The summer before heading to college is hectic and overwhelming for virtually any incoming college student. Many times, freshman focus on the material things they'll need to bring in their home away from home. Although these are still important, it undermines the fact that some of the most quintessential things freshmen will need coming in aren't materialistic.
1. Your school email
As a current college student, I can most definitely say I check my email more times a day than I check social media, and I love me some Twitter. To do this, though, you'll need to know your school given email off of the top of your head to log in. Make way, Gmail, this is the adult world.
2. Your social security number
Whether it be filling out financial aid or job forms, you'll most likely need to know your social security number in at least one instance during your approximately four-year tenure. Although, it wouldn't be rational to bring your actual social security card to school due to losing it or it not being able to be protected in a fire-proof safe, as it probably is at home. Thus, if you don't know your nine digit number by now, it is pertinent to learn. After all, we are adults and should probably have known it already, anyway.
3. A few interesting facts about yourself
The dreaded ice breakers are bound to happen. More than likely, each syllabus week from here on out at least one professor will make each person in the class go around and state their name, major, and a cool fact about themselves. Despite this already being nerve-wracking and slightly awkward, you can save yourself some anxiety by being prepared for when that day comes so you don't blurt out something less than intriguing.
4. Your new address
The first time you'll likely have to order something from college will be within the first couple weeks, for professors who required a textbook. To save yourself time, know the address you're living at (street number and name, dorm hall and room number, and the city's zip code) so as you're trying to scrounge Amazon for the cheapest prices, you don't need to worry about consistently looking up what shipment address you need to enter.
5. The ability to ask questions
Being in a completely new setting with different people can be overwhelming. Although it may seem like an embarrassing freshman thing to do, ask as many questions as needed. The girl you stop to ask where a certain hall is because you're lost isn't going to mind, nor is the professor whom you ask to explain something in the syllabus that you didn't quite understand. In fact, they'll probably enjoy the fact that they were able to help someone. Upperclassmen are usually really helpful and professors highly encourage students to ask questions or stop by their office hours.
6. Knowledge of how to compose an email
College is a professional setting and no matter whom you're emailing, it should be formatted correctly. Especially since professors many times teach multiple lectures of 300+ students, it's predominant to be specific of the class, issue, and overall wording. On the positive side, professors usually have in their syllabus the things your email should include if you do have to email them, and if this outline isn't followed, they may not answer you.
Here is a website for email etiquette of how to email professors if they don't directly state their preference in the syllabus.
7. The college or city's PD number
In the chance that a bad event would happen, knowing the police department's phone number by heart is important to have. Hopefully, it'll be one of the only numbers on this list you don't need, but better safe than sorry.
8. Motivation
No matter what the major, college is tedious and time-consuming. Even if you're busy during the summer doing such things as working, make sure to have some relaxation time so you don't come into your first semester of college burnt-out.
9. The phone numbers of at least 5 family members
If your phone ever breaks or dies and you need to let your family know you're okay, make sure to have on hand at least five family members or close friends who will get the message back to everyone else that you're safe. Although your parents' numbers are probably memorized already, knowing a few more in case they don't answer or there is a real emergency is to your benefit, and theirs.
10. Goals
Although starting college is a fresh start and feels like you're getting "let off the leash" from having curfews and needing to go to the bathroom during class, don't lose sight of why you're in college, specifically the college which you're at, and who or what got you there.
If you add these 10 items to your "packing for college" list, you'll start your post-secondary education off on a high note.
