Your laptop/spirals/tablet/your preferred note-taking medium. For professors that speak quickly and cover a lot of information in a short amount of time before moving on to the next slide, I always like to use my laptop. Some professors prohibit the use of laptops (even for note-taking). So, I like to use a cheap spiral for class in which I will write information/graphics with the knowledge that they don’t have to be perfect. This is just to ensure that I get the information down. When I get home I transfer all of the notes into a nicer spiral to look over later. This also works to help me retain the information!
My all-time favorite spiral notebooks are the Exceed Five Subject Notebooks. I love these because in the front they have a world map, a punctuation chart, a metric unit conversion chart, spelling rules, a ruler, and a glossary of general reference and research sites.
Loose-leaf paper. This is especially helpful for me because many of my professors will give pop-quizzes/pop-writing assignments. Also great for when a classmate needs to borrow some paper. You can whip it out and make a friend for all semester.
Personally, I like to use Five Star Reinforced Filler Paper by Mead.
Pencil Bag. Naturally, not having to frantically dig around your backpack for a pen/pencil/highlighter makes your day go so much smoother.
I prefer the Mead Five Star Organizer Pencil Pouch.
My pencil bag comes complete with an assortment of pens, pencils, highlighters, two flash drives, a pencil sharpener, and an entire 50 pack of Crayola Super Tips. Yes, my pencil bag fits that much.
Laptop charger & phone charger. I recommend purchasing a powerblock as well to ensure that you don’t have to compete over the use of limited outlets. Thousands of college students across the nation fail to charge their electronics nightly, don’t get caught in the crossfires of that feeding frenzy.
Headphones. Something about not having my music while I’m on the bus or walking across campus really kills my mood for the day.
My planner! Stop writing stuff on your hand or on random pieces of paper. Get yourself a cheap planner. Even if you are not a planner user right now, just forcing yourself to use one for 30 days will forge an unbreakable and life-changing habit! Take it from me.
To Make Your Day Easier
A small umbrella for those days when the weather goes from 75′ and sunny to raining cats and dogs in 3 seconds.
A wallet with your IDs and change. I always kick myself when I didn’t have enough change for the vending machines on campus. I kick myself even harder when I have to ask random strangers for 50 cents to buy a scantron/blue book. Also just a good idea to always have some form of ID on you.
Water bottle. Invest in a super cool, trendy, refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Or just keep refilling the same plastic one.
Deodorant. This is so silly but I am always forgetting to put on deodorant before I walk out the door and I’m 22. When I get to class I realize I’ve forgotten and panic as the Texas heat encompasses me. Travel-sized deodorants are so beneficial.
An emergency tampon/pad. Or two!!! Goes without saying. Surprises are always fun until it’s your period. I keep emergency tampons in my truck, in my apron for work, in my backpack, in my horse trailer. I do not play around.
Ibuprofen/Aspirin
Light snacks. We’re talking a granola bar or seven to keep your stomach from gurgling when you’re taking that exam and of course everyone showed up to class.
A flashdrive.
Chapstick, sunscreen, or lotion can also make you more comfortable sitting in class.
Quick Tips About Backpacks
While, yes, those little fashionable ones are cute, they don’t hold the essentials and can be damaging to your back, causing soreness and discomfort. Buying a Jansport absolutely saved my back and stopped my chronic pain from progressing!
Obviously there are hundreds of amazing brands of backpacks out there, but I strongly urge you to purchase a bag with:
a sleeve inside for your laptop
at least three pockets - so everything has a place
those little mesh side pockets
adjustable (preferably PADDED) shoulder straps!
Another thing! I always place my heavier items (laptop & textbooks) CLOSEST to my back. That way the weight doesn’t drag you down backwards and cause back pain (my doctor literally told me this). This is where having multiple pockets is so helpful.
Adjust your shoulder straps so that you can also maintain good posture while walking. The weight of your backpack + where it sits on your back should not cause you to lean forward or sway backwards in order to compensate. Also fun fact - when I was in middle school I thought it was cool to have a backpack that hung really low (?) and it created a pinched nerve in my neck! Awesome! Don’t be like me!
