1. Power Strips
As a first year student you will have that moment where your phone unexpectedly dies, or your computer drops to 13% as you are attempting to finish a midterm paper. Don't worry we have all been there. It is in these circumstances that we learn how scarcely populated our rooms are when it comes to wall outlets! And even when we can manage to find one, it is never where we need it to be. That is when power strips become your best friend. They can plug into these hard to reach outlets to make the outlet more portable and offer many more places to plug in.
2. Headache Medicine
This might seem silly but believe me, that first morning when you wake up with a headache from studying too late the night before, you are going to miss your mom and her extensive medicine cabinet more than ever. So, before you get to this point go ahead and stock up on your necessities, such as, headache medicine, cold and flu medicine, and maybe some cough drops.
3. Crockpot
We aren't all cooking geniuses with a ton of time, especially in college. However, in an attempt to not gain the Freshman 15, sometime staying in and cooking a meal is the best plan. So, for those of you who, like me, might struggle in the kitchen, a crockpot is a great solution. You can leave it cooking your food for several hours with little to no supervision. This makes for great food, healthy eating, and no wasted time!
4. Water Purifier
Many of us move to a new town for college, and in turn move to an area with a different source of water with varying minerals and a new taste. This can actually cause for your body to act as though it is sick which can add extra pain and stress during school. To help prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to pick up some type of sink or pitcher filter.
5. Ice Tray
Everyone wants a cold drink! Many dorms and smaller apartments do not have a full sized fridge with an ice maker. And any space we do have, we like to use for food because food is great. So do we really have to sacrifice your cold drinks?! NO! Just pick up an ice tray so you can have all the ice cubes you need!6. Candles with a Candle Warmer
Let's face it, we have all put off cleaning our room or doing the dishes every now and then. So, in order to keep your place from smelling like it is inhabited by three pigs, just get some type of candle or wall plug in freshener. If you do decide to pick out a candle in your favorite sent, is is also a good idea to check the rules of the place where you will be living. If they do not allow candles to be lit, you might want to look into a candle warmer. It will melt your candle without any fire necessary!
7. Calendar
Maybe I am old fashioned, but it is so much more beneficial to me to have an actual calendar or planner. It makes it easier to see all of your tasks and assignments laid out in an organized fashion of your choosing. So, find a planner or calendar that fits your style and get to organizing!
8. Fan
Dorm and apartment air conditioning is one of the least consistent things your will face while on your own. In order to avoid blowing your power bill out of the water in those hot summer months, it is a good idea to pick out a standing or desk fan, preferably that oscillates, and let that cool off your room instead.
9. Professional Outfit
While you are not quite an adult yet, being in college there will be a few circumstances where you will be required to look nice. Whether it is for an interview to get on that committee you REALLY want to be a part of, or meeting with a board of advisors to officially be accepted into the major of your choosing. Having a classy, traditional, professional outfit can really come in handy.
10. Resilience
While this article and many more can give you an idea of what is important to prepare for, there are many unknowns. It is because of this that it is necessary to always just keep pushing forward and embrace all of the changes and challenges that college will throw your way. More than any other item, the absolute most important thing to bring with you to college is your resilience!So, go get 'um! And have a great school year!!
