Five Must-Have Items for Every College Freshman

The transition from top-of-the-heap high school senior to low-person-on-the-totem-pole college freshman is easier to manage if you're adequately prepared for your brand new life in your brand new environment. Here are five non-academic must-have items for every new college student.

A roll of quarters. Unless your school is located close to home and your mom won't mind you lugging a sack of dirty clothes home every weekend, you'll need to find a way to do your own laundry. Many dorms are equipped with pay-as-you-go washers and dryers; if not, you should be able to find a laundromat somewhere in your new town. After all, students have to clean their clothes somewhere. The price of a clean shirt isn't cheap, though - nearly 10 years ago, my college charged $1 for a wash cycle and $1.50 per dry cycle - so find out the pricing in advance. If you plan on doing laundry every weekend, make sure you start out with enough change to get you through the first few months, and be sure to stow that change in an easy-to-remember location.

A fully-loaded pre-paid phone card. Even if you're the most even-tempered, well-adjusted person ever, you may surprise yourself and want to call Mom and Dad every few days, just to check in. Your dorm room will almost certainly come equipped with a land line offering free on-campus calls, but charges for long distance service will be up to you. You'll be better able to track your spending on phone-time if you pony up and pay in advance. If you go with a phone card, give yourself at least two hours of time to start with, and then add on minutes as you need them. If you use a cell phone, be careful not to over-talk your monthly minute limit, or you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when your statement arrives.

A journal. You're entering a new phase in life, so bring a blank book along and record your thoughts - both the good and the bad! - and feelings. It's fun to go back years later and re-read those entries to see how your impressions of people, professors, classes, and the whole experience morphed over time.

A camera. It doesn't matter if it's old or new, digital or film; you'll want a camera on hand to capture those early days of college - the barbecues, the parties, the first time you hang out with your brand new best friend, your first date with your future husband or wife. There's nothing like looking back at yourself and your friends the week before you graduate and remembering how you've changed and matured. Bring a camera along and be sure to click away!

A comfort item. This one's different for everyone. It may be the stuffed animal you slept with as a child, a favorite book, a photo collage of your family and friends, or a pillow from your bed at home. It should be something that calms your nerves and gives you a sense of peace. Almost everyone appreciates a comfort from home now and then, so choose carefully and bring it along. It's okay to have a little piece of your past with you as you make the transition to your future. After all, who you were is an integral part of who you are.

Relax, pack these items in your bag, and have a great first year in college!