College is a few days away, and Move In is approaching quickly. Placement tests have been passed, classes have been picked, summer work has ~hopefully~ been done and a lot of the stress of mental preparation has been alleviated. But, as you pack your boxes, plan your wardrobe and begin to prepare for the many dreaded goodbyes, there are a few basic things to make sure you know how to do. Even though Mom is just a phone call away, I promise, the more you can do on your own, the better off you will be.

1. Laundry

Everyone knows this one - doing your own laundry is an iconic part of dorm life, but somehow people still show up having less than any clue how to get clean pants for the next day. I'll admit that having to ask around for a help is a good way to meet people right off the bat, but when you find yourself needing to do laundry at midnight on a Tuesday, you'll be grateful for your independence.

2. Access Your Money

Whether you want your parents to know the specifics of your expenses or not, having to call them every time you need to throw some cash in for pizza, or owe a friend money, will get tiring, for both of you, quickly. Come to school with money, and probably at least an emergency card is a good idea, but knowing how to get cash when you need it is an essential part of being a responsible and young adult.

3. Tie a Tie

If this applies to you, or might apply to you, know how to do it. When you get asked to that date function last minute, or are running a little late to your first college presentation, the last thing you're going to want to do is waste twenty minutes looking for a hall mate who can tie your tie for you. Girls, if you want to make sure your dates' ties are always perfect, learning how to perfect the knot could be helpful.

4. Clean

You certainly don't need to be a professional, more than likely you pay a lot of tuition money for other people to be, but nonetheless basic cleanliness is definitely important. Lysol wipes and paper towels are a lifesavers; keep them on hand, wipe down your counter, break out the vacuum once in a while, and sweep a few times a semester, and not only will you be a beloved roommate, but other people will actually enjoy visiting your dorm.

5. Cook with a Microwave

This might sound silly, because who hasn't used this almost self-explanatory appliance before? Well, when your fire alarm goes off at 1 in the morning for the first time because some kid in your building didn't know how to make Ramen, you will know who. Don't be that person. When you wake people up at 1 a.m., grudges are held forever.

6. Take Notes

I don't care if you managed to survive the last thirteen years of school without writing down a single word, college is different. Not every class is going to keep you up all night, but studying is absolutely necessary and textbooks and power points alone don't do the job. Figure out how to be quick, efficient and logical before it's too late.

7. Ask for Help

You may have been the most self-sufficient person at home, but when it comes to college I guarantee that you're not going to know everything. That's okay, it's everyone's first time around the block. Just do yourself a favor, and ask for help. When everyone knows a little about something, a lot can be achieved. Resources span from your hall mates, to staff, to complete strangers on campus - we've all been there, just ask.

No matter how obvious some of these may seem, believe me when I say you will meet people who are as lost as can be come the first week at school. The more you know, the better you will be.