Ah back to school...one of the most nerve racking, yet exciting times of the entire year. By now you're probably a certified pro at this thanks to your K-12 years. Grab your backpack, throw in some notebook paper, pick a cute outfit, show up, and your set to go. I'm here to tell you that college is a whole new ballgame. You're on your own now. No one is responsible for you, except for yourself. College opens a new door that welcomes freedom and excitement, but with it also comes huge responsibility and a heavy load of stress. Here are a few pieces of advice to motivate you for the first day, prepare you for what is to come, and give you that boost of confidence that will make your first day feel like a breeze.
1. Create A Back To School Playlist
Yes, this may sound a little lame, but trust me; this is one of the best ways to pump up your motivation for tackling back to school. A lot of times it's easy to feel stuck in a "lazy summertime" state of mind, but all you need is the right song to change that. Here's my back to school top 10 playlist.
1. "ABC" -The Jackson 5
2. "Walking On Sunshine" -Katrina And The Waves
3. "Here Comes The Sun" -The Beatles
4. "Don't Worry, Be Happy" -Bob McFerrin
5. "Send Me On My Way" -Rusted Root
6. "I Will Survive" -Gloria Gaynor
7. "Perfect Day" -Hoku
8. "We Will Rock You" -Queen
9. "Don't Stop Believin'" -Journey
10. "Happy" -Pharrell Williams
2. Cute School Supplies
I know this may sound a little cliche, but it really does help. Having school supplies that you're proud of and excited to use is a quick motivator to jump into your first day. You are also more likely to stay organized throughout the semester if you set yourself up for success from the beginning.
First things first, you'll need a book bag. I am a strong believer that it is 100 percent OK to invest in an expensive book bag. Spending the money now is well worth it to have a well-made bag that will last you a few years, if not your entire college career. I suggest a NorthFace bag. They are extremely spacious, filled with pockets, and last a very long time. I've had mine for three years, and fully intend to keep carrying it.
Next you'll need binders. I use one 1 inch binder for each class to store syllabi, handouts, and graded work in. I've found the Avery clear cover binders to be the longest lasting. You can find these at mostly any store that sells school supplies. I purchased mine at Target.
You will also need some form of notebook for each class to take notes in. You can also just use loose leaf notebook paper, but I think that storing notes in a notebook keeps your notes together and in order by date. Any notebooks will work, spiral or composition, but I found these super cute spirals at Kmart. They are knockoff Vera Bradley prints that were on sale. How do you beat that?
Finally, you will need supplies to fill your pencil pouch. I love using colorful pens for note taking, because not only does it look pretty, but it helps your mind lock in the information you're writing down if you can see the words stand out. I found some felt tip pens that are extremely easy to use. You will also need pencils. College students are widely known to lose pencils or borrow pencils and never give them back. If you know you can't keep up with your pencils I recommend getting a large pack of cheap pencils, so that you never run out. I, however, am very stingy when it comes to my pencils. I don't share them or lend them out (I know, what a mean classmate). I only bought three pencils, and my goal is to keep all three. You will also need a couple black or blue pens, maybe a Sharpie, and a flashdrive. I also recommend a three-hole punch and a stapler, because college professors rarely have their own. One last thing I have found to be helpful are PostIts. Often times you are not allowed to write in your college books unless you buy them instead of renting (which on a college student budget, you probably won't do). Sliding in PostIts here and there is a great way to keep track of important passages and jot down notes in your textbooks. Again, I found all of these items at Target.
As far as storage, I keep a plastic crate in my car for binders and supplies that I won't be using that day or that I won't need until later in the day. The crate keeps them from sliding around and getting lost in the black hole that is underneath my seats. I also have a file folder that I keep old handouts and tests in that I don't need to see again until finals. I found both things at Target...shocker.
3. First Day Outfit
I'm sure you've heard this before, but dress for success! As your first day approaches you may want to go ahead and pick out your first day outfit. Picking it out ahead of time will save you the rush and panic the morning of your first day. In college you have free range to dress however you'd like. Express your self, but always make sure you are comfy. There's a lot of walking in your future, and the last thing your want are blisters on your feet from your brand new flats. Here are three simple options to start your first day off right.
Option One: A Little Dressed Up
A cute pair of printed shorts, a loose tank top, and simple accessories. This outfit is very cute, and still comfortable for a long day of walking.
Option Two: Casual Cute
This option is slightly more laid back, but still cute. A comfortable pair of jeans, a simple tee, and practical walking sandals are perfect for a day full of first impressions.
Options Three: The Classic College Uniform
This is my personal favorite, and my usual go-to. A preppy t-shirt, Nike shorts, and tennis shoes is as comfortable and practical as it gets. While this outfit may seem a little too dressed down, it is completely acceptable in the college community and almost as comfy as pajamas.
4. Mapping and Planning
In high school, you received your schedule sometimes the day before classes started, glanced at your teachers, and were fully confident that you would be able to find your classrooms the next day. Remove this plan from your mind. College campuses are anything but easy to navigate through. Something I've learned is that it is wise to find a copy of a campus map (print online or find a free copy usually located in your schools student center) and circle each building you will visit throughout your week. Next go online and find a map of bus routes within the college campus. Locate the most reliable bus to take you from one place to another. In most cases, you may be taking multiple buses per day. It's smart to be prepared and ready to catch your bus to ensure you will make it to class on time. Keep a planner with you at all times with a list of your classes and what time they start and end. I also like to visit my school a couple days before classes start to find my parking lot, figure out the buses, and track down where each class is. This way you'll have time to run around in circles, get lost a couple times, and get frustrated with your campus before the first day.
Hopefully these tips and bits of advice will help kick start your motivation and ease your mind a little. College is a scary new step in your life, but it's also an amazing and memorable adventure that will take you to where your life is meant to go. Be prepared and get excited. Also, don't expect perfection. There will be a few flaws and mix ups during your first week. Just remember you are one of millions of college students starting off a new year. You're never alone, and every little thing is gonna be alright.
