Everything You Need for Your First Year of College

There is nothing quite as exciting as going to university the first time!

It’s a chance to start the next chapter in your life as you learn skills that will help you land the career of your dreams.

However, before you do all of that, you need to prepare yourself and pack your bags for life in the dorms. You also need to think about what you can bring to help you succeed in classes.

The guide below will discuss some of the essential items that you should bring for your first year of college, along with some tips for a seamless transition.

How to make the transition smoother

We will talk about many items that you will want to bring to college, and it can seem a little overwhelming at first. To tackle this, it’s best that you plan accordingly to make life a little easier.

First, you need to ensure that you’re not bringing anything unacceptable or inappropriate, so check the university website to review the move-in policies and take note of banned items. Sometimes, seemingly innocent items like coffee makers or extension cords may be off limits, so be sure to read the rules thoroughly.

Once you gather all of the items discussed, you may realize that you have more than you can handle. If that is the case, then you can ease your burden by hiring professional college movers.

This is a great option because they often have competitive rates, the movers go through background checks so you know they can be trusted, and they take all of your boxes from your home and put them in your dorm room so you can focus on getting your bearings without additional stress.

In addition to physical items, you will need to bring important documents with you in order to register for classes and secure your place in the dorms. You will want to bring your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate, among other legal documents.

What You Need For Life In The Dorms

Living in the dorms can be very exciting, but it is likely also the first time that you have lived on your own, so you will want to bring everything that you would use at home, so you are prepared for anything.

In most dorm rooms you will have a bed, and you may even be supplied with minimal bed supplies, but you should bring anything else you typically sleep with, including a mattress pad, pillows and pillowcases, an alarm clock, and a comforter if necessary.

You will also want to think about what you will need for bathing and general self-care. Most dorm buildings have a public bathroom on each floor, but they don’t supply washcloths or towels, so you will need to bring them yourself.

Also, you should purchase a shower caddy or wash bag that you can use to transport your soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and anything else you use in the shower. It is also a good idea to bring shower shoes or flip flops. Although there will be a janitor to clean the bathrooms, you still want to avoid walking in bare feet when possible.

Then, it is time to pack clothes and accessories. Pack plenty of shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, and socks. Don’t forget to pack clothes to sleep and lounge in. You should also pack sunglasses, a few pairs of shoes, your belt, watch, and anything else that you wear on a regular basis.

Be Prepared For Academic Success

Now that you have everything you need for dorm life, you need to plan accordingly for class. You will need a suitable backpack that is strong enough to hold books for several classes in case you don’t have time to go home in between.

These days, more people are turning to technology like laptops and tablets to take notes instead of using a traditional notebook, so if you plan to do the same, then you will want to bring the necessary devices and a backpack that can fit a laptop alongside books and print-offs.

Even if you do not plan to type your notes during class, it is still a good idea to purchase an affordable desktop computer or laptop, as instructors will want you to type your reports.

While you are thinking about electronics, you may want to pack a few items for fun, like a DVD player or a video game console. Video games are great because they can help you to relax, and they can be a great way to make friends in the dorm.

Most dorm rooms come equipped with a desk so that you can do your homework, so pack the items you will need during your study sessions. Many people choose to pack index cards, tape, a stapler, pens, a pencil sharpener, a good calculator (depending on your subject), a ruler, a highlighter, and plenty of notebooks and folders.

If you know the names of your instructors ahead of time, then you may be able to schedule a meeting and ask what items they require so you can purchase them in advance.

So there you have it, just about everything you need to survive your first year in college. If you think you forgot something, don’t fret. There is always a store nearby where you can pick up what you forgot. In the meantime, pack the items discussed here, and you will have a great head start.