As this year comes to an end, I realize how much I've learned from my experiences here so far. From schedules to dorm necessities, there is a lot I could've done differently.

Don't bring so much stuff.

Coming into Freshman year, my mom and I were constantly picking up unnecessary items that I now know I would absolutely never need for next year. Things like:

Extra chairs

Beanbags

Too many clothes that I brought because I thought I would learn to like the outfits I usually hate

Too many toiletries (I still haven't even used half of the things I brought)

A TV (we have laptops)

A ton of towels (I literally have used 1/5 and washed the same one

ARE COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. With a split double in Brewster, it is already difficult enough to make space and the extra clutter does not help keep my room clean.

Bring important things:

Despite the fact that, yes, a lot of things are too much, before I come back I am going to stock up on the things that I wish I had more of.

Extra shampoo and conditioner

The clothes that I know I will absolutely wear

Two sets of sheets

MORE SNACKS

Enjoy the time we have

This year, I constantly found myself not living in the moment. Everybody told me that these four years will go by quickly and unfortunately they were so right. Next year I am going to take advantage of every day we have here.