Guide to What to Take to College From Those Who Have Done It

What to bring pic

You would be amused at your roommate, who posts a map of South America on his side of the room. It should make him less homesick, yet you bet that a framed photograph or two appear on his study table next week. It should remind you of the Freshers Week, where you have received lots of (unsolicited) advice. Don't even bother to go to the nearest book store and look for titles that would appear in your module. The library has all the books that you might need, the older students have told you repeatedly. Someone suggested the fancy clothes that you might be keeping in your closet, as you would wear it for an obscure theme for a night out. (You wonder if you can find the time for parties during the latter part of the term.) And an odd-looking senior advises an old phone. Why bring old stuff?

All of these items have been forgotten, as you've been reading John Bellairs's mystery fiction novel one more time. You weren't surprised that your roommate hasn't heard of him, not even "The House with a Clock in Its Walls". You may be the only one who have read the book, and you're not looking forward to seeing the big-screen version. (You suspect the Potteresque storyline after watching the trailer.) You've been trying to spend less, as you want to see "Venom" on the big screen. There's one thing that's been nagging you for days, though.

Common Sense Would Dictate to Have These Useful Things

Air freshener. You won't notice the lack of ventilation in student accommodation until you have settled in your own space. If it won't be that odd smell in the room, which may suggest that the previous occupant forgot to clean the room (before leaving), then it can be the distinctive cooking smells. These different kinds of odors can annoy you, subsequently distracting you. An air freshener should keep the pleasant smell, but you must not lose patience easily.

Bicycle. Walking would be an option, but there should be instances when you have little to cover a certain distance. A bicycle is the most convenient for this kind of situation, not to mention the time and money that you could save when you choose this mode of transportation. It doesn't guarantee an anxiety-free semester, but you would worry less about your limited budget.

Cookery book (or app). This is to ensure that you wouldn't have to call your mother when you're preparing a pasta. You might not live down your roommate's laughter after you've been told of not eating that kind of noodles anymore.

Driver's license. You need an identification when you set up a bank account. The same thing applies to entry to clubs. It may not be wise to apply for a passport, as losing it can be costly. If you don't have a driver's license, then apply for a provisional one. It would go a long way.

iPad (or Kindle). If you're a B.A. English student, then you figure out that carrying a hardbound copy of a novel would be heavy enough. And you don't want to do it week after week. An iPad may be a bit lighter than the book, but there are other reasons. Social media should be one, but you must exercise self discipline and a sense of urgency at times.

Playing cards. It's hard to imagine a cabinet without playing cards, which should help you distract from the coursework. You could imagine your roommate, if not your dorm mate(s). playing along with you. If you don't have time for parties, if not you're more introverted than the other students in the dorm, then cards solve your problem. Board games apply as well.

Speaker(s). Can you imagine a dorm without music? Not loud enough to force your dorm mates to bang on your door (and demand total silence). A headset should be the one, though.

Storage boxes. You may not need to buy one, as you have planned your budget ahead. Not everything has to be related to cost, as the extra boxes would be placed under your bed. Items, important and unimportant alike, would fill the boxes during the next few months or so. If unforeseen circumstances should include a change in the dorm (or going back to your own home), then the boxes should cut down the time on preparing to vacate your room (on lease).

Tin foil. If you want to cook, then you might spare yourself some trouble that arises when you read the cookbook (one more time) while preparing a simple dish. A tin foil is so convenient and so disposable. You won't be messy as well.

Travel mug. If you must add an extra hour (or two) to your studying, if not reading, then you need your fill of caffeine. It's impossible to fight the drowsiness and focus on the coursework at the same time. A mug would come handy, but don't expect it to comfort you during your bouts of disappointment (and possible depression). A physician should say the same thing.

The Importance of Having Other Things

You learned that your (foreign) roommate has insurance. You don't have to ask yourself if you need it, as the department would provide you details. Make sure that your parents would help you in making that decision, but a sensible option would be having one. On the other hand, paper writing may prompt you to consider a printer in your room. You save money when you use the printer in the library. Then again, most assignments can be submitted electronically.

 

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