You have just been accepted into the college of your dreams. You can barely contain your excitement as you share the news with all of your friends, relatives, and parents. However, your mother looks at you with a worried look on her face. The time has come for her to send her baby to a strange, new world. It is also the time to shop for every possible thing that you may need in your new home away from home. From pencils to pens, from computer ink to paper, and from toilet paper to Easy Mac, the list will span pages. However, there are five essential things that you cannot survive college without.
The first and absolutely most important is a laptop or computer of some sort. Some students think that they will just use the college’s free computer lab and save the $1,000 that could have gone to Dell. This can prove to be a huge mistake in not only your academic studies, but in your personal life. Most computer labs have designated hours of use. Only a few have printers. Usually the labs with printers have a waiting time to even enter. While your friends are out having a food fight at the cafe, you will be sitting waiting to type up your one paragraph assignment. If you miss coming to the lab during designated hours, you will also miss the points for the due assignment. With your own laptop and printer, you are free to sit on your comfortable (or not) dorm bed, surf the web, and do assignments on your own time.
The second thing that you must purchase is headphones, an IPOD, or even an MP3 player. Most times, you are unaware of whom your roommate will be. You also won’t know her taste in television shows and music. By having a set of headphones, you can basically drown out any unwanted noises that she may make. These also come in handy in the library, gym, or walking to class. However, it’s best to use only one earbud while walking to class. You never know who might sneak up behind you.
The third thing that you must remember to bring to college is winter apparel. While some girls think it is cute to walk half a mile to class during a snowstorm in a mini skirt and heels, it just isn’t practical. These are usually the same girls who can’t come to class the next week because they have a cold. Buy a warm coat with a hood. Also, spend the money and purchase a good pair of snow boots. Once again, fashion shouldn’t play a role in this. Avoid high heels, which don’t mix well with ice. A plain, water-proof pair of boots makes all the difference when it’s 8 AM and the maintenance crew hasn’t plowed the sidewalks yet. Buy a warm hat and pair of gloves. You want your fingers to be functional enough to take notes when you actually do arrive to class. Oh, and don’t forget your umbrella. Buy a small one that you can always have in your book bag. You never know when it’s going to pour down rain.
The fourth thing that you won’t be able to live without is food. While you will probably have a meal plan, there will be nights when the idea of just staying in your dorm and eating a TV dinner is appealing. Bring a case of your own water or soda, which will always be nearby and convenient for you. Snacks, pop tarts, and Lil Debbie cakes are always appreciated when you are running late for an early morning class. Having food and snacks in your room is always a good idea for late night cram sessions.
And the fifth thing that you cannot live without at college is your cell phone and charger. Don’t ever forget your charger when you go home for the weekend. You will be forced to purchase another charger for at least $20, or live without a phone until your next home visit. Although your mom may complain that the family cell phone bill has gone up since you started college, remind her that it is basically her only form of communication with you. She might even agree to increase your minutes.
While there are many things that are essential to surviving your first year at college, some people go overboard. You will know these students when they arrive to class with their convenient pencil holder stocked with 20 #2 pencils, 20 pens, 3 pencil sharpeners, and 5 erasers. After your first week, you will realize what you forgot and and what you’ll actually need. The bookstore usually has a wide variety of items. You can always purchase things as you go.
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