Remember that backpacks -while they can absolutely be super cute and trendy- are meant to possessfunctionality. Your backpack should carry the essentials you need to have a successful and comfortable day at class.
Lastly, 10/10 would recommend cleaning out your backpack frequently! Make sure it stays organized and free of clutter. I also like to make sure I take all of my spirals and planner out of my backpack each day after class so that after I rest for a bit - I know I have things I need to get to.
Organizing Your Backpack - By Pockets
-Largest pocket (closest to your back):
Heavier items such as your laptop, binders, textbooks, loose leaf paper and planner. Laptop should go inside the sleeve (if applicable).
-Second largest pocket
Items such as your pencil bag, chargers, and umbrella.
-Smallest pocket
Items that you won’t be pulling in and out too frequently, such as headphones, deodorant, chapstick, a flashdrive, snacks, wallet, keys, painkillers, and your emergency tampons (if applicable).
-Side pockets
Here I obviously like to keep my water bottle or coffee thermos. If you have more than one pocket this is also a great place to keep your little umbrella.
Doing well is much easier said than done. The best tip I have is to just do the work. It’s going to suck, but there’s no secret other than doing the work. Though, there are ways to make doing the work easier!
I. Time Management
Have a planner to gain a general idea of your week.
Schedule your time for studying but also schedule time for breaks.
Every morning I check what needs to be done for the day.
I treat college as a 9-5 job with a lunch break. This may not work for everyone, but this thinking allows me to be done by 5, and I usually finish everything for the day by that time.
Take a break after you finish an assignment. Allow yourself to feel proud for finishing and give yourself a reward.
Break up projects into smaller parts, this is incredibly important. It’s easier to do an outline, then a few paragraphs rather than doing an entire essay at once.
It’s not time well used if you don’t focus on the task at hand. If you’re having trouble, get rid of distractions using apps that limit phone/internet usage.
Don’t waste time on techniques that don’t work for you. I don’t rewrite notes, it doesn’t help me study. Instead I do extra textbook problems or I watch a video on the topic.
Sometimes it’s hard to motivate yourself to do the work, to study. Then just do a single problem, a single page or paragraph. Usually starting is the hardest part.
II. Studying & Learning
Be present during class by asking questions and answering problems.
Use phone-locking apps like Forest if you need to to stay focused on the class.
Skim lecture notes ahead of time. You don’t need to take notes on them, the professor will tell you what’s important.
It’s ok if your notes aren’t pretty as long as they’re functional.
Practice problems until you can’t get them wrong.
Try to teach the material to someone else. This will show holes in your understanding. Pretend to teach if you don’t have a friend in the same class.
If you need, study in the library. Honestly, studying at my desk in my dorm has worked just fine for me though.
Do the homework, there’s no way around it. This is probably the biggest tip here. Do the work.
Actually do the homework, don’t just copy answers. Understand the answers. You can’t copy on a test.
Speaking of tests, do as many practice tests as you can find. Once the real test comes around, you won’t be as nervous and it should feel familiar.
Nice pens and notebooks aren’t required. However, spend a dollar and get a pen that writes well enough that you’re not wasting time during class getting it to work. (I’ve been through this)
Do the extra credit. There’s no reason not to, and your grade will thank you.
Go to tutoring, not everyone knows everything. You might even make a new friend since most tutors at my school are also students!
Realistically, you don’t need to do every reading assignment as long as you know what your professor tests on. If you don’t have the time, its fine to only skim the assignment.
Make study groups. If you don’t have a friend in the class, it’s as easy as asking “want to work on the homework together?” In my experience, most people are happy to work with you.
Go to your professors office hours if you need help. Your professors are a valuable resource.
Ask your friends for feedback, I do this all the time.
III. Treat Yourself
Sleep and eat well. Coffee is not a breakfast.
Please, don’t force yourself to cram a subject overnight. This is where time management comes into play.
An over-stressed student is a bad student, but a little bit of stress is healthy.
Find what motivates you. Personally, I wish to become a researcher so I work hard towards that goal to get into a good grad. school.
You don’t have to join a club. I’m not in one, and my social life is just fine since I spend time playing games with friends at night.
But join a club if you want, even for a single day. You might meet some friends.
