It's almost that time again when all of the graduated seniors get to finally head off to college and start that new chapter of their lives. It's an exciting and scary feeling, finally being away from home and not having your parents breathing down your neck every second, but it's hard to actually prepare for the experience. You wont know what it's like to live on your own until you physically do it. Although you can't predict how the college experience is going to be, you can prepare for it with a couple of these essentials.
1. An open mind
College is going to be filled with tons of new opportunities and new experiences. An open mind is essential because you have got to be open to trying new things. If you don't try new things, then how are you going to be able to branch out? Try new foods, join clubs, play an intramural sport, join Greek life, do something you normally wouldn't do!
2. Tupperware
Let me tell you this: People aren't kidding when they say all college kids are broke because we are. Take advantage of your meal plan by bringing Tupperware with you to the dinning halls! I can't tell you how much cereal and fruit I took home with me my freshman year. I mean, we should get what we pay for, right?
3. Shower shoes
For the love of God, please bring shower shoes. So many people use those communal showers, you have no idea how many gross things are on that ground. Get a cheap pair of Old Navy flip flops and call it a day.
4. An extra set of sheets
Please don't be that person who never changes their sheets – that's super gross. Yes, it's a hassle, but trust me, nothing is better than going to bed in freshly changed sheets.
5. An umbrella
Wow, let me tell you something, nothing is worse than walking to class in the pouring rain without an umbrella. Not only are you soaking wet, but then you have to sit in class the entire time while being extremely cold and uncomfortable. It rains more than you think, so buy a nice umbrella because you're going to be using it a lot.
6. Rain boots
See number five. Your shoes will get soaked.
7. A nice winter coat
Yes, everyone usually has a winter coat, but have you ever had to walk a mile in 10-degree, snowy weather? It sucks. A sweatshirt or a fleece will not do, invest in a nice puffy coat, you'll thank me later.
8. Medicine
Being sick while you're at school is the worst. You don't have your parents to take care of you, and you just remembered that you have that anatomy exam you can't miss. You're going to need all the cold medicine because there's no way you can sit in your bed, welcome to the real world.
College will most likely be the best years of your life. It crushes high school, and you'll have experiences you'll never forget. Hopefully these essentials will help you out as you enter the college world. By the way, please do not wear your lanyard around your neck, you'll also thank me for that later.
