Attendance

OKAY DON’T ROLL YOUR EYES AT ME! YES, you’re in college, and YES you could technically skip classes without anyone caring. But you shouldn’t. When you skip a class, you are essentially burning a $100 bill. You’re paying to be in class, so be in class.

Backpack

Your backpack will become your life in a bag for the next four years. Have essentials like books, cords, pens, notebook and your laptop, but also throw in other items like a Tide-To-Go pen, gum, bandaids, chapstick, snacks, and a water bottle.

Coffee

I feel like this doesn’t need much explanation...

Doctors

Even though you’re away from your doctor at home, you still should be seeing a doctor regularly, especially if you come down with some sickness (there are lots of germs in college.) Lots of colleges offer clinics for flu shots and other immunizations, so take full advantage of those.

Effort

You get out of college what you put into it. Simple enough.

Fashion

No one cares if you show up to class in your pajamas, the same clothes you wore yesterday, or a dress and heels. Literally no one. So dress how you want. Wear what makes YOU comfortable.

Grades

You’re in college to get an education, but one bad midterm grade (or final grade, for that matter) isn’t the end of the world. It happens to the best of us. Try visiting your professor’s office hours or the tutoring center to get help bringing it up.

Headphones, chargers, and cords

Don’t be caught anywhere without them.

Involvement

From the moment you set foot on campus, you should get involved with as many clubs and organizations as you can. Don’t overcommit yourself, but being a part of various clubs gives you the chance to make new friends, and explore your interests!

Jobs/Internships

Even if you don’t need (or want) the extra spending money, you should for sure get a job. It’s a good way to keep you busy, as well as (hopefully) get some experience in your field before you even graduate!

Kindness

The simplest act of kindness can easily make someone’s day. Smile at people across the quad or hold open the doors for others. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever a waste.

Lifelong

You never know who you’re going to meet in college. Maybe your future maid of honor, best man, or even spouse. A lot of these relationships are going to last years after graduation, and that’s important. Take time to build and maintain those relationships because hopefully, those people will be sticking around for a while.

Majors/Minors

You are going to change your major (more than likely), and that’s perfectly fine. Keep your mind open to different career options, and major options. Don’t be so determined to keep your original major that you’re blinded by all the other options out there.

Nutella

Keep a drawer stocked with guilty pleasure treats or yummy snacks, just in case. Popcorn for impromptu movie nights, or Nutella and pretzels, a personal favorite of mine. You would be surprised how much Nutella can boost your mood.

Organization

Planners, calendars, and to-do lists are your best friends. Keep an online calendar of events, homework, and other obligations that sync on both your laptop and phone. It makes it easier to keep all the balls in the air.

Protection

Anti-virus software, extended warranties, and protective cases are a must have on your college checklist. Believe me, my life proof phone case has saved my life many of times, just this year alone. You won’t believe how quickly and easily a cup of apple cider can spill on your laptop. So give yourself the best opportunity to protect your precious technology.

Questions

Question everything. Make sure you understand completely all of the materials in class because it will be on the exam.

Roommates

Your roommate can make your college experience wonderful, or miserable. Make sure you openly communicate disagreements when they happen. Bottling up frustration will just lead to an explosion later, and no one wants that. If you and your roomie just aren’t meant to be, don’t sweat it. You can alway switch at the end of the semester.

STUDY!

No matter how little you studied in high school, you’re going to have to study in college. There’s just no way around it. You’ve got to step up your game and get creative to keep that knowledge in your cranium.

Time Management

One of the biggest perks of college is not having to devote seven hours of your day, every day of the week. Most classes meet every other day, which means your homework doesn’t have to be done by the next day. Also, you might have blocks of time in between your classes but try to avoid excessive napping (or Netflixing) during your free time. Take advantage of spare moments to get some work done.

Uniqueness

Be yourself. There is no one in the world who can pull off YOU as well as YOU CAN! College is a time of discovering yourself, and finding out who you really are as a person, friend, and professional. So don’t try to fit yourself into certain molds. It’s not worth your time, or energy.

Volunteer

There are so many great opportunities to volunteer in your college community. You are lucky enough to be attending a university and getting a higher education, so take the time to pay it forward.

Weather

You’ll be walking to class every day so make sure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Come equipped with rain boots, snow boots, a rain jacket, an umbrella, hats, mittens, scarves and a winter coat.

(E)Xercise

A quick jog or a 30-minute workout is a great way to relieve stress after a long day or get your blood pumping before a busy day.

Youth

College is the time of your life. You should absolutely keep your eyes on the prize (a degree, obviously), but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses as much as you can. Make memories, make best friends, and make relationships that last. You’ll never be this young again.

Zzzzz

Don’t discount the importance of sleep. You can’t go to bed at two in the morning and expect to wake up for an 8 A.M. class fully awake and attentive. Even if you don’t get the full eight hours, you still need some quality beauty rest.