It was not too long ago I found myself kissing my parents goodbye and standing awkwardly with my roommate in our new dorm trying to figure out what to do next. Nor was it too long ago that I sat in the middle of my room, yelling for my mother that we had forgotten something on the packing list so we had to go back to the store. However, in the time span that I shall classify as "not too long ago", I learned a lot about the things that College Confidential forgot to mention or Target neglected to sell me in their flyer. I feel it's my civic duty to share what I have learned between now and "not too long ago" so that others can be slightly more prepared than I was.
You Will Get Bored
The summer before I went to school, I said I wouldn't need a TV. I said I would be so occupied working with school stuff and being the social butterfly I envisioned myself to be. It goes without saying that the TV and my PS3 were probably the most needed things in that room by the end of the semester. First of all, my school provides cable to all those who decide to bring a TV. With shows like Pretty Little Liars and Dance Moms available to you, you have now found yourself a reasonable excuse to stop studying and something to discuss tomorrow with your friends.
That's just one aspect of the TV perks... now we introduce the game console. My console of choice? The PS3. I am not a hardcore gamer, but I like to have the option to come to my room and play Assassin's Creed for three hours if I so please. It's a good way to bond with people with multiplayer levels and new game releases happening miraculously during the semester (honestly... who planned that?) but also there is this amazing thing called Netflix and it has been nothing but a complete asset to me.
Netflix used to have good movies, but the one thing I have to commend Netflix for is their collection of television shows. I genuinely love it for the television and this is a good way to bond with people. The random independent movies are excellent ways to chat with people. My best friend and I have days where we hang out for a couple of hours and watch random independent movies. I have to say, it's been a rewarding experience. As if I couldn't list any more reasons to get that TV you are contemplating and to bring your game console, sometimes it's nice to have the TV there when its rainy outside and that studying you know you need to do... is just not happening.
It's the Little Things
It's the little things that make the difference on those "Meh" days. What little things am I talking about? I'm talking about splurging to get the neon coloured notebook as opposed to those boring paper ones in those unflattering shades. I am talking about getting those nifty sticky notes (I personally can attest to owning a panda sticky note set and a rainbow set) instead of boring yellow. I am talking about splurging on a super cute laptop case or a backpack if you know you aren't going to change them for a while. The little things that make you more productive or at the very least, make you smile will make you deserve those little perks.
Always Have Water!
I cannot tell you how important drinking water is to your college experience. I mean, besides the fact you need it to live your day to day life, but sometimes you can't afford that soda in the café.
Let's be honest, you aren't always going to have what you want in your dorm fridge and with the wide expanse of fountain drinks that the cafeteria houses, there is no shame in using a reusable bottle or even an old (rinsed out) bottle from something else to bring back some soda/lemonade.
Be Smart With Textbooks
Remember in elementary and middle school when you used to have to buy Book Sox for all of your textbooks? My mother used to complain about the egregious prices for the ones I wanted. However in this day and age, when you are paying for your textbooks and you have to dole out serious bills for them, that money is worth it. As you know (or soon will find out) the better the condition of your books, the more money you will receive after the bookstore fleece you. However, if you are super clever, you have made connections by trying to sell your books to someone who is looking for a good deal. If you are going to take anything away from this post: go to Target (or wherever you buy school supplies) and pick up some Book Sox.
Own a Fan...
No matter how perfect they may seem, a lot of schools are notorious for not having appropriate heating and cooling. My school decided that it would be cute to not turn the burning heat off until the first week of May in the warmest winter and spring the Northeast has seen in decades. I wish I had bought a fan so I wouldn't have had to exacerbate my allergies by sleeping pressed up against my window on the worst of the days.
... Be a Fan
Show some school spirit. I mean, don't be afraid to go all out. Find your sports niche. My school unfortunately doesn't have football (every fall, I find myself wearing Notre Dame apparel - go Fighting Irish!), so I distanced myself from my school because it's shameful that we don't have football. I found myself purchasing season tickets for our men's basketball team. One of the best purchases I made that year. I made amazing friends at the games. I got excited, painted my face and did the cheers. I loved the experience and I recommend everyone to go to one game to see if that's your scene. Some teams will have free tickets for students or discounted, so there really is no excuse!
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