Transitioning from high school to college can be a daunting process. You’re likely moving away from home, you’re meeting all new people, you’re getting used to a new routine, and, if you’re like most students, it’s probably the first time you’ve ever had to be totally accountable for yourself.
On top of all of those new responsibilities, you have to be a full-time student, be involved in extracurriculars, and maybe even hold a job. This can make for packed schedules, late nights, and early mornings.
So, what can you do to set yourself up for success now? Here are a few must-have items to add to your packing list that will help you with your transition:
1- Dorm Storage
Whether you are moving into a small dorm or an apartment with roommates, you can be sure that there will not be enough room to store everything. You need to find creative ways to store your stuff to fit in small corners, under beds, or on shelving. Make sure that you bring storage containers with you to keep everything organized.
If you’re thinking, “I’ll just wait until I move in and buy whatever extra storage I need,” think again. Every new student is also thinking this way. Stores near the college will be cleaned out of storage items in a matter of hours. You have to come prepared.
Don’t wait until the last second, purchase some plastic drawers and bins before you move. Pack these bins full with the items that you intend to store, and move with everything already in them to save money on packing materials and to save time unpacking.
2- Water Bottle
A sturdy water bottle will be your best friend as you spend hours a day away from your dorm or apartment. I found Kool8 to be a great option. It works for hot and cold beverages so you can start off with coffee or tea for those dreaded 8:00 am classes and then switch to water for the rest of the day. Mine looks super cool (and only cost me $25) and what I love the most about it is that it still looks like new after four months.
Carrying your water bottle will not only remind you to stay hydrated, but it will also save you money that you might otherwise spend at the vending machine. Or, at the very least, it will save you from drinking rust-flavored public drinking fountain water.
3- Umbrella
When it’s raining outside and you have to spend all day on campus, you need an umbrella. No matter how fast you sprint between buildings, you’re likely to get soaked if it’s more than a light drizzle.
You’re carrying hundreds of dollars worth of electronics and textbooks in your backpack. Packing your trusty umbrella is going to protect those belongings. Not only that, but who wants to sit through class in damp and dripping clothes?
They can be a nuisance to carry, but when it’s pouring rain, you’ll be so glad that you aren’t the guy trying to run across campus with a full backpack bouncing around behind him.
4- Vitamins
Finals, dining halls, all-nighters, vending machines, sick students in your class, stressful days, and sleepless nights. Colleges create a perfect storm when it comes to your physical health.
The negative effects of the college atmosphere are constantly weakening your immune system. And what student has time to stay home with the flu? You can take any number of vitamins to make sure your body is getting all of the important things that it needs to keep you healthy and thriving.
5- Backpack
A sturdy backpack is a must-have as you prepare for the new school year. Choose carefully, because your backpack will come with you everywhere you go. You use it every day, you carry it around for hours on end, and it protects your belongings.
While there are a lot of fashionable options for backpacks, this is one item that you should go for function over fashion. With all of your books, binders, and folders, this thing is going to get heavy. Do your back a favor, and get something that gives you good support and plenty of padding.
6- Cheap pedometer
Pedometers are now a dime and a dozen. But most importantly, pedometers work super well on your mind. I personally own a Fitbit Charge 3 which my mom bought for me recently. It works really well. When I feel the vibration on my wrist that I hit my daily goals, it feels really good. And on a few occasions, I literally went outside the dorm, and around the block, to make sure I hit my daily goal. But if $150 is too much for your budget, there are tons of pedometers under $50. Check this list or this list to see the most affordable ones out there today.
Summary
Set yourself up for success and start the new school year as prepared as you can be. These everyday items can make all the difference to your success. Prioritize staying focused, organized, and healthy to prevent small mishaps from derailing you. If you take the time now to lay a good foundation, your future self will thank you.
Shift Frequency © 2019 – How to Prepare for College