Many college students are just about to begin their first semester in higher education, or have already begun. We’ve put together a guide for college students who may not know what to bring to their dorm or where to begin. Here’s a list of important things to remember for students heading off to college:
- Don’t bring too much. Unless you live very close to your university, avoid bringing too much to your dorm room. While it may feel like a century during semesters away from home and you may want to have everything with you, packing up your dorm room at the end of the year and storing it in a storage unit is going to be an expensive and tedious process. And, depending on your university, they may not give you too much time after taking your final exams or handing in your final papers to move out of your dorm.
- Start with study items. Start with things you know you will need such as notebooks, textbooks, and other university items. Then consider bringing other items from home.
- Look for nearby places. Scout your university out for places to buy things you might need at the last minute. Look for furniture stores, convenience stores, and try to get to know the area.
- Talk to previous students. Some schools give you the chance to visit the school before you attend. If you don’t have the benefit of this, try going online and looking for student communities. Check social networks and blogs, post questions, and find out what it’s like to live at your university. Students will know better than anyone what sorts of things you will need and where the best campus resources are!
- Know your university. Your university may give you an introduction to their resources through a variety of meetings when you first arrive. Make sure you take note of the resources you’ll need. Know where student records are, student finances, nursing services, and all the essentials you may need. Make sure you know how to register for classes, withdraw from classes, and keep in mind due dates. Your university may provide a calendar with all of the important dates marked in it. You can write the dates in or keep an online calendar. It’s best to plan ahead and make note of all your due dates as early as possible.
- Keep organized. It’s easy to lose steam in the middle of the semester when due dates and assignments start piling up. Starting organized makes it easier for you to stay organized throughout the year. Find a system that works for you once your classes begin and stick with it.
- Stay fit and healthy. Many students become less healthy when they attend university because they are used to their parents cooking for them and they get less exercise because university involves more sedentary reading. Make sure to join a physical education class in addition to your other classes if possible, or check out the student gym. Many universities have student gyms that allow students to access the facilities for free. And most gyms will come with an introduction and will show you how to use the equipment. Keep your health in mind when choosing food options! Don’t let the ready made food get the best of you.
We hope you find these tips useful! We wish you an excellent upcoming semester and a great university experience!
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