It is time for me to begin my last year of college, and I have learned quite a lot of things throughout my three years of school so far. The best thing I have learned, is that it is really easy to over pack for when it comes time to move away from your family for the first time. The most common struggle that every freshman has is: "What do I bring with me?" Okay, I’ll just bring everything just in case. Well, that’s one way to do it but it probably won’t be the best way, especially when you don’t have enough cars to fit your whole house into! Here are a few things that I think are essentials and things that every freshman college student should bring/ do for their first year!

Communicate with your Roommates.

Get to know each other before you move in! This is key because you guys will get to figure out what you guys have in common and what similar or non-similar tastes you have. Definitely talk about the color themes you want to go with for the room and who has what items so that you don’t bring doubles of things!

Bring a Fridge.

Even if your room or hall is supplied with a fridge, if you can, bring your own. You will not regret it, trust me! There is going to be that one roommate or floor resident that believes that they are entitled to everyone’s food and will just eat it without asking. I don’t know about you, but that would get old real fast! So bring your own fridge and put it under your bed to save some more room. This will keep your mind at ease for when it comes to your favorite ice cream staying safe from others!

Stay Organized.

The college dorms are not as big as you would want them to be. So, staying organized is key for multiple reasons. Having an organized room will keep your roommate happy which will mean happier times for the both of you and it will keep your anxiety levels at a low. When it comes time for midterms or finals, tripping over your shoes or piles of clothes is not something that you want to deal with after a late night study session. The shelves with the cubes are a great option to keep your things in and the cubes always come in cute patterns/colors as well. Check it out!

Bring Snacks.

People always joke about being a broke college student but honestly, it is not a joking matter. There have been many times that I have found Ramen Noodles to be a lifesaver. You can spend your money super-fast while you are living in the dorms because your friends always want to go out to eat and there is a Taco Bell right around the corner and that night class always leaves you starving every time. Be sure to bring food that doesn’t go bad easily and make sure you stack up on snacks as well. Save yourself the hassle of being broke all the time and use your meal plan when you can and eat your food that you have in the room!

College is a blast, don’t get me wrong. I am going into my Senior Year wishing I was a freshman again, time goes by way too fast. Don’t let these little things that I mention go by the wayside for when it comes time to moving in for the first time. Build friendships with your roommate and suite mates and be smart with what you pack and what you buy. You will enjoy having the extra spending money because of it and you won’t have to worry about asking your parents for money all the time.

Best of luck to you on your freshman year!