Really do whatever you want with regards to your social life. Do what’s comfortable for you.
If you need it, colleges have a therapist that you can make an appointment with.
*from someone that survived her own first year of university
university is SO different from high school; a brilliant student in high school can be just a mediocre university student, and this is simply how it is when people from all over the country come together in a class.
so it is okay to stress, but only if afterwards you’re just trying your best! it doesn’t matter how much you already know (though it helps), but how willing you are to learn! so, really, if you want to be there, you can make it!
make sure you eat properly; after a while, your body will start feeling gross and it’ll eventually show in your capacity to do your work. go out, buy that extra meat, extra salads, extra fruits, at least every once in a while. it’s not luxury, it’s a need
go the extra mile. no matter how optional a task may be or how tongue-tied you feel on a particular day, put yourself out there. write that essay, do that projects, speak about your ideas. your teachers really appreciate it when they ask for interractions from students and they provide, and it’s nice to have your teacher know you by face and by actions. it might prove useful when they’re grading you during the finals as well.
go to all (most) of your classes, no matter how optional the attendace is or how little you understand on the moment. in the long run, it will matter, and it’s super helpful to complete all your materials with the extra knowledge you got from the class. and no one and nothing will truly replace a teacher’s explanation.
try to make friends with those around you; most are probably just as lost and lonely as you are and it’s good to have people around you who can motivate you when you’re done or with whom to simply share the struggles of getting an education. sure, not everyone will like you, but those that will, make sure they can stick.
get involved in all the extra programmes that you’re interested in! you’re young and a student once! these opportunities are mostly a once in your lifetime thing! get out there and try everything: go to that book club, get your ass for the cinephile gathering, sign up for exchange programs, help out your teachers with their projects, do volunteer work! whatever floats your boat, but just do it!
also keep your eyes wide open to catch all the interesting lectures happening in your school. check those posters, check those subjects, check those dates and go. most of the times, you’ll leave knowing much more and having something to think on.
do your reading and assignments ahead of time! you don’t want it to be 2 dayss before your first exam, and you still have to finish essays and books.
the library really is your best friend! either as a study place or alternative to spending all your money on the source materials for your homework.
tidy up at least once a week; as school materials will start pile up, it will be harder and harder to find anything and you’ll only just end up frustrated
no one knows you better than you do, so make sure to take only the amount of work you know you can do. it’s okay if you want to keep your first year as free as you can, so you have time to acommodate, and just as okay it is to try all the available classes if you can.
keep your facebook name your real one so people can find you. make sure you’re in every possible group within the first week of university, so you know what’s going on. use said facebook groups to ask about teachers and classes, or find offers on used textbooks that are much cheaper than if you would have bought them yourself.
talk with the upperclassmen if you have questions, or simply for tips! really, it tickles our ego to have people actually interested in the experiences we have to share and most of us are more than happy to clear any misunderstandings or help you guys get a classroom right.
carry pills and proteine bars with you, especially if you spend a long time away from home! you never know when pain or hunger hits you, and it is better to be prepared than sorry.
it became a running joke at this point, i know, but right during the exam period you’ll want to do everything you haven’t done ever. so make sure you nurture your hobbies as well as your studies, and hopefully your interests are not too time consuming or at least require frequent/long breaks.
literally no one cares about how you look; so wear that make-up and nice clothes if you feel up for it, but if you don’t, that’s fine as well.
it will be done in the blink of an eye. so be true to yourself and your wishes, enjoy what you’re studying and, remember, you can do it!
If you couldn’t tell by the things I’ve been reposting lately, finals week has arrived. My first exam is at 8am tomorrow (wish me luck), and I wanted to share some tips and things I’ve learned over the years. Most of this applies to both college and high school, but everyone’s method is gonna be a little different. You do you boo.
Self Care
This is super important. It may seem like you don’t have time to worry about these things but your body is just as important as your mind. Nurture it.
Make your bed. Every morning. If you have to wake up early to give yourself more time, do it. Someone somewhere once said “the state of your bed is the state of your head.”
Brush your teeth. Floss if you can. I know it’s a pain in the ass but it’s literally 2 minutes of your time.
