Freshmen Essentials

College is exciting and scary at the same time for freshmen.  Your first year is the experience of a life time filled with a lot of confusing and unfamiliar situations.  But have no fear!  Like many before you, you will make it through this hectic year with lots of positive memories and lessons learned.  Here is some advice today to help you make this first year a little less crazy.  This post today is a list of freshmen essentials that I feel were the most important items I needed to help me get through my first year at Troy.  I hope that this list is helpful and if any upper-classmen are reading please comment to post your additions to the list J

The perfect bedding:

We all know the infamy of college beds being comparable to sleeping on cement so prepare before you go by buying comfy sheets and blankets that will keep you warm, cozy, and comfortable.  Also, be sure to get yourself a good pillow (do not cheap yourself on this one…trust me).

A stocked medicine cabinet:

Be sure to take artillery of medications with you when you go your first year.  You are going to get sick; that’s a sure thing.  To help you stay as healthy as possible and help you effectively combat your illnesses bring any remedies at home that have been tried and true.  This will help you avoid last minute CVS trips and help you recoup faster by using what you know works.

Movies & Board Games

Your first year at college is not only a lot of studying but also tons of socializing.  As you meet new friends you guys will want something fun to do and bond over; rather than spend a bunch of money at Redbox or playing cards for the millionth time bring plenty of your own movies and games for friends to enjoy.  This saves money, gives you and your friends something fun to do, and helps give others a sense of who you are through your taste in movies and games.

Hiking Boots

Ok, so you won’t really need hiking boots (unless that is your shoe of choice) but you defiantly will need a pair of sturdy shoes to get you through the many months of walking from class to class.  Yes, shoes can be pricey but trust me on this one—invest now and save later!  I went through at least 4 pairs of shoes my freshman year and spent about $20.00 for each pair.  That $100.00 could have just paid for one good pair that would have saved me a lot of time and stress.

An Umbrella

Some of you may remember my rant about umbrellas in an earlier post—“When it rains in college, it pours!”  I still hold true to that advice and would like to stress how important a good umbrella is.  Be sure to grab a sturdy umbrella while on your freshman shopping spree so you are not left soaked in an afternoon rain-shower.

Good Music

Whether you listen from iTunes, Spotify, CDs, tapes, or records be sure to bring some of your favorite tunes to keep you sane and happy.  There will be many night you need your favorite song booming to get you pumped up to write a paper.

A Worn-in Hoodie and Sweat Pants

Disclaimer--These essentials are not to wear to class!!  These two items are simply comfort items for your nights doing homework or watching your favorite TV show.  Nothing is better than a well worn hoodie, comfy lounge pants, and a bag of PopSecret to complete a movie night!

Pictures & Posters

Cover your walls in things that make you smile!  College can be crazy at times, especially your freshman year, so keep yourself happy and upbeat by surrounding yourself with pictures of family and posters of your favorite bands and films.

The most important thing to remember when packing for your first year is to bring anything and everything that keeps you happy and healthy!