Going into your freshman year of college can be scary but I learned a lot from my mistakes and I am here to help you!
First and foremost, don't overpack. I am making this clear because this was a mistake that I made myself. It is easy to think you will need a bunch of things but in reality there are only a few things you may need. Some of which you might not expect.
I packed way too many nice clothes. To be completely honest, a majority of the time you will find yourself wearing sweatpants and sweatshirts. Most students choose comfort over fashion and I am totally here for it.
That being said, it doesn't hurt to bring a few nice outfits. Realistically, most dorm closets are way too small, for reference, mine was roughly three feet wide. Therefore, it is good to go in with the mindset that less is more.
If you are planning to join a sorority, this may be different. Rush week consists of primarily formal outfits like dresses and heels. You also may want to pack some different themed outfits. For example, a cowgirl hat, boots, neon clothes, animal print, bikinis, etc.
Here is a link to my storefront with some college party essentials that I loved!
Honestly, none of these things really came to my mind when I was packing for college, but I ended up with all of them in my dorm. You will most likely want them for parties or greek life events.
My Brita water filter was also a lifesaver and a microwave is great to have. Though the dining hall food can be ok, you will likely get sick of it and want to cook in your dorm. It is also critical to have easy mac and ramen on standby because you never really know.
A nice shower caddy and shower shoes are a must, especially if you intend on living in a dorm. I really appreciated my three tiered cart that I had in my dorm as well, it helped a lot with organization in a small space. I bought mine at Michaels, but I also saw them at Hobby Lobby and there are endless options on Amazon.
You will definitely want some sort of slippers or shoes to wear around the dorm. A mattress topper is necessary as well if you want to get some quality sleep. Yes, you will likely be exhausted, but the dorm mattresses are just not it.
Thumbtacks are also great for hanging items on dorm walls. Command strips can be an option but you could potentially be fined for wall damage- they have a tendency to pull the paint off of the walls.
My roommate also brought a vacuum and it was so helpful. No one on our floor, including me, thought to bring one, so I thought that would be important to include.
I linked some of my favorite products from my dorm in my amazon storefront, so feel free to go check it out!
As for advice, I highly encourage you to get involved! It is by far the best way to meet people. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but just remember that you are not alone and quite literally everyone wants to make friends. One great way to get involved on campus is through Greek life. Many colleges also offer a variety of clubs and activities that are ideal for meeting new people.
Another fun way to meet people is to leave your dorm door propped open. Chances are people will stop by and say hi. I also had a mini whiteboard on the outside of my door that I would write questions on. It ended up being a really fun way to get to know the people on my floor.
On another note, organization is key. For many, college can be a rude awakening in comparison to highschool. The academics are more rigorous and professors won't always be on your side. That is why it is important to prioritize your school work and find a good balance.
It is also very rewarding to visit your professors during office hours. This allows you to get the help you need and can be beneficial down the road when you need letters of recommendation for internships.
Try your best to make your social life a priority as well, and care for your mental health! Though studying is very important, it is just as important to go out and have fun.
At the beginning, it may seem next to impossible to find this balance, but soon enough everything will fall into place.
Finally, make sure to take care of yourself and your health. In college you will probably find yourself getting sick more often than before. I speak from experience, my friends and I were constantly fighting battles with some sort of new campus illness. That being said, bring some medicine with you because you will need it.
Ultimately, it is very important to take care of yourself! This means that you need to get plenty of sleep, drink water, and don't be afraid to go to the doctor. The antibiotics help, trust me.
In college you gain a lot of new freedoms so it is vital to learn to be responsible, well at least somewhat responsible. Most importantly, have fun. College will be one of the best experiences of your life and time genuinely flies by so make the most of it.
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