I make lists constantly. And I'm certain that they save me from my own clumsy and unorganized moments. This small to-do list can make either entering college for the first time or just gearing up for another semester much easier:

Photo via In Bound Now

1. Get Google Calendar.

I live by my Google calendar. It has all of my class information (room numbers, professors, times, and dates) and its all in the palm of my hand on my phone--since we all know our phones never leave us. Further, when you get your syllabi, you can put all of your major tests', papers', and projects' due dates in it as well.

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2. Don't bet on your textbooks.

Professors get it. They've been there, done that. If you're super concerned, just email them. They'd rather answer your questions to lend a helping hand than have you be unprepared. I've learned more often than not that they understand if you don't have your textbooks for the first two weeks of classes. When I first entered college, I purchased every textbook the online portal listed, but only used two out of 15. It was a lot of money lost on my part.

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3. Decide if you need a job.

Commuting? You might need a job to pay for gas. Living on campus with a food plan? Eh, maybe not. You decide. There isn't any pressure since you're all independent these days, and based on your college schedule, you may not want one. It is all good. If you want a job, start applying for them in the areas surrounding your college campus at least two weeks in advance.

Photo via Think Progress

4. CHECK YOUR EMAIL.

Ugh, my first semester at CNU I neglected to check my email at all, and showed up to my chem class without a clicker. It was embarrassing, considering only two other students forgot them too. Some professors provide vital information and advice to you before classes begin each semester. Whether they tell you which books to buy or not buy, or they tell you which supplies to get from Amazon, they're there to help--but they won't be texting you. Check your email.

Photo via Amazon

5. Make sure you have plenty of storage.

One thing about living in a dorm room, apartment, town house, or basically anywhere: you have to have places to store the stuff you don't need all the time. Get a little bin to keep under your sink for your hair dryer, and another for your closet to keep summer/winter clothes in. I have an ottoman that I put all of my crafting supplies in when I don't need it, and I just grab them out (it has a lid) when I do. Make use of the space you have, be it under your sink, bed, desk, wardrobe, etc.

Photo via Dormco

6. Don't forget the essentials.

Toothpaste, nail clippers, ibuprofen, hairbrush, razors, headphones (not essential, but good to have in the library) and other smaller items are easy to leave behind or forget to buy, but they're a necessity.

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7. Remember to bring your chargers.

It sucks to not have a charger for your phone, laptop, iPod, etc. and have to make a shoutout to your friends on FB to get one when you have a perfectly good one…at home. Make sure you have chargers on your list for school supplies.

Make sure you're prepared before classes begin, or you'll be bustling around trying to get your stuff together while studying, going to class, and working!