Bring A Computer And Printer If You Can
At college, the expectation will be that you have your own computer and printer. If you can afford to bring both of these things, you should. Teachers think nothing of asking you for typed homework, and they do so frequently. By having your own printer, you'll save yourself the hassle of walking to a computer lab and paying to have your work printed out.
Reference Materials
You may well find on the Required Materials section of several of your courses that professors want you to have a collegiate dictionary. Let me answer the question my students often ask me: No, dictionary.com is not okay. In addition to a dictionary, you might want to invest in a thesaurus. Beyond these two items, use your judgment. Think about what classes you'll be taking. Are there any books you used in high school that you think would be handy to refer to? If so, you should pack them as well.
Entertainment Center
Some people like to get in touch with their roommate before the start of school and decide who will bring a TV and who will bring a stereo, etc. If you can live without a TV in your room, though, you'll probably be more productive without the distraction.
Seasonal Dress
Do some research into what the climate will be like during the months of the semester you're packing for. If you're from Los Angeles and attending NYU, you will need more warm clothes than you thought you'd ever need, for example.
That Wire Thing For Your Toiletries and Flip Flops
The only place you'll ever use it is while you're away at school, but go buy one of those wire baskets so that you can efficiently transport your shampoo, soap, and razor to and from the shower. Some people also invest in flip flops for shower shoes.
A Touch of Home
Bring something with you, or a few things, that will remind you of home. Maybe this is the time to invest in a nice frame for that photo of you and your best friend that's been on the fridge for all of high school. If you know you can't sleep without your teddy bear, make sure there's room for him in your luggage, too.
Any Medicines You Might Need
If you take prescription drugs, you might want to save yourself the hassle of finding out where to refill them by bringing a supply with you for the semester. And, if you take over the counter medicines like Claritin or Advil, you might want to stock up on those, too.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing grad school for MBA
By: Jason | 09-07-2008
Does it matter which grad school you go to for an MBA or how many credits the MBA program is? Currently I am looking at the accelerated program at Monmouth University which is 30 credits and the Rutgers Unvitersity program which is 60 credits.
Time frames
By: aimcomm | 06-07-2008
what is the shortest time frame that one can earn an online degree?
Looking for distance learning providers in the UK
By: supaswag | 03-07-2008
I am looking for a provider to gain a [online] distance learning Foundation Degree in Internet Marketing. I found Kaplan Open Learning and would like to find out if anyone has any experience with them. Their offers look very good.
How important are work based achievements on my CV?
By: imconfused.com | 23-06-2008
I am currently writing my cv and wondered how important it was to include work based achievements? Do employers really care? Don?t they just care about my qualifications?
Safe Haven Babies and Mothers
By: judymamab | 20-06-2008
I am writing a paper for school and need information on what a mother who has dropped her infant at a safe haven must do, if she changes her mind and wants the child back. I know that there are alot of questions to be answered and certain things she has to go through, but need either a url or someone who can go into depth on the situation.
Qualification statement
By: Adriana | 19-06-2008
I have to write 5 qualification statements for a leadership program offered at my job (government), and I am completely blocked, I don't even know how to start. I know once I get started I'll be fine. Help?!
Q&A Powered by:
More from Elizabeth Saas
How to Conquer the Lsat - Tips on How to Succeed
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The LSATs are required before applying to law school and it’s important that you know what will be on the exam. This article includes tips on how to succeed and conquer the LSAT exam.
Gaining Work Experience - Make yourself Marketable
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Are you about to finish school with your amazing degrees but lack any work experience? This article tells you how to gain work experience and make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
Why you Should Get Involved in College Activities
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The primary reason people go to college is to continue their educations, right? But what some students don’t realize is that opportunities to learn don’t shut off after the class day is through. There are many reasons listed in this article about why you should get involved in college activities.
When you Need to Get a Tutor
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
When do you need to get a tutor? The short answer is that getting a tutor is never the wrong thing to do, unless you're so strong in a given subject that you're a tutor yourself. This article helps you decide when you really need a tutor's help.
What to Look for in a Roommate
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Your college roommate -- what will he or she be like? Some roommates will be randomly assigned and you will choose others. Before you decide that rooming with your best friend is the perfect solution, for the sake of the friendship, you should read the following tips.
What to Consider Before Deciding to Go to Law School
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
There are many things to consider before deciding to go to law school. But what are the most important ones? This article cuts through the confusion and lists four of the most important things to consider before deciding to go to law school.
Ways to Improve your Book Report
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Here's how not to do a book report: write down everything that happens in the book. If you’re struggling with ways to improve your book report, this article is just what you need.
Utilize your Guidance Counselor
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Whether you are on the college track or if you are going to join the workforce after high school, drop by your guidance counselor's office early and often so that you don't get to the end of high school and wonder: what's next?