Put on chap-stick. Bring it everywhere, to all your exams, leave some in your car, in your pocket. It’s never fun to have chapped lips.
Wash your face. Morning and night, depending on skin type, etc. This is super important to wash away all of the dirt, makeup, and toxins your skin is exposed to. It also helps to wake you up and get you started. And if you’re anything like me, stress breakouts are always a possibility.
Moisturize. Your face, your arms, your legs, etc. A good facial moisturizer and body lotion can do wonders for your skin and your mood. Do a face mask too, if you really wanna pamper yourself.
Keep your space clean. Where you sleep, where you get ready for bed, and especially where you study. This goes back to making your bed, your surroundings play an important role in your mood and state of mind.
Eat Healthy. Don’t skip meals, your brain needs good nutrition to function. Take it easy on the sugar, you might be on a high for a little while but the crash is real.
Drink. Water. Lots of it. I’m terrible when it comes to this, but I find that keeping a refillable water bottle on me, one that’s easy to take quick sips from, helps a lot. You need to be hydrated in order to function properly. Drink juice to help you stay awake if you’re not a fan of coffee or tea (Idk why but this really helps).
Stay active. Keep moving, get that blood circulating. Whether it’s running, yoga, or a walk in the park, the movement is sure to clear your mind and get those endorphins kicking.
SLEEP. 7-8 hours, ideally. No all-nighters. Don’t even think about it. I limit myself to one all-nighter a semester, and never on the night before an exam. Your brain works to learn and memorize at night, so get your rest and study in the process.Take catnaps between study sessions if you get tired during the day, but don’t sacrifice that sacred sleep for a few extra hours of studying that will haunt you the entire next day.
Studying
Now that you’re all zenned out, you can fill your brain with all that dope knowledge.
Go to review days. Your teacher should explain what’s on the exam and what she expects of you, and if you skip you could miss out on important details like room and time. It may seem like skipping gives you more time to study, but you’ll be at a disadvantage in the end.
Summarize. Outline/summarize/prep class content expected on the exam. Being able to summarize content and place it in an order that makes sense shows understanding, and it’ll help you figure out what you need to work on most.
Find study stations. Coffee shops, the campus library, bookstores, diners, you name it. Study anywhere but home, at least not alone. I sometimes crash at my friend’s place and we’ll have silent study sessions, keeping each other in check.
Use a time management tool. I use the app Forest, or the chrome extension. When you use the timer, you plant a tree or a bush and it grows until the timer is up. I like it because when I use it on my phone, I set the timer for 25 minutes and I can’t exit the app or the tree dies. On chrome, you can blacklist certain websites that distract you, and if you visit that website during your study session, the tree dies. Don’t kill trees people.
Prioritize. What exam do you have first? How prepared are you for it? Which exam will be the hardest/are you least prepared for? Use your sessions wisely and focus on the material you don’t know as well.
Method. What works for you? Are you an auditory learner? Record your notes and listen to them in the car or while you work out. Kinesthetic? Rewrite your notes, make models, etc. Visual? Find good pictoral representations of your content and try drawing diagrams. It’s super important to find a study method that works for you, and everyone’s is gonna be a little different.
Come prepared. Buy pencils, scantrons, and erasers beforehand and come to your exam with everything you need (i.e. calculator). Hand lotion, chap-stick, and deep breathing are great ways to calm yourself before an exam. If you’re religious - pray, spiritual - meditate/center yourself, non of the above - have faith in yourself and your abilities.
Dress comfy. If sweats are the way you roll, then go with it. If you feel more productive dressing a little nicer, have at it.
Trust yourself. Stop second guessing yourself. Trust in your work. Honestly, we doubt ourselves way more than we should. Don’t underestimate yourself, love. You show that exam who’s boss.
Celebrate. You’re done! Congrats on another exam finished, another day slayed, and another semester behind you.
I have complied a list of all of the items someone needs to pack and bring to college if they are living in a residence hall. This list is categorized and alphabetized for your convenience.
Reblog this to help others who are struggling with their college checklist!
Bed:
Bed sheets (2 sets)
Bed Risers (optional)
Blankets
Body Pillow
Comforter
Mattress Pad
Pillowcases
Pillows (2-3)
Bathroom:
Cup for toothbrushes
Paper towels
Shower curtain
Shower curtain hooks
Shower curtain liner
Shower organizer/shower caddy
Trashcan
Toilet Paper
Towels
Towel rack (over the door)
Washcloths
Q-tips
Room:
Command Hooks
Curtains
Desk lamp
Keurig (optional)
Microwave (optional)
Mini-fridge (optional)
Rug
Surge protector
Toaster
Trash can
Medical:
Advil/Tylenol/Aleeve
Band aids
Cotton balls/rounds
Hydrogen Peroxide
Midol
Neosporin
Rubbing Alcohol
Laundry:
Delicate bag
Dryer Sheets
Hangers (thin felt or wooden hangers)
Laundry hamper
Tide Pods
Toiletries/Personal:
Brush/Comb
Conditioner
Deodorant
Eyeliner
Floss
Foundation
Hand Soap
Kleenex Tissue
Lotion
Makeup organizer
Mouthwash
Pads/tampons (for the ladies)
Razors
Retainer (for those who’ve had braces)
Retainer case (don’t forget)
Shampoo
Shaving Cream
Sunscreen
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Tweezers
Q-Tips
Clothing: (Female)
Bras
Dresses (I’m taking 3 or 4)
Jackets
Jeans
Pajamas (are a MUST)
Panties (15-20 pairs)
Pants (dress pants)
Purse (I’m only taking one)
Robe (a MUST)
Shirts (20-25)
Shoes (1-5)
Shorts
Slippers
Socks (24 pairs)
Sweaters
Swim Suit
Workout clothes (in case)
Clothing (Male)
Belt
Boxers/other undergarments
Jackets
Jeans
Robe
Shirts
Shoes
Shorts
Socks
Sweaters
School Supplies:
Backpack
Binder
Colored Pencils (you’d be surprised)
Cup for pencils
Desk Organizer
Erasers
Folders
Folder/Letter Holder
Glue
Highlighters
Index cards
Index card holder
Markers
Mechanical pencils
Notebooks (8)
(college ruled) paper
Pens
Post-it Notes
Post-it Note Dispenser
Ruler
Scissors
Staples & Stapler
Tape & tape dispenser
Cleaning Supplies:
Air Freshener
Broom & dustpan
Clorox Wipes
Gloves
Swiffer Sweeper (optional)
Tiny Trash Bags
Toilet Bowl Brush
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Other:
Alarm Clock
Car charger
Computer mouse
Flash Drive/USB/External hard drive
Headphones
Laptop
Laptop Charger
Phone
Phone Charger
Food:
Bottled Water (or Brita filter)
Cereal
Chips
Mac and Cheese Cups
Tupperware Containers
If this list helped you and you decide to do a dorm haul video, send the links to the blog and I will post them!
Note: If you are going to have a roommate, divide some of the cleaning supplies and bathroom items among each other to avoid having duplicate items (such as multiple shower curtains.) If you do not have your own bathroom, please disregard the bathroom items and some of the cleaning supplies.
Wear jeans/pants that “breathe” and bring a sweater, even if it’s scorching hot out, until you know which building blasts the AC to 60 degrees F and which feels like a sauna
Backpacks with thick straps are your friend! Messenger bags are cool and all but if you’re commuting with a lot of stuff, symmetrically styled backpacks are better for your back
You are your own person and you can walk out whenever you need to or want to, so long as you’re not disrupting the class. Meaning you can go to the bathroom without permission, take a breather if you’re anxious, answer an important phone call, etc.
If you don’t like the class on the first day, if you can- DROP THAT CLASS AND TAKE ANOTHER ONE! It’ll only get worse from there!
If you can, take a class outside your major; it’s a good break from your expected studies.
You are in charge of your schedule. Your adviser and guidance counselor is there to ‘advise and guide’ but if you don’t like certain classes and you can substitute for others, that’s your choice.
Consequently, if you are changing anything drastic in your plan, talk with your adviser and instructors.
Pay attention to your credit hours and grades. Never leave this to the last week of school, you will be sorry and stressed beyond belief!
