Back to school, it used to translate into a quick trip to Staples or Target to pick up some notebooks and pencils, but for college students it means much more. Beyond the general supplies, heading back to school requires a large amount of preparation that takes more than one quick shopping trip. Especially when you live away from the comforts of home, you need to mentally prepare, ration dorm food, and remember all of your electronic chargers. Any way you look at it, there are a number of rituals that have to take place in order for one to feel ready for that first day back on campus.

1. Have an emotional breakdown.

You all know that moment when you have to mentally wrap your mind around the idea that papers and tests are soon to plague your waking thoughts.

2. Accept your fate.

You know that the semester will bring inevitable stress but there are other factors which make the transition worth the trouble.

3. Remembering the essentials.

There are too many to remember without making a list, but this ritual requires a clear mind and sharp focus if you don't want to forget something.

4. Packing those essentials.

Because there never seems to be enough room for all of the things you need to pack, whether in the car or in bins, packing is the bane of all of our existences.

5. Making sure you have enough Ramen for the semester.

We all know those days when the cafeteria food is just not cutting it and you need a little extra in terms of sustenance. Also it is always good to have noodles and soup on a bad day, this can also include pizza money for obvious reasons.

6. Double checking your class schedule.

And you realize you signed up for an 8 a.m. class, and wonder what you were thinking at the time.

7. Getting back to a normal sleep schedule.

It isn't as easy as it used to be, age and minimal hours of sleep make the starts of your day a little rough.

8. Ordering books for the semester.

And your already limited budget dwindles to the danger zone.

9. Shopping for supplies.

You feel like you are drowning by the time you finish, because you learned long ago that you can never have too many pens.

10. Updating your wardrobe to dress for success.

With internships and interviews in your near future, there is no limit to the amount of professional clothing you need depending on the amount of laundry you will want to do.

11. Get hyped about the good times ahead for you and your friends.

Because at the end of the day, when the stress is lifted and the thoughts are slowed, you make memories that last forever.