What You Need to Bring to College
You studied hard, conquered the ACT or SAT, and got into college. Soon you’ll be off to begin a new life on campus.
As happy as you are about your immediate future, you may also be a little anxious, and you have dozens of unanswered questions. One of the most pressing is what you’ll need when you move into a dormitory or apartment.
Here are some suggestions for things college students can’t be without.
1. A good laptop computer is a must. Pick one with a camera and good speakers so you can use it for both schoolwork and fun.
2. At least two USB drives are necessary, one for original work and one for back up. Unless you purchase an external drive, copy everything you do on the first USB drive onto the second, and never take the second out of your room. That way, none of your work will ever be lost.
3. Buy an inexpensive printer and split the cost with your roommate. Although a printer is not an absolute necessity, it will make life far easier for you.
4. Unless you live in apartment style housing, you should probably have slippers or clogs for the long walk to the bathroom and the showers.
5. Dorm room lighting is rarely good, and your roommate may want to sleep while you need to study, so get yourself a good study lamp.
6. Get good bedding. Be sure it’s not “itchy”.
7. Get a large wastebasket and strong garbage bags. You’ll be glad you did, I promise.
8. You will need at least three towels…the thirstier the better. And a sponge lasts longer, dries faster, and is easier to keep clean than a wash cloth.
Of course, the above list is not comprehensive. Begin your list as early as possible and keep adding to it as you think of additional items you will need. At some point, ask a college student or two to spend a few minutes with your list and make suggestions. And, don’t forget to ask mom to make suggestions too.
Alan Greene is a veteran education writer whose favorite subjects include scholarships for students enrolled in online colleges and online continuing education programs.