Get Organized for College

  What to Do Before It Starts and Living on Campus - What to Bring With You                                                     Preparing for college can be stressful. To help reduce that stress, get yourself as organized as possible and keep a continuous checklist of what needs to be done before you leave and what you will need to bring with you.  

Here are two example lists to help get you started...  

"What To Do Before College Starts" 

• Plan a visit to your college and get as much information as possible ahead of time. Information such as...
  1. Campus layout and map. 
  2. Campus safety.     
  3. Health care, nearest emergency hospital, nearest pharmacy.
  4. Scheduling of classes. 
  5. Deadlines.
  6. School events calendar.
  7. School website.
  8. Where to purchase books.
  9. Where to purchase other items you may need throughout the year.
  10. Names and contact information of school personnel.
  11. Places to study.
  12. Where to get help for classes.
  13. Financial costs and funding...  * Secure funding.  * Payment deadlines.  * Meal plan or meal card amounts.  * Prepare a budget and stick to it throughout the year.  * Set up a checking account. 

• Create a contact list to bring with you. Include all emergency numbers on this list. 
• Create a budget, secure funding & make sure all finances are accessible. 
• Set up your class schedule and purchase any books you will need for classes. 
• Purchase a meal plan/meal card. 
• Contact any roommate(s) to discuss what may be needed for the room. 
• If necessary, visit your family doctor and dentist for a check-up and transfer any prescriptions you may need to a pharmacy closest to your college. 
• Clean your room at home. Toss, recycle or donate the items you no longer want or need and clean and organize the rest. Whether you are a commuting student or living on campus, coming home to a room that is unorganized and filled with clutter can be very distracting and stressful. 
• Shop for any items you may need and start packing.  

"Living on Campus - What to Bring With You"  

Most dorm rooms now come with a bed, desk, chair, closet and dresser (If you will be living off campus, check to see if you will need these items). Before purchasing any new item for your dorm room, check with your college to see what will be supplied and what rules and regulations are in effect. Most colleges limit the size of microwaves and refrigerators and most mattresses will need extra-long sheets. Also, check with any future roommates to decide on who will be providing shared items such as a microwave, refrigerator, television, etc.  

Items you may want or need to bring with you...  

School Supplies: 

Paper, notebooks 

Highlighters, markers, 

Pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners 

White out, white out tape 

Paperclips, binder clips

 Calculator / scientific calculator

 Tape 

Book light 

Scissors 

Audio recorder 

Post-its 

Post-it tabs/page markers 

Laptop with carrying case and cooling station 

Wireless mouse 

USB flash drive/memory stick 

Stapler, staples 

Printer, ink/toner, printer paper 

Paper shredder 

Index cards 

Backpack 

Stamps, envelopes 

Folders, binders  

Food Supplies: 

Utensils, microwave safe plates and bowls 

Food 

Glasses, cups, coffee mugs, travel mug, water bottle 

Can/bottle opener 

Bag clips, food storage containers 

Coffee maker 

Small refrigerator 

Microwave  

* Check with your college for rules and regulations regarding appliances and with any possible roommates to see if they plan on bringing one or more of these items.  

Clothing: 

Sweatshirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts, socks, underwear 

Sneakers, shoes, boots, sandals 

Raincoat, winter coat, hats, gloves, scarf, umbrella 

Bathrobe, slippers, pajamas 

Sportswear, swimsuit, workout clothes  

Laundry: 

Hamper (folding ones are best) 

Hangers 

Laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain remover 

Iron, ironing board 

Drying rack 

Lint roller 

Sewing kit  

Personal Products: 

Towels, wash cloths, hand towels 

Nail clippers, nail file 

Shower caddy, soap holder, shower shoes 

Hand/body lotion, cosmetics 

Shampoo, conditioner, shavers, body soap, Q-tips 

Tissues, toilet paper 

Hair dryer, curling iron/straightener 

Hair spray/gel, hair ties 

Toothbrush w/ cover, toothpaste, mouthwash, gum 

Contact, contact solutions, glasses 

Medications (prescription & over the counter), vitamