There is nothing quite as exciting as going to university for your freshman year. It is a chance to start the next chapter in your life as you learn the skills that will help you to land the career of your dreams. However, before you do all of that, you need to pack your bags for life in the dorms. You also need to think about what you can bring to help you ace your classes.
The guide below will give you some essential items that you should bring for your first year of college, along with some tips for a seamless transition.
Make The Transition Easier
We will talk about many items that you will want to bring to college, and it can seem a little overwhelming at first, so you need to plan accordingly to make life easier. First, you need to ensure that you’re not bringing anything unacceptable or inappropriate, so check the university website and review the move-in policies and take note of banned items that won’t be allowed. Sometimes, seemingly innocent items like coffee makers or extension cords may be off limits, so be sure to read the rules thoroughly.
Once you gather all of the items discussed below, you may realize that you have more than you can handle. If that is the case, then you can ease your burden by hiring professional college movers. This is a great option because they often have competitive rates, the movers go through background checks so you know they can be trusted, and they take all of your boxes from your home and put them in your dorm room so you can focus on getting your bearings without additional stress.
In addition to physical items, you will also want to bring important documents that can help you to register for classes and secure your place in the dorms. You will want to bring your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate, among other documents. You can keep them safe and out of the public eye by uploading them all into a password-protected PDF that you can secure with a strong password. You can keep that file on your smartphone, so you always have it with you.
Stuff For Life In The Dorms
Living in the dorms can be very exciting, but it is likely also the first time that you have lived on your own, so you will want to bring everything that you would use at home, so you are prepared for anything. Most dorms will have a bed, and you may even be supplied with minimal bedding, but you should bring anything else you typically sleep with, including a mattress pad, pillows and pillowcases, an alarm clock, and a comforter if necessary.
You will also want to think about what you will need for bathing and general self-care. Most dorm buildings have a public bathroom on each floor, but they don’t supply washcloths or towels, so you will need to bring them yourself. Also, you should purchase a shower caddy that you can use to transport your soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and anything else you use in the shower. It is also a good idea to bring shower shoes. Although there will be a janitor to clean the bathrooms, you still want to avoid walking in bare feet when possible.
Then, it is time to pack clothes and accessories. Pack plenty of shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, and socks. Also, if you sleep in pajamas or a particular outfit, then don’t forget it. You should also pack sunglasses, one or two pairs of shoes, your belt, watch, and anything else that you wear on a regular basis. Since you want to look nice, you should also try to bring an ironing board and hangers so you can be presentable for your classes.
Be Prepared For Academic Success
Now that you have everything you need for dorm life, you need to plan accordingly for class. You will need a suitable backpack that is strong enough to hold books for several classes in case you don’t have time to go home in between. These days, more people are turning to technology like laptops and tablets to take notes instead of using a traditional notebook, so if you plan to do the same, then you will want to bring the necessary devices and a backpack that can fit everything.
Even if you do not plan to type your notes during class, it is still a good idea to purchase an affordable desktop computer as most instructors will want you to type your reports. While you are thinking about electronics, you may want to pack a few items for fun, like a DVD player or a video game console. Video games are great because they can help you to relax, and they can be a great way to make friends in the dorm.
Most dorm rooms come equipped with a desk so that you can do your homework, so pack the items you will need during your study sessions. Many people choose to pack index cards, tape, a stapler, pens, a pencil sharpener, a good calculator, a ruler, a highlighter, and plenty of notebooks and folders. If you know the names of your instructors ahead of time, then you may be able to schedule a meeting and ask what items they require so you can purchase them in advance.
So there you have it, just about everything you need to survive your first year in college. If you think you forgot something, don’t fret. There is always a store nearby where you can pick up what you forgot. In the meantime, pack the items discussed here, and you will have a great head start.
Frankie Wallace is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys writing about education, personal development, and technology. Frankie spends her free time cultivating her zero waste garden or off hiking in the mountains of the PNW with her loved ones.
