For many teenagers, going to college is the first time they are out on their own and must fend for themselves. This often means the excitement of becoming a real adult. It also often means that they find themselves without things that they should have taken to college to have a smooth transition.
A Solid Laptop
The first thing you need to do is get a laptop for school. When choosing a laptop, keep in mind that you’ll want something strong enough to hold your files and still operate quickly while you’re in class. You’ll want something tough enough to withstand being jostled around in backpacks or accidentally dropped when you’re studying, but it also needs to be light enough for you to carry it around as needed. Aim for something mid-range. Purchasing something too cheap will mean replacement perhaps even before freshman year is up, but you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars either.
Important Documents
Some people never realize this, but you’ll likely need some of your most important documents when you’re away at college. This is especially true if you’re going to college out of state or even out of the country. Bring both paper copies and digital copies of not only your driver’s license or state identification card but your official college documents and acceptance letter. You’ll also want your accommodation documents, bank information, bank card, health insurance and dental insurance information, and passport photos.
Bathroom and Dorm Room Items
When you’re packing, you likely are thinking of clothes, hair products, shoes, and other everyday items. The list of items you’ll need for your dorm room and the bathrooms is much larger than that, though. Start with your dorm room. You’ll need to purchase sheets, a comforter, pillows, pillowcases, and mattress pads to ensure you sleep comfortably. You may want a backup alarm clock in case your phone ever dies in the middle of the night as well. For the bathroom, pack paper towels and toilet paper, tissues, towels and washcloths, and shower shoes if you share with other people. A shower caddy is excellent for carrying shampoo and body wash, too. Other items to consider include storage bins for under the bed and ear plugs if you tend to be a light sleeper.
Other Electronics
Your laptop isn’t the only electronic that you’ll need. If you like to play music, you’ll want portable speakers. You may also want an HDMI cord, especially if you intend to hook up a game system. If your dorm doesn’t have wireless internet, you’ll need an ethernet cord as well. 3-2 prong adapters, extension cords, and surge protectors will help to protect your electronics. Finally, don’t forget your headphones.
College is one of the best experiences in many people’s lives. If you want to thrive both academically and socially, it helps to be prepared. Use this list to help you determine which items you need to bring with you to college and which ones you can leave at home.