Going away to college is an experience you will never forget. It is the first time many have been away from people who raised you. It’s exciting but yet scary. A lot of scary thoughts creep into your mind about living away from home and especially if you have a roommate. It is a test to your personal growth and independence. I collected ideas from personal experience and others to develop a checklist to review.
- Save as much money as you can during the summer
- Do not bring your whole wardrobe…you can rotate at fall break
- Take advantage of writing lab
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Do not close your bank account at home…money can be deposited into your account which saves from using Western Union
- Focus…of course isn’t that why you are in college?
- Communicate with roommate prior to move in
- Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re not getting along with roommate…sometimes change is good
- Budget, Budget, Budget
- Avoid credit cards…they are the devil!
- Loans… only borrow what you need
- Gift cards are Heaven sent
- Network with other students that have same classes…saves money on book expenses
- Buy at least one t-shirt representing your school…you will probably be wearing it 10 years later
- Stay on campus as long as you can…apartments come with big bills
- If you plan to live off campus look into establishing residency (out-of-state)
- Birth control…please practice safe sex…College campuses are nesting grounds for STD’s and pregnancy.
- Prioritize
- Always be nice to the cafeteria staff…that extra piece of chicken will be greatly appreciated. LOL
- Buddy with a person that is from a city/town close to campus…when homesickness kicks in you will appreciate those Sunday meals
- Keep plenty of paper cups, plates and plastic utensils on hand
- Make large purchases once you arrive…it’s a burden to ride in a vehicle long distance while transporting everything you own…or have it shipped
The Traveler Weekly 