As freshman, you may be forgetting some essentials that may seem unimportant compared to all of your dorm room needs. These are some crucial things that I wish someone had told me before I started my freshman year at Marist.

A fan (or three)

Even though the majority of your time at Marist will be blistering cold, the first two weeks and the last two weeks of school are absolutely brutal in terms of temperature. The freshman dorms are extremely boiling even in the winter because there is no AC. You are going to need AT LEAST one fan, probably more if you hate the heat.

A stack of single dollar bills

Since you will be needing to take a cab to these bars or really any place off campus, make sure you ask for a ton of single dollar bills for your birthday. It is so much easier than having to break a big bill and the cab drivers will thank you.

A Zipcar account

Since freshman are not allowed to have cars (and now neither are sophomores), there are two Zipcars on campus. An account is great to have if you want to go shopping at the mall or go out to eat with friends. You will definitely want to get off campus sometimes and this is a great way to do it.

Going Out outfits

Since you will be going out to these lovely bars on the weekends you need some going out clothes. For girls that means some crop tops, skirts, dresses and heels. For guys that means some colorful dress shirts and khakis. Girls, make sure to take advantage of Tobi 50 percent off the entire website.

Plastic bags

This only really applies to girls but the walk from the freshman dorms to the cabs can be long and treacherous, even worse if it is raining or snowing. Make sure to stock up on some plastic bags to wear on your head so your perfectly curled or straightened hair doesn't get ruined. (Yes, that is me sporting the look for you all.)

Phatz's or Joe's number

Marist students' favorite cab drivers on campus. Cabs are usually $3, but these special men give your whole group a discount of $2 if you call them. Make sure to get their numbers and use them to your advantage. A dollar discount sounds dumb, but you'll be thanking them later. (Phatz in the pic below)

Marist Money/Thrift Cash

Marist Money and Thrifty Cash are great for the Cabaret and the other small cafes on campus. Marist Money can also be used in several places around campus including the Red Fox Eatery and even the tanning salon across the street. Ask your parents to fill up your Marist Money each semester.

Snow boots and an extremely warm coat

It can get pretty cold up at Marist especially in the several wind tunnels throughout campus. Make sure to buy a warm coat, maybe even a windbreaker, and some fashionable snow boots or Hunter boots to keep you nice and warm for the next six or seven months.

P-Ridge/Campus Deli's Phone Numbers

One day you'll try a CBR from PRidge or a BOBO from Campus Deli and then your life will be changed. These are the go-to spots to get a bite to eat after your long night at the bars. Take note: This is always a good decision.

A tolerance for dining hall food.

As freshman, you are given the unlimited food plan because you have no kitchen. This means you have to eat dining hall food every meal of the day. You'll learn the things to eat and to stay away from pretty quickly. Just don't expect anything to be like your mom's cooking, and you should be OK.

I hope this makes you incoming freshman excited to come to Marist and experience all it has to offer. Just remember these simple essentials and you will have the best Freshman year experience! Good luck!