Tips For Students Going Away To College

By Joyce McIntosh


Now that high school is in the past, it's time to start thinking about heading off to college. This is an exciting time and you are probably looking forward to becoming more independent. Of course, with independence, you also have to become more organized and responsible. This doesn't have to be overwhelming, though, especially if you consider a few of the following strategies.

For every student who crams too many items into their dorm room, there's another student who forget to bring everything from a blanket to an alarm clock. Knowing what items are essential can make packing up for college far easier, so before you pack, check out your university's website and see if they have a helpful list of must-bring items. There are probably things on that list you never considered, and the website also can give you helpful information about the size of your room and the furnishings and amenities included in each room. Most dorm rooms include at least a bed, mattress, desk and chair, as well as a closet. Some have a bathroom shared by just two rooms, while others have bathrooms and showers shared by a floor of students. Once you know all of this, begin making a list.

There should be several categories in your checklist including clothing, sheets, towels, pillows and blankets, as well as personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste and other similar items. If you will be using a communal bathroom with many other students, a robe, flip flops and a shower caddy will make this task easier. Laundry bags and laundry supplies are another helpful item, as well as a travel iron. A few personal items, such as photos of friends and family, are another good thing to bring along. You will need an alarm clock to ensure that you get to class on time. Also, if you take medications, be sure to bring along your meds and also find out how to quickly transfer the prescriptions to a local pharmacy or opt for a mail order pharmacy.

A big essential item is a backpack, and you need to really invest in a quality product. Textbooks are heavy, and you also will be toting your phone, probably a lap top computer and some kind of tablet. These days, some text books are available for download to your tablet or lap top, so take advantage of this whenever you can. It might not save you a huge amount of money, but there is definitely something to be said for not having to lug around a ton of books each day.

Dorm rooms are generally pretty basic, so a few luxury items can be a fun addition that makes life a bit easier. For instance, a little mini fridge and a compact microwave are great if you can afford them. Often you can purchase these items used from students that have just graduated or have moved into an apartment. If you don't want to invest in these items, you can still purchase an electric kettle so that you can make coffee, soup and other items using hot water. If your room is big enough, consider bring a comfortable chair or even a futon or large bean bag.

Rather than pack up everything and drag it all back home during your summer break, it is easier to simply place these items in a mini storage unit. While you might be worried about storing your items, simply find an East Lansing mini storage or Bath mini storage facility that offers on-premises security monitors and a facility that is completely fenced and fully lit. This way, you will feel comfortable about storing your items for several months.

In addition to security, students also often worry about budget, and there are mini storage facilities that cater to students by offering month-to-month options or even weekly options, as well as pro-rating the first month's rent. In addition, you can find a Bath mini storage facility or East Lansing storage facility that offers a discount especially for students, and some don't ask for a security deposit either, which helps you keep the storage costs as low as possible. At any rate, opting to store items is far easier and more convenient that moving everything back and forth several times before graduation.




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