Whether this is your first semester or your seventh, moving into college is always an exciting time. However, we often get caught up in that excitement and forget a few things. Here is a list of 13(ish) examples of common forgotten items!
1. Underwear.
Yeah. That's right. Underwear. You would not believe how many people have to make that post-move-in trip to Walmart to get some Fruit of the Loom. Pack your bloomers.
2. Storage.
So, you just realized you, and another person, are sharing a refrigerator box...storage and organization is absolutely a necessity. Take advantage of those milk crates or rolling carts. You, and your sanity, will thank me for this one.
3. Duct tape and zip ties.
Things will break. Use that fancy college education you're getting and rig it up. These two items have saved me many times.
4. Tool kits.
Sadly, there are some things that duct tape and zip ties can't repair. Keep a tool kit handy and use the philips monkey driver...that's what it's called, right?
5. Medicine, contacts, & tampons.
If you're a guy reading this, you obviously don't need the last one. Make sure you pack all of your essentials. You don't want to be sick and blind. (Been there. Done that.)
6. Surge protectors.
So there's only three outlets in the entire room? Use those surge protectors for the 263 devices you have. Make sure that you get a kind that is approved by your Housing and Residence Department. (Ex: Many places only allow surge protectors. Drop cords are not allowed. Go the safe route and avoid a fine.)
7. Blankets.
Did you know that some people sleep with the air on 61 degrees? (I raise my hand and continue typing.) Always pack a few extra blankets. Even if your roommate sleeps at a more "normal" temperature, you now have the materials for an awesome fort.
8. Office supplies.
Get your pencils, pens, hi-lighters, crayons, colored pencils, sharpies, post-it notes, and paper...you didn't know you were going to actually be required to work, right? Make sure you have a great stock of office supplies. Especially crayons....for the mandatory coloring of course.
9. Rain jacket and umbrella.
Wait, it rains at college?! Yes. Yes it does. It likes to rain when you're 2 miles from your dorm and there is no shelter. Pack an umbrella or rain jacket. You, your clothes, your pals, and all of the contents of your book bag will be very happy that you packed that mini umbrella.
10. Sleep mask and ear plugs.
Your roommate is pulling an all nighter and all you want to do is sink into dream land. Put on the mask and throw in the ear plugs. Now, drift into a beautiful sleep and enjoy the silence.
11. Tape
Bring all the tape...packing, duct, clear, wash, all of it! You're going to need it to hang all those pictures, notes, and posters!
12. Food.
Not a can of Pringles. Get some real food. Bring some snacks. You're not always going to have time to run across campus to get some "delicious" cafeteria food. Your stomach will thank you.
13. An open mind and a brave heart.
You didn't know I was going sappy, did you? Seriously though, college is a new season of life. Come with an open mind and a brave heart. Venture outside your comfort zone. Talk to that person who looks/acts a little strange. Give people, and yourself, a chance.
Have fun. Be safe. Call your parents. Write letters. Study a lot. Play a lot. Meet people. Enjoy this new adventure.