Unless it’s a lab book or otherwise specified, go to the class for a week or sobefore buying an expensive textbook. Some classes, while having it on their required list, do not actually use the textbook a whole lot and you might find some of it scanned online. Rent if you can or buy used online (schools actually don’t give discounts). Use your best judgement on what you think you need.
Tell the people who go up to you selling or advertising things you are not interested in that you are in a rush to class and don’t have time to listen to them. It’s less rude and they’ll leave you alone.
The smaller the class, the better it is to have some sort of acquaintanceship with a couple classmates. They might save your ass if you are absent one day or need to study. And talking with them makes the time go by faster without it being so insufferable.
You don’t need to join a club or sport, but internships are cool and useful!
If you can afford it, take a day off once or twice each semester if you’re too exhausted. Just be aware of what you missed and if it was worth missing!
Your health is the most important, this goes for mental health too!! Note: College-age/upper teens is when mental disorders like depression and anxiety are most commonly diagnosed. Most schools have therapy services, especially during exam time. Look into it if you need to!
Communicate with your professor if you are having trouble with something. Anything.
Eat and stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle and snack to class.
All-nighters will happen but never go over 36 hours without sleep.
It’s going to be hard and there will be times you might think about giving up. This WILL happen. You just have to make sure what you’re doing isn’t making you absolutely miserable and/or there is something rewarding and positive to look forward to at the end!
[Disclaimer: this is a U.S. version and written based on my experiences; it’s important to keep these points in mind, but know that nothing is ever 100% accurate as each university and college runs differently to some degree. The intention of this post is to make aware of the big potential circumstances one might run into and what to do. It’s by no means a complete list and it’s important to get advice from multiple sources as well! Thanks for reading and I hoped I helped at least a few people! c:]
Your parents will hover like crazy and try to help you unpack when you move in. They mean well, but if you’re overwhelmed don’t be afraid to kick them out for a bit.
Don’t ask your RA what bars to hit up in town (like one girl from my floor actually did)
Check your e-mail five times a day, your professors might be sending out syllabi or other helpful/important stuff ahead of time.
You will cry at least once while buying textbooks from the campus bookstore that you couldn’t find used on Chegg (sidenote: use Chegg)
Your dining hall probably has pizza available for every meal. Don’t eat pizza for every meal.
Even if you hated salads your entire life, you will learn to love them so that, you know, you don’t eat pizza for every meal.
Check your dining hall hours online. Some of them close between meals.
Leave your door open or do random Internet browsing in the floor lounge if you want to meet more people.
At least one of your posters will constantly fall down no matter how many 3M command strips you use.
A lot of campus events are lame. A lot of them are not. Go to as many of them as you can anyways to meet more people.
If you need time to yourself, take it. You’ll make friends eventually without having to hang out with them constantly.
Don’t expect to become BFFs with everyone you meet, and don’t expect to become best friends over your first weekend.
If you’re standing if a long period of time, bend/relax your knees every so often. If you keep them locked, you might trigger a nerve in your body that causes you to pass out (this may or may not have happened to me on my second day, oops)
Drink water.
Carry an umbrella if there is the slightest chance of rain. Carry one even if there isn’t, just in case.
Carry a sweater or hoodie always.
Pokemon Go is lit on college campuses; every single building is a gym or pokestop and there are lures everywhere. Plus, your eggs hatch in no time because you’re walking everywhere.
It’s okay to eat alone in a dining hall; either no one will care or someone will sit at your table and strike up a conversation.
If you really, really don’t want to eat alone, literally just knock on someone’s door in your hall. If they don’t want to go with you, try someone else. Chances are, someone else might be hungry, too or at least willing to walk over with you.
Come up with a roommate agreement. Decide when you’re cleaning, sharing policy, guest policy, light and noise preferences, etc.
If there is a massive involvement fair on campus, research some clubs online so you know what to look for. Otherwise you’ll be overwhelmed in two seconds.
Join a group chat with people on your floor or in the same area of study as you, it’s super helpful for general information.
Ask everyone you talk to to add you on Snapchat.
Simple things like taking out the trash or doing laundry will suddenly feel very overwhelming.
You learn a lot of stuff from being in college for only three days and not even taking any classes.
