Tag Archives: College Life

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Top 10 Things You Will Need For College As A Freshman

College DormThis here is a list in no particular order of 10 things college freshmen across the country will need (aside from obvious things such as bedding) heading into their first year in the big leagues and adjusting to dorm life.

1. Fan: Things are going to be cramped and there is an astounding lack of A/C in freshman housing. This fan will make the temperature in your room a bit more bearable.

2. Some sort of mattress topper for your bed: This will help the stale, stiff bed resembling object that you have to use as a mattress be less of a chore to sleep on.

3. Sandals: The communal showers have seen plenty, put a layer between your feet and that tile floor for your own good.

4. Shower caddy: This will aid in your organization and keep all your toiletries in one place so you aren’t fumbling around when trying to shower and freshen up.

5. Dry erase board: This can help you maintain some form of organization as you can leave reminders and important messages for yourself.

6. Hamper: Bring one of these so you can at least try and keep your floor from being
replaced by a layer of clothing.

7. Small trash can: Also to help you from keeping your room from resembling something like that of a landfill.

8. Desktop lamp: Bring this for all of your late night work. Instead of leaving your main light on in your room, you can have this so you don’t keep your roommate up while you cram all night.

9. Multi-outlet power strip: This allows for some electronic freedom and gives your more to work with than the 23 power outlets you are given in your room.

10. FirstAid kit/Emergency/other medical care items: Mom and Dad won’t be there to help so it’s up to you to care for your scrapes and colds.

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Adjusting to College Life

College Lif

College is a time for young men and women to truly realize who they are and what they want to do with their lives. It’s a time of unlimited opportunity where you control how you perform and what you do. No longer are you constrained to the daily responsibilities of you parents and daily structured high school class schedule.

With that being said, however, it is a time of major adjustment for those who want to flourish in their new environment.

One major area of college life that is imminent to you being successful at whichever institution you are attending is proper time management. Yes, college is a place where you can have fun with your newly made friends but like everything, should come in moderation. You must know when it’s okay to go out and blow off some steam and when not to. If you have a paper or test at some point during the week, it may not be the best time to be away from your books and computer. Allocating regular time to doing your work will help you organize your life and, if done properly and efficiently, can still leave for you to take a break and hangout.

Another area in which students should pay particular attention is being able to handle stress and adversity on your own. Being away from home means that you won’t always be able to turn to your parent or guardian for help and they won’t be able to do as much for you as they may have done prior in your life. This is where the school’s guidance counselor may become of some use for you as they provide you with someone to talk to and seek advice right there on campus.  Finding an appropriate outlet for relaxation, whether it be working out, yoga, etcetera, would be a good idea for help with relieving the stress of college life.

Finally, an additional recommendation for adjusting to college life is getting involved in school extracurriculars. Things like clubs, intramural and club sports, and other activities offer a great way to meet new people and companions for your new student life on campus. Clubs allow you to reach out into areas that specifically interest you with likeminded people. Intramural and club sports allow you to participate in sports that you may have played your entire life without the commitment of a varsity sport. Being an active member of your school’s community is a great way to branch out and make new connections with people on campus.

All in all, college is a place of exciting new opportunities. You control your academic performance, social life, and how you live. There’s countless ways for you to thrive in your new life and your success ultimately resides in your hands.