1. Plenty of Coffee.

So you remembered your coffee maker and plenty of coffee mugs. But of course you forgot to bring actual coffee. Drop everything and run, not walk, to the nearest store and pick up your favorite brew. You’ll need this coffee to relax after a stressful first week of classes, to stay up to get ahead on readings, and also to bring a little joy and happiness into your busy schedule.

2. Lots of chocolate.

It’s important to have a good supply of chocolate handy for those nights when you feel like curling up in ball and crying. I’m not going to lie to you, the first week — the first semester for that matter — is extremely stressful and hard to form a routine. But that’s okay! That’s where chocolate comes in!

3. Something special from home.

For those days when you really need chocolate, you may also want some sense of familiarity. Make sure that you pack something from home that you love. I brought a blanket that I had on my bed that I would use all the time if I was up studying or simply just watching TV. It always smelled like home and helped me greatly when I felt homesick.

4. A planner/calendar.

A planner or calendar is essential the first week of school. You will receive your syllabus during the first class and a lot of the campus clubs will already have meeting dates to give you. In order to keep yourself organized, it is important to take some time and transfer all important dates into your own personal planner.

5. A plan for the weekend.

Your first week of college is going to be stressful. If you have met some cool people in your classes, at a school club, mixer, or simply just someone from your floor, try to make some plans with them for the weekend. Don’t stay in your room alone watching Netflix, as tempting as that may sound. Go see a movie, go to a comedy show, go for a hike, or an adventure around town! You will make wonderful memories and great friendships all while unwinding from your first week of college.

Don’t worry, it gets easier. I believe in YOU!