Top Five Must-Haves for the First Year of College

One: A lap top computer. Even if you have a stationary computer at home or there is one in your dorm room, there are going to be many times when you will need to have a lap top. The ease that comes with the mobility of owning one is second to none for being able to work on homework during lull times throughout the day (even that extra fifteen minutes left after lunch can be a big bonus as far as study time goes). Another added perk to owning one is that it is becoming quite the norm to take notes during class on these and the organization and speed that this lends to note taking is fantastic.

Two: Internet. Having the Internet at your fingertips (on your lap top, of course) is a wonderful tool for being able to conduct research instantly and allow you to access education journals and the like to enhance your general and specific knowledge on a topic. Internet also allows you to keep in touch with your friends and family so they know you care but without taking up a lot of your time. You can also use it to save you a lot of time you would otherwise expend on errands, such as for printing postage, shopping, photo storage, etc.

Three: Desk Space. You are going to need an area in your home or dorm room that is specifically designated for your study time and materials. The first year of college is very busy and a lot of information is given out on various topics (financial aid, attendance, the college catalogue, handbooks, semester course offerings, academic advising, etc.) that you will need to have access to throughout your college experience. A space designated only for your school items and study time will ensure that you are in the right frame of mind to conduct your studying and that you have a safe and secure place where you can find what you need for school at all times. Keep this space as clutter free as possible and completely off limits to anyone else.

Four: A bookbag or carryall for items you must take with you to class. Do not think that you can loosely carry what you need and not have it get lost at some point. Think proactively instead of reactively and place all items that you need for class in a carry satchel or bag. They are also convenient for carrying along materials you obtain in the classroom each day. You may want to keep a folder in the bag at all times to put in papers you will inevitably receive that you do not want to get crumpled, lost or torn. Canvas material is nice because you can simply throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty or you can opt for leather which is sturdy and can be wiped clean.

Five: Make sure you have the proper supplies needed for the classroom. Just like the last twelve years of schooling, your academic life will be a lot easier if you head into class each day properly prepared. Make sure you have notebook paper, some kind of filing system for your assignments, homework, syllabi, etc.(folders, notebooks, binders, etc.), pencils, pens, erasers (if writing utensils are not equipped with them), a tape recording for lectures with fully charged batteries and a blank tape (always get permission of instructor first), and a highlighter or two. Check your syllabus from each class as well to ensure you have any supplies that might have been requested. For the most part, in college, you are left on your own to choose which supplies you would like to have, so the basics should do; just make sure you keep them with you at all times. You never know when you will need them.

These five tips for what you will need your first year of college may seem obvious, but with so many other things going on the first semester of your first year (possible relocating and everything being brand new) it is very easy to overlook them. Make a physical or mental checklist and be sure to get these items before day one of class and you will be well on your way to a great first semester.