Being in college is a new journey that will take you away from the sheltered life you once knew. It is like being one step closer towards the real world and the college experience is one that is frightening and exciting at the same time. If you are a freshman who is about to embark on this new adventure, you need to be prepared especially if you will be living in a dorm with new people. A college checklist for freshman is essential to ensure your survival especially since this will be your first year. Here are some of the top things you need to prepare yourself for.

10. The Essentials School Supplies

Before you start classes, it is very important that you have most of the things you need so that you can be prepared. For instance, a computer or a laptop should be one of the things you need to have as this will be used for school work and research. At the same time, you also need to have a supply of pens, a calculator, a memory card, notepads and an extension cord as well. You will also need a good bag or a box to hold all your stuff with.

9. Organizing

College life can be hectic especially if you are balancing out a bunch of classes, which is why you need certain things to remain organized all the time. To manage your schedule, you need to have a calendar so you can keep track of your obligations and dates. In order to keep time on a tight leash, an alarm clock or a digital watch is also crucial so you won’t be late for anything as much as possible.

8. Emergency Items

Living in a dorm is not necessarily what you would call a sheltered life. In this jungle, you need to have are a few things with you when certain emergencies occur. First of all, you will need a flashlight and a supply of batteries for unexpected times when the power goes out. A first-aid kit is essential for injuries and a basic tool box is also something you need to have for emergency repairs. You also need to have a supply of medicine so if and when you fall ill, you won’t have to run back home to get treatment.

7. Personal Stuff

This goes without saying: your personal hygiene is very important and you need to bring with you all the things you can to remain clean. Besides soap and shampoo, you also need to have with you a couple of bath towels, flip-flops for shower, a deodorant, nail clippers, shaving cream and items for doing laundry.

6. Miscellaneous Items

Since you won’t be in class all the time, there are instances when you can relax in your room. That being said, having a TV set as well as a DVD player is somewhat important so you can sit back and relax. An MP3 player, a fridge, coffee maker and a microwave are other items that you might need to have in order to get a better quality of life while in college.

5. The Bed

Of course, having a bed in your dorm room is one of the very first things you need to think of before moving to the campus. Make sure that you get one that is comfortable and you can actually sleep in. You don’t have to get an expensive one. A bed that is comfortable to sleep in will suffice.

4. Money

Even if you are enrolled and your education has been paid for already, you need to have an additional stash with you for emergency expenses as well as leisure. Besides cash, you need to have a debit card to hold your money with and if you’re lucky enough to have generous folks, a credit card for emergency situations will be of great help.

3. Food and Beverages

Other than brining in a huge load for when you first move in, you need to keep a steady supply of food to avoid getting hungry. Not all campuses have 24 hour food courts and sometimes at night, you can get hungry. Have some ramen with you or snacks for those pesky nights when you and your stomach do not agree with one another.

2. Reading Materials

You can’t watch TV all the time and sometimes you might just want to read a good book and relax. Besides, you can take a book with you anywhere you go. Have a couple of interesting books with you before you move into campus.

1. WD-40 and Duct Tape

You know what they say: if it can’t be fixed by duct tape it can’t be fixed at all. Having a roll of duct tape with you can help those emergency situations that need instant fixer-uppers. Make sure you have WD-40 and duct tape with you in your dorm room at all times as an essential thing in your college checklist for freshman.