This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WM chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
All senior year, you fantasized about graduating and settling into life as a college kid, a freshman. Now it’s August, that fateful day’s approaching, and you’re surrounded by plastic bags and storage bins that contain what you’ve assumed, and what you’ve been told, are the essentials for a new, independent lifestyle. There may be the temptation to pack all of your favorite movies, music, and pictures to add some homely touches to your new room, but your roommate(s) might share that same idea. To prevent Move-In Day from becoming D-Day, I’ve comprised a short, comprehensive list of a few things that should be packed and ready to go on the 19th.
- A cozy blanket or comforter. Fall is rapidly approaching, and with it comes naked trees and cooler nights. Light fleece blankets are ideal for curling up with a good book (or a textbook), or for quick naps between classes. You might even want to consider a snuggie (or just turn your robe backwards) to keep warm while typing a paper. Break the comforters out once the fleece is no longer keeping those arms and legs warm. Head to Target or Wal-Mart, if you haven’t already, and check out the variety of colors and designs to fight the cold once fall kicks in.
- A Dry-Erase board. This is the sticky-note that can be erased again and again. Dry-erase boards are an *essential* because of their various sizes and shapes. Put one on the door to let your hallmates know who’s inside, or hang it on your wall to scribble down important dates and events. Add some flair by stepping away from the traditional white, and choose a color (mine is blue).
- An iPod. NOTHING is more important than having music to listen to while walking across campus, studying, working out, or perhaps doing some homework. Double-check everything- be it your pockets or your purse-and make absolutely certain this is with your college gear. The iPod can be utilized to set the mood, drown out an annoying noise or conversation, or get you going as you stumble to that 8 am Calculus class. You might even make some new friends with it, depending on what your ears are into.
- A Desk lamp. Lighting is vital for those late-night study sessions. Use your desk lamp to illuminate your books and your laptop, which will in turn, illuminate your mind. If boredom sets in, and it happens to be nighttime, use your desk lamp to cast light on the walls. Then make shadow puppets.
- Rain boots. I was told by a rising William and Mary sophomore that I HAD to purchase rain boots. Having never worn a pair in my life, I wasn’t exactly keen on the idea, but I decided to listen to my William and Mary elder. Heeding her warning, I hurried over to Target and managed to get a Merona pair on clearance (roughly $14.00). Definitely don’t forget the umbrella, and if you’re going for the trifecta, snag a raincoat while you’re at it.
- Small countertop drawers. These could replace diamonds as a girl’s best friend. I ran out and grabbed one of these when I realized that my earrings, necklaces, and headbands were going to need a new home once I got to school. Countertop drawers remove the clutter from your desk or dresser and place it in a quick, easy storage compartment. The drawers are cute, compact, and can make the moving process that much easier. Guys should get one too– I like to believe they want to be organized as well.
- Easily stored vacuum/hand-vac. Nobody likes a dirty/dusty room. Thin vacuums, known as stick vacuums, are great because of their compact size and light weight. These are also fantastic on both hardwood floors and carpets/rugs. The Dirt Devil Power Stick Vac is available in several colors AND it comes with a nifty little hand-vac for crumbs and dust. Go ahead and throw those bags away because these aren’t your grandmothers’ vacuums. Just empty the compartment once you’re done, store it in a corner, and wait for those cookie crumbs to catch you off guard.
- A reliable alarm clock. Going to class, and being there on time, should be high (if not number one, at least number two) in everyone’s priorities. Therefore, an alarm clock is a must if you plan on attaining your degree in the recommended four years. Invest in one that simply beeps, or take it a stepfurther and purchase one with an iPod dock. Wake up every morning to the latest from Kings of Leon or Adele, whatever gets you out of bed and in your seat before the professor shows up.
- A date planner. This one may take some of us back to high school, and the mere thought might make you cringe. The thing that separates your college planner from your high school planner; it doesn’t double as a bathroom/hall pass (maybe that was just my school). Anyways, like the dry-erase board, a date planner is a smart investment because it provides a small place to keep track of all the papers, projects, and hot dates (of course). It’s always smart to have a paper copy of due dates in case Blackboard is down.
- That winning personality. THIS. IS. A. MUST. I will forgive leaving the iPod in your bedroom, but DO NOT even think of coming to William and Mary without a smile on your face. Wear that orientation t-shirt with pride and meet your roommate if you haven’t already done so. I, for one, don’t know anyone besides my roommate, so I will have to kick things upa notch. Hopefully everyone else does the same, to a safe, non-frightening level, of course. Do whatever it takes: practice those jokes, work on that fake laugh, and be ready to declare your support for either Harry Potter or Twilight.