Going to college is a major change. The thrill of finally being independent of your parents and the uncertainty about who you will meet are just some of the thoughts most certainly going through your head. However, by being proactive before you come to college and researching methods to ease the transition, you are giving yourself a leg up. Here are a few items that, from my personal experience, will make college easier for you and make sure that your experience goes as smoothly as possible.
Laptop with a Webcam: The vital piece of technology for any modern student, a laptop is assuredly the most used item on your current/future campus. However, outside of the basic functions you need for classes, having a built in webcam in your laptop serves a necessary purpose: keeping in contact with your loved ones. By having this, you maintain a consistent visual connection to your friends and family no matter the distance between you, which I consider a vital aspect in personal support through this difficult transition.
Smartphone: Not only are these devices increasingly more common in the current college age generation, they are becoming a more integral piece of the university experience. Most colleges now have applications you can download that put all of the things you need, from grades to your schedule to maps of campus, right at your fingertips. In addition to this, the smartphone also provides another avenue of communication between you and your support group.
Mementos: This seems like an odd and nonessential item for a student, but mementos and keepsakes from home can be one of the most vital components to your personal health. Since for the first time you are embarking on a journey alone, having that connection to life back home can help you stay less stressed and remember those who helped you get to where you are now. Pictures, gifts from friends and anything that is important to you can get you through those tough times you will assuredly have.
Budget: This essential item can come in many forms, but all of them serve the same purpose; helping you save money. By going to college you are embarking on what I consider the most major form of independence, financial independence. Sure, mom and dad may pay your tuition, but you are solely responsible, especially if you have a college job, for budgeting, spending and saving wisely. Take it from me, the earlier you get started laying out your expenses and sticking to a plan, the better you will feel. There is something peaceful and necessary that comes from financial security, so don’t throw that to the side. There are online programs that can help you do this as well as good old pen and paper, so there is no excuse not to start now.
This is a guest post from CollegeBudgetIdeas.com, a website that provides money saving and lifestyle tips straight from a college student for other college students. You can check out collegebudgetideas.com and share your own perspective and opinions.