In this upcoming August, a lot of fresh-out-of-high school kids will start to shop for the stuff they’ll need for college. This list isn’t going to be a play-by-play of every single thing you need. It’s more of a specific one if you’ve made the best decision ever and decided to head to Texas Tech University. I want every transfer or freshman coming to here to get a head start on a couple things I figured out in my first year that will be needed!

1. A Water Filter

In the beginning months of the fall semester, it will be pretty hot and you’ll be thirsty almost all the time. It might seem more convenient to just buy water bottles, but it definitely isn’t. Not only are they a huge waste, but you’ll be running out of them before you know it in the beginning week and having to go buy another case and lug it up to your room. Save yourself the hassle and get yourself a water filter. It’s cheaper in the long run, and you can easily just fill it up again with water from your own room.

2. Insulated Cup

You’re going to need something to hold that cool water! When the temperature is in the high 90s in August, you’ll want something to take from class to class that won’t have your ice quit on you the first step into the sun. When it’s a beautiful snowy day, you’ll need something to keep the hot cocoa or coffee from feeling like melted ice as well. It’s a good investment, and if you keep an eye out, there are some organizations around campus that will give them out.

3. Rain Boots

If you haven’t already heard, it rains in Lubbock quite a bit. It will be a beautiful sunny day and then you’ll wake the next morning and the roads are flooded. Of course, classes aren’t canceled, because this is the real world now, so you've got to go. Save your pretty sneakers or those poor Converse -- they won’t survive the rivers you may have to cross. You’ll also need these boots when it starts to snow. They won’t look cute in snow angel pics, but they’ll keep you from busting your butt.

4. Tortillas

I know, what the heck, right? But when you’re last minute shopping with mom after she’s about to leave you at the dorm or apartment, get some of these. It’s a tradition to toss these onto the football field at the beginning of the game and during its duration. Ask around for the best place to hide them before you come into the game and cut a hole in it. It may be restricted now, but you won’t be alone in tossing them.

5. Bike (optional)

Texas Tech has one of the largest campuses, spanning almost 2,000 acres. If you’re a freshman, your classes are bound to be spread out, and walking all the way from one class to another will legitimately be a workout. A bike will save you the trouble of sweating like a pig or having to jog to class, and it will be super useful when you’re just wanting to go to an event on campus. P.S. -- Get a lock with it! It will get snatched if you leave it hanging.

6. Sturdy tennis shoes

Not only will you be walking all over the campus, but Texas Tech is near a hidden treasure. Palo Duro Canyon is only a two hour drive away, and you and your friends will probably spend the whole day taking in its beauty. It’s pretty simple logic, hiking requires you to wear some sturdy shoes.

7. Sunscreen

Yes, you seriously need this. You’ll be have a grand time at your first football game, get home that night and realize you fried like chicken. Going to classes itself may even burn you, and you’ll need some protection. You’ll also be wanting to spend a lot of time at our amazing rec pool, so do yourself a favor and don’t look like a tomato within the first month!

8. Sunglasses/Hat

This is something most people do have, but I wanted to let you know why you’ll need it. Of course they’ll be super useful at football games and for going to classes, but there is a different reason. The wind in Lubbock can get crazy, and I mean blowing so hard it pushes you down. Sometimes within that wind will be dirt or other debris, which is where the sunglasses come in handy. Some days we will have dust storms, or haboobs, as they’re called. You’ll walk out of class and think “Why is the sky brown and coming toward me?” Just put on your sunglasses, tighten your hat and hurry to your room. It won’t hurt you, but dirt in the eyes and mouth isn’t exactly comfortable, nor is the pushy wind. You can watch nature’s beauty from inside your room, where you should put rags against the window seal to keep that beauty from coming in.

Hopefully this list is helpful to you so you won’t be racing to Walmart to buy these after you really need them. If you’re coming to Tech in the fall, I hope moving in goes well and that you have a wonderful first week! We are a welcoming and spirited school, and are always pumped about the student section being bigger. Safe travels, and Wreck 'Em Tech!