13 Things to Take to College - and What to Leave Behind

You were supposed to go to a small town, where locals would be protective of their verdant surroundings. Locals couldn't get enough of forest bathing, which would make them forget about their problems. Some urban dwellers fancy it, hugging a tree that could be decades old or more while others are carried away. (Molly Shannon's "Superstar" comes to mind.) You were looking forward to do it during Labor Day weekend, but the pandemic made you (and your family) worried about travel shaming (by wary locals). It would be better to focus on the upcoming term. What to take to college? What to leave behind?

If your university decided on remote learning, then you must ensure that your room must be filled with items that would make you focus on the coursework and less anxious about the outside world. You need a chair, which won't strain your back. There's a study that reveals that sitting for more than ninety minutes may have take a toll on your health. You might ignore it, citing high metabolism. You need a break every now and then, which means getting away from the computer screen. (Cellphone and other gadgets are included.) It would be a wise thing to have a framed photo of you and your course mates in your (study) table, if not peek at it (on your social media accounts). Isolation is not good for your well being (unless you recall Jack Kerouac's solitary experience in the Rocky Mountains). You can also include a framed photo of your last holiday (with your family). It should make you hopeful about vacation next summer, not looking at buses and trains as rolling virus factories. 

Summer is about to come to an end, which means that you have adopted to online classes. It was a season of reinvention, where your professors revoked syllabuses, prerecorded lectures, and bonded with you (and your course mates) virtually. Your tutor remarked that the faculty made a great effort in improving online learning, but you wondered if you were left behind. You might be one of those students who need more time in making that adjustment. There's no need for a long face, as you will get another chance (to excel). Make it a habit to communicate with your family and friends, but a volcanic intensity can pose serious problem; Novak Djokovic's default from the US Open should serve as a lesson, so try to get used to the slow pace. And don't fret about pandemic pounds. What about getting back to college?

You have been told that you would be living in a bubble, which can be your dorm. It's not a bad thing at all. You will spend more time with your pals, who may (or may not) aged during the last few months. The new normal requires a laptop and/or iPad. (You forgot it during the week prior to the start of the last term.) It would be wise to invite your friends for a chat and decide on the kitchenware. (There's no need for an extra kettle.) And you don't have to participate in the COVID-19 trial. If there is one, accepting the experimental shot is not due to political pressure. 

Less Is More: Your Checklist

Covid-19 safety pack. A face mask, hand sanitizer and soap must be found inside the pack. It would be better to bring some disinfectant wipes as well. And more soaps.

A reliable laptop. iPad is not a laptop replacement. Apple gives you three laptop choices, which can save you lots of time. And Chromebook isn't your only option.

Your cellphone. Your department will launch many apps and you don't want to miss out on it.

Folder with your personal documents. It should contain your bank details, dorm contract and passport and/or student driver's license. 

Warm clothing and towels. Autumn is here, but you will need warm clothes for outdoor activities. You'll also need lots of towels, as you must take a shower after going back to your dorm. An Indian summer might happen this season.

Bedding, pillow(s), and mattress. You must ask a (dorm) personnel if these items are provided or not. You don't have to bring lots of items, but your very own bedding, pillow(s), and mattress could make it homey.

Yoga mat and/or gym equipment. It might not be a good idea to visit the nearest gym, even if plastic surrounds every equipment. 

Home comfort. It can be an artwork, if not a poster. It can be photos that be posted on the wall. And cushion should make you comfortable.

Kitchen equipment. You must have your own frying pan, preferably a big one, saucepan, tin opener, knife and fork. You can also ask your mother about the chopping board, grater, and wooden spoon.

Store cupboard food. Pasta and canned goods, but not chips. (Indulging in coronavirus comfort food is the cause of severe anxiety and obesity.) You can also include a cook book, as you get to spend more time in the dorm.

Board games and cards. Playtime is the best way to interact with your friends. Don't think too much about the module especially the reading list.

Toys. You have learned about the growing demand for Lego toys, but you have opened and unpacked your collection. (You can think about investing later.) Play with it after ninety minutes, and then play it again after the next hour and a half.

Books. Any title that is not included in the reading list. It can also be comics (or graphic novels).

What Are Colleges Doing to Get Ready?

You'll start the term on quarantine, but think about what your college is doing to get ready for the fall. It's not easy to check on daily updates and make any changes to the rules. They must also know nearby areas where there are a large number of COVID-19 cases. And how students are most commonly infected. There is no concrete information about it, but there's still something to look forward to.