. Every morning, I throw some ice in my water bottle and I’m able to stay hydrated all day. When you have to walk a few blocks to class every day, you will thank me that you have cold water. For just a few dollars, an ice tray is certainly a must.
3. Venmo
Now, I know this isn’t something that your mom can just go pick up for you at the grocery store, but let me tell you, EVERYONE in college uses venmo. For stuff as simple as buying a coffee or grabbing a sandwich to paying dues for a club, people will throw their Venmos out everywhere. Venmo is a super convenient way to always have “cash” on you and pay for what you need when you need it. I was given this advice a few times before I left for school, but I just blew it off because I, as most people do, hate dealing with anything that has to do with banking. When you get to school, you will not want to have to do what I did, which is figure all the hooking it up stuff alone when of course I didn’t have all the right passwords or my mom to help. Set it up before you leave, I’m sure something will go wrong if you don’t.
4. Robe
Whether your dorm has communal or private bathrooms, you will want something to cover up your junk when walking back and forth between the shower. I was never really one to lounge around in a robe at home, but at school its a completely different situation. First of all, the showers will inevitably be small, so bringing your clothes all the way there is a hassle besides the fact that there probably wont be somewhere to set the. Second, running walking to and from carrying all your showering necessities in just a towel can be… risky to say the least. For your privacy and your roommates, please get a robe.
5. An Open Mind
I simply cannot stress how important it is to have an open mind. Whether its people, foods, activities, etc, college is FULL of new opportunities. In my short time at school, I’ve already seen so many people miss out because they just “knew it wasn’t for them.” You never know who you’ll meet and which nights will be the best stories. Enjoy college, go out, stay in,volunteer to go first, dance in the middle of the circle and most importantly try everything (within your best judgement) at least once. Even though its incredibly cliche, an open mind is seriously the way to success in college (and the most important thing on this list). Try your best to be open to everything and anything.