Move in day during your first year of college can be beyond stressful. You're trying to get all of your stuff into your dorm. You're figuring out exactly where to hang that framed, cross-stitched quote that you love so much. And not only that, but you have to meet the stranger that you'll live with for the next year. Good heavens, that is stressful. But everybody likes gifts! Gifts are a great icebreaker. It's a wonderful southern tradition that I make use of in any sort of mingling situation.
1. Flowers or Succulents
Setting up a new place to live is pretty exciting. Having a good-looking place to live just makes your soul happy. Flowers and succulents are so gorgeous! And it's hard to find someone who doesn't appreciate a nice bouquet (unless they're terribly allergic). As far as your first year living in a dorm, an itty-bitty succulent would be a wonderful substitute for the pet you can't have yet. They're low maintenance (which is great while you're trying to balance work, school, or social life) and it gives you something to nurture.
2. Dry Erase Board, Chalkboard, or Cork Board
Everyone can benefit from one of these. High school was a piece of cake in comparison to college. And I think we all know at least one person who thinks that college is going to be so chill, so easy. Let's be honest though, it can be easy if you keep it organized. Even if your roommate is so good at keeping their life together, an extra little something in the room to remind them of what they need to do is so helpful. And they don't have to use it for serious stuff. Me and my roommate are going to write funny vine quotes on ours all the time. It can be a way for them to write or pin stuff that keeps them happy.
3. Day To Day Survival Kit
Have you ever been self-conscious about your coffee breath? Have you ever been in class and really needed a tissue RIGHT NOW? You could make day-to-day survival kits for you and your roomie. So, if either of you needs a tic-tac or gum for coffee breath, you've got it. Not many people think to bring band-aids to college, but it's definitely something you could include in that kit. Lord knows every girly-girl has had her ankles mutilated by some gorgeous heels that were so worth the pain. Kleenex, tic-tacs, band-aids, an emergency candy bar, ibuprofen, and a stain remover pen are some good basics for everyday life.
4. Jewelry
Most ladies love accessories. And you can get something for cheap or if you're feeling kind, get a little expensive with it. It could be a necklace with a cross, her initials, or her zodiac sign. Honestly, if she isn't from the area, she might need some true maroon bling to wear to football games. There are earring companies that make maroon football helmets and they're adorable!
5. A Cowbell!
The cowbell is such a well-known Mississippi State tradition; however, not every student has a cowbell. How crazy, right? The tradition is that you can't get one for yourself, it has to be given to you. So, if your new roomie hasn't got a cowbell, give them one. You could get it personalized for them or just get one from Barnes & Noble on campus. Everyone should be included in the bulldog hype. It would be so sweet if their first cowbell was given to them by their first friend at MSU.