As I sit here in Schine Student center awaiting the clock to strike noon so that I can move into my new humble abode for the school year, my mind cannot help but race with the thoughts of everything I need to get done in preparation for school starting in less than a week. You would think with two years of college under your belt that you would be prepared for the start of the school year, but it is still a major struggle. Here are some things to keep in mind as you gear up for the school year, no matter what year you are entering.
Spirals
While it is true that some classes allow you to use your laptop to take notes, you will need a spiral just in case. In my opinion, I would just use a spiral for all notes. A lot of professors do not like students using laptops because of how it distracts them during class. Plus, technology can suck sometimes and you never know what will happen and you could end up losing all of your notes for the semester. It has been proven that physically writing things down will help you better retain information. At least try to take notes this way and see if you like it!
Your ID
Not only does it get you into residence halls, but it is your ticket to almost anything essential on campus. The biggest thing you will need it for is food. Suppose you have 30 minutes between classes and you want to grab a quick lunch at a campus cafe, you will need your ID.
Agenda
It doesn't matter if it is on your phone or you splurged on the Lilly agenda, you need one in college! You will have little meetings, assignments, and occasions come up and if you do not write it down, life will definitely suck. If you are prepared, you can make arrangements for anything thrown your way and use it to your advantage.
Quarters
You are going to run out of clothes at some point, meaning you will need to do some laundry! Go through your purse and wallet and start a laundry jar. You will most likely need to get some change at some point, but conserve as much as possible! Your bank account will thank you for it later.
Actually Use A Backpack
While you may want to look cute with that new bag you bought this summer, your shoulder will not thank you for it later. You will be lugging around books, laptops, and supplies that you will need fora majority of the day. A backpack may not be as stylish, but it will be more efficient for getting things done. If you want to spruce it up a bit, you could get your bag monogrammed!
As stressful as thinking about school is, it is important to make sure you consider all of the little things before you begin the school year. I promise it will make your life so much easier once the first day of classes approaches!
