College Freshman Essentials Checklist

Every incoming college freshman needs to create a checklist showing all of the necessities that he or she will need to succeed in the first year of school. Since there are different types of college freshmen, in terms of whether or not they live at or away from home, there will be differences in any productive checklist. Here are some ideas for the essentials that you’ll need for a successful first time at college.

Dormitory essentials

If you are living in a dorm, you will need to jot down some things, such as furniture and linen, that you will need to make your dorm room as comfortable as possible. You will need: towels, bed linen such as comforters and pillowcases, as well as cleaning products if you have to clean your own bathrooms. You may also need your own chair and pillows, if your school does not supply you with them. Bring some objects that will remind you of home. If this is the first time you’re away from your family, you will most likely experience some form of homesickness.

See also:  Dropping a Class in College: Is It Really a Big Deal?

School essentials

You will also need materials for your classes. Try to get reading lists for your classes that require books. Try to shop for your books as early as possible, too, so that you can get a head start. You will also need some notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, unbound sheets of paper, as well as a ruler and calculator. You can get a big wall calendar to help you keep track of your schedule if you do not already have a pocket calendar or organizer.

If you already have a major in mind, talk to your counselor about it. For most schools, there is a set guideline of classes that must be followed through the first year or two. Take note of the classes that you’ve successfully accomplished, so that you know what classes you still have to take.

Establish acquaintances, friendships

If you have a chance to meet other incoming freshmen, take that opportunity to start making friends or, at the very least, acquaintances. Get some phone numbers or e-mail addresses down so that you can ask one of your peers for help if you need it, especially in the upcoming weeks. Try to go to meetings so that you are always meeting new people. You can start your volunteer work right now, too. Establish yourself as an active part of the college community from day one. When you do this, you will have an easier time bearing the “home away from home” feeling later on, because you might become too busy to be homesick. Start becoming familiar with your counselor or adviser, too.

See also:  6 Tips for Adjusting to Your College Studying

The first year of college is not always about studying, however. Your goal is to balance fun and studying while favoring the studying half more. Hopefully, these tips will be able to help you through your first year of college with flying colors.