Seven college essentials you don't want to forget

 By Hadassa Ribeiro

Public Relations Intern, College Access Programs

Moving to college can be an overwhelming process. With checklists, boxes and goodbyes hovering around, it can be challenging to know what is really needed in a college setting. To help as you start considering what to bring when you move to college, College Access Programs reached out to current students to put together a list of items you don’t want to miss when packing. 

Photo from Unsplash by Jose Fontano

1. Laptop

You'll soon realize most of your school work will be done online; whether that's for research purposes, Zoom calls, writing papers, skimming through class slides or even finding jobs, your laptop will become your most faithful companion throughout your college career. A good laptop will make your day-to-day tasks go a lot smoother while in college.

2. Headphones

Good headphones or earbuds will be essential throughout your time in college. From walking to class, sitting in the library, watching a movie while your roommate is in the room, or just taking some alone time, headphones will help you focus on whatever task you have at hand and have your own space even when surrounded by others.

3. Your favorite snack or beverage 

Whether that’s afternoon pick-me-up or motivator to do homework, having a snack that you enjoy, or a comfort beverage like coffee or tea helps on days that feel more dull than usual. You'd be amazed by how little things like a good warm cup of coffee or your favorite comfort snack can change your day after the bliss of the first couple of weeks goes by and the rush of projects and homework come in.

4. Planner

Whether you prefer to handwrite your commitments, color code them on online calendars, or add stickers to your weekly white board, having a personalized system to keep track of your commitments is essential in college. Not only is that helpful for making sure you stay on top of your class schedule, but also to manage your time and include your down time as well. While in college, you'll notice students all have different schedules with classes, work, and other commitments, and it is a challenge to coordinate a slot that may work to meet up with people you want to invest in. While spontaneity will always be there in some way or another, the truth is that the more you progress in college, the more you'll realize intentionality is key when it comes to keeping up with friendships outside of your class and work schedule. That's why having some form to visualize all your commitments in one place will help you schedule events in advance and make you look forward to your week - or help you prepare for the commitments that are coming up.

5. Decor lights 

This is another personal favorite because I noticed the massive difference that Christmas lights have in setting the right ambiance. Whether you're decorating your dorm, living room, or office space, adding Christmas lights will make your room feel a lot more like home. I also recommend investing in other sources of light to brighten up your room, like standing lamps, bedside lamps, or colorful lights to make your room decor more fun. There are different light shades and colors as well as lamp sizes and shapes that will best fit your style, and I can assure you this small detail will make your space feel more welcoming for your own self as you navigate this new season.

Photo from Unsplash by Joel Henry

6. Pictures

Bringing pictures of people that are dear to your heart are a must in college! Before you move, take some time to develop at least five pictures of your family, your dog, your best friend from home, your grandparents, and your favorite place in your hometown - or any other things that will make you smile at the end of a long day. Not only will this make your space more personalized and unique, but it will be comforting to have those heartwarming memories pictured by your bedside or on your wall when you go to sleep and start feeling homesick. Especially as you start developing your new community in a new place, having reminders of where you're coming from will help you stay grounded and know that you have people that care for you and that are home to you - whether it is from afar or nearby.

7. A piece of home

Bring a travel souvenir from a family vacation, the teddy bear you have had since you were five, or a scarf your grandmother knitted: any items that will remind you of home and that represent a special memory for you. Not only are they a piece of home in a new place but they can be great conversation starters to share more about you as you welcome new friends into your space!

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