Each fall, thousands of adolescents embark on a journey of knowledge of discovery. It's a time when they can explore their hobbies, interests, social standing, and overall identity. It's a time for them to live on their own without having to face the constant scrutiny that comes with living with parents, a time where transitioning from childhood to adulthood is intertwined with fraternity parties and studying.
Anyone who has attended college or is currently a college student will agree that it is an era unlike any other 4-year period. While graduating college takes hard work and dedication, enrolling in college is often an even more difficult task. The key to surviving as a freshman on any college or university campus is being prepared. The following list will aid even the most inept people succeed both academically and socially throughout their first year enrolled in college:
· Dorm room supplies: Living in a dormitory will require you to compact all of your belongings into a single room. A few essentials to have in your dorm room include an alarm clock, garbage can, hangers, a desk lamp, a fan, a dry erase board, and at least two sets of sheets. Coordinate with your roommate for things like televisions, microwaves, and refrigerators, as each dorm room will only need one of each of these items.
· School supplies: With the Internet becoming the primary research tool for college students, the need for each individual to own their own laptop or PC is greater than ever. While most schools will allow students to rent laptops from the library or computer labs, it is a good investment for undergraduates to buy their own computer. This will allow them to not only conduct research, but also write papers from the convenience of their own home or dorm room. Other necessary school supplies include a 5-subject spiral notebook, highlighters, index cards, and textbooks. Cheap textbooks can be purchased from either school bookstores or from a number of online stores.
This is merely a short list of the many items needed to make it through year one of college. However, everything listed above, from alarm clocks to cheap textbooks, will surely give you a head start in preparing for life in academia.