They send you a list. A list that tells you exactly what to pack up from your old life and exactly what to buy from the neighborhood Wal-Mart to tote with you to the University of Kentucky as you embark on your new life as a college student. That's A list, but here's THE list, the list of the little details and the not-so-packable items you will need to survive your college experience. Get to packing, and congratulations on becoming (or maybe already being) a Kentucky Wildcat.
1. Non-perishable food items.
They're easy to store, they last a while, and they're good for a college budget.
2. Perishable food items.
You're going to need at least a few fruits of vegetables. It may not seem appetizing now, but ramen noodles and pizza get old eventually.
3. An open mind.
From trying new things to listening to new ideas, it is best to keep an open mind around all of this "new-ness" to truly enjoy the full college experience.
4. Kentucky Blue
This is a must. We are the Wildcats. We like our Kentucky Blue. Don't worry if you don't have any in your wardrobe just yet. A few trips to K Week events will take care of that.
5. More food.
I cannot emphasize the importance of food enough. When you're up at 3 in the morning studying over the same notes that you have been studying for the past twelve hours, food is the best pick-me-up out there. Besides just not studying.
6. A fan.
It's Kentucky. While we're not in the deep south, it still gets hot, and it especially gets humid.
7. A parka.
Another fun fact about Kentucky weather: it's extremely unpredictable. While I would like to assure you that you shouldn't need that parka until January, I can't. You may need it as early as October or you may need that fan for late January. You never know.
8. Your comfiest clothes.
No one cares what you like in class. Truthfully, everyone around you probably respects you enough just for rolling out of bed in the morning.
9. Confidence.
You're going to be meeting a whole bunch of people at college, whether through Greek life or other campus organizations or in the dorm or in the classroom. Remember to just be yourself.
10. Energy.
Store up your energy now. Because you will need it. Don't let syllabus week fool you. Classes will eventually consume most of your life.
11. A budget.
This is much-needed. In most cases it's the food that gets you. Local Taco. Blaze Pizza. Chipotle. I highly recommend them all, but definitely not on a regular basis.
12. Cleaning supplies.
Messes happen. Don't go unprepared.
13. Netflix.
Some may say you will regret this, but after a long day of classes or after days of studying for one chemistry exam, it's nice to just sit back and enjoy an episode of "The Office," "Grey's Anatomy," or whatever else your heart desires.
14. A work ethic.
A planner. Some folders. Some form of tangible schedule. Find a way to keep yourself grounded amidst all of the work.
15. Germ-X.
Diseases happen. Especially outbreaks of diseases. Be prepared before the stomach virus starts going around your dorm building or you get a UK alert about yet another campus outbreak.
16. Vitamin C.
Seriously. Stay healthy. It's a need.
17. Hard hats.
You shouldn't encounter any falling bricks or anything like that, but construction is definitely a thing on campus. Learn to expect it.
18. Regular hats.
Bad hair day? Hat. Bad hair month? Hat.
20. An umbrella.
Just like any other campus, it rains. You're going to need an umbrella. However, be warned. Practically the entire campus tends to turn into a wind tunnel, which is quite inconvenient for those pesky umbrellas.
21. Optimism.
College truly is a unique and life-changing experience. Take criticism with a grain of salt and don't stress out too much over a lack of sleep or a bad test score. Life goes on.
22. Those things that feel like home.
You're going to be here for a while. Make the University of Kentucky your home and gear up for an awesome semester.
