How to Get Ready to Go Off to College
Written by Matthew C. Keegan // 07/27/2011 // Personal Advice // Comments Off
As you get ready to leave for college, you’ll quickly realize that there are many things you must do before you’re ready to leave home. That means you’ll need to compile a list of stuff to bring with you including the following:
Personal effects — You need to look and smell good while on campus which can mean different things for different people. Bath towels and washcloths; dental floss and toothpaste; makeup, deodorant, perfume or colognes; razors and shave cream; and a host of other items must be packed. Bring these items with you otherwise be prepared to pay a mint for them on campus.
Prescriptions — You may need to take medicine regularly, which means bringing enough with you and arranging to get refills at a drugstore near campus. If you’ve been dealing with a national drugstore chain, then you should be able to get refills with ease. For local pharmacies, you may need to have your pharmacist call ahead to get your refills near campus. If you have a serious medical condition, notify your college’s health department too.
Clothing — Here is where you can get burdened with too much stuff to carry. Instead of bringing clothing for all four seasons, consider bringing summer and fall clothing for the start of the academic year, then winter and spring clothing once Christmas break has ended. If you’re going to school thousands of miles from home, your trips home will be infrequent. Still, it might be easier to have your parents ship to you what you need when you need it.
Bedding — Dorm room beds are notoriously uncomfortable for many students which may mean that a mattress overlay will be needed. You’ll also need to bring your own pillows, sheets, blankets and a comforter. Don’t forget a clock radio if you don’t want to rely upon your iPhone to awaken you.
Tech stuff — Your laptop, cell phone and other electronic devices will be going with you. You’ll also need rechargers, batteries and a surge protector. You may need a printer, a scanner and an assortment of software. Bring toner, paper and enough extension cords to keep you happy.
Kitchen — If you’ll be setting up kitchen, don’t count on your roommates supplying everything you need. Your dorm room likely will include a microwave, a refrigerator and perhaps a coffeemaker. Plan to bring your own utensils, plates, mugs, glassware and kitchen towels. Even if you eat in the cafeteria, you’ll find that your dorm room is the best place for snacks.
Financial — Besides your driver’s license, bring with you a debit/ATM card, a credit card, your medical insurance card and registration information as well as financial aid forms. Should you bring your Social Security card with you? That isn’t advised, but memorize your number.
We didn’t list everything you may need to bring, but this checklist and this website can help ensure that you forget nothing. Of course, if something is needed later, familiarize yourself with FEDEX, UPS and USPS deliveries, because what you need can always be shipped from home.
when you need extra money ..
calculate how much you need
select state travel guides (menu)
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