1. A Planner

I know what you're thinking. "A planner? Isn't that obvious?"

Actually no. All those years in grade school, they have been preparing for us to go to college, and forcing us to have those planners was actually a good thing. Imputing due dates, special lectures, or club/chapter meetings into your planner as soon as you get them will actually help you balance all your priorities in life. Whether they're academic, social, or work related, it's best to put them all in as a visual reference. It can keep you from overloading yourself with too many commitments and allows you to prioritize.

2. GroupMe and Venmo

When I entered college, I had no idea what GroupMe and Venmo were, or how to use them. Both are recommended apps to help you get through college. Highly. Recommended. Venmo is an essential for broke college kids without cash on them. It's easy to pay your friends back, split a pizza, or even just look at all the cool things your friends are doing. But I can guarantee you will use GroupMe at some point. Whether it's to communicate with your assigned partners, ask preceptors difficult homework questions, keep in touch with all your sorority sisters, or slide into your cute classmate's DMs. It is a messaging app that will make life much easier from here on out.

3. A Computer

I feel like this one is a given as well, but the more I think about it, going on to campus and seeing every one with their laptops was kind of a culture shock from high school. Some professors might not allow computers, but they can be used to keep lecture notes. I often find that OneNote is easier, and more environmentally friendly than a million notebooks. So many universities run with assignments entirely online. Going through college in this age of technology is certainly a lot easier.

4. Friends

It's important to note that if you're not living on campus, college can be pretty lonely. It's also important to note that living on campus, college forces you to make friends. College is extremely social, and that social atmosphere pushes you to learn in so many different ways. Friends will introduce you to new interests, friends, and places. This journey isn't always easy, but when has making friends ever been completely flawless?

5. An Open Mind

College will challenge your mental health, and it's best to go in with an open mind. Trust me, nothing is scarier than going into college than having told yourself all summer that it would be scary. College is a prime opportunity to grow in all walks of life, and is preparing you for the reality that is the real world. College is the real time to learn, so make the most of it.