Those who have passed the first year of college know the feeling. It is a rather nerve-racking experience to leave home for the first time, after having shopped for all the necessary items, and packed one's life into boxes. Here are some tips on what to bring and what to do in order to survive and enjoy the first year of college.
What to Bring to College
Every student will need a comforter set. Most college dorm beds are twin XL, but it will be better to make sure on the school Web site first. It is also recommended to carry one's own mattress pad even if the residence hall provides you one. The free mattress pads are generally not very comfortable and the ones at the stores cost less than $ 30. Try JC Penney's or Target.
Every student will also need a desk lamp. Check with the roommate to see if he/she is bringing any floor lamps and then figure out how many are needed for the room. Most dorm rooms get really hot and dry in the Winter because of its size and smaller windows. Therefore, a fan and a humidifier is essential..
Have a talk with the roommate to figure out whether a carpet is necessary or not and who will buy the carpet. Other than these, bring all the essential stuff such as a fridge, a doormat, snow trays, alarm clock, post-its, stationery, calendars or planners, camera, DVD player and DVD's, eating utensils and cookware, laundry detergent, dish soap, food, and coffee or tea.
Other recommended things are desk organizers, dry-erase markers, Febreze (it really helps with eliminating any sort of odor), hot pot, iron and ironing board. To continue the list, bring a lint roller, necessary medications, extra storage boxes that go underneath beds, shower caddy, towels, vacuum (unless the dorm provides one), hand sanitizer and towels. Flips-flops for the shower are a must for cleanliness purposes because on an average, 20-30 students share the same bathroom.
Adjusting to a New Roommate
Living with a completely random person for 10 months a year is rather daunting. The cliche is true that communication is the key. Talk it out with the roommate about everything from sleeping patterns, showering times, having people over, study times, whether parties are allowed in the room or not, music, TV, everything. It might sound rather mundane and boring, but these minor things lead to major problems later.
It is also essential to talk immediately when there is a problem in a civilized and calm manner. No expletives, no shouting, and no silent treatments. Clear the tension out immediately when something happens, otherwise the tension starts building up, and slowly will erupt into a fight that no one wants. It also helps to make efforts to know one's roommate better. This can be done by going to the dining hall together or maybe a party.
Also, be ready to make some compromises. For example, if a person is a night owl but their roommate is a morning person, he/she can be respectful and go to a study room or the library if it is beyond midnight. In turn, the other roommate can also be respectful by not making too much noise in the morning and opening the blinds too early.
How to Make New Friends
According to Randall S. Hansen, the founder of Quintessential Careers, the easiest way is to go to every orientation that is arranged by the college and make introductions to all the neighboring people. It also helps to make introduce oneself to students living on the same floor. Most residence halls also have programs and games in the beginning of each semester where the new students introduce themselves and talk to the faculty and other students present. This helps in breaking the ice. Listen to what others have to say as no one wants a friend who rambles all the time.
Lots of parties take place in college where one can easily make friends, but try not to get carried away with pressures of binge drinking. The important thing is not to be shy, but it is also important to not stretch way beyond one's comfort level either!
Set Priorities and Designate Responsibilities
Most 18-year-olds get carried away in their first year of college because there is unlimited freedom with no adult supervision. They end up doing things such as partying too much and ignoring school work. However, setting priorities and knowing one's responsibilities helps in balancing the various aspects of college. The aim and goal of college is to get a degree and everything else is secondary. So, when a person understands that, it becomes easier to judge whether a paper or a party comes first.
Enjoy and Make Most of Freshman Year
In a few words, make most of the first-year of college. Do not be afraid to go out, talk to people and make new friends. Talk to people in class and set up study sessions. Go to orientations. Do not be nervous to talk to faculty and staff. The most important tip to surviving college is prioritize all responsibilities and tasks on a day-to-day basis. Set some time aside to go to lunch or dinner with friends and relax.Be confident and be excited for a new journey ahead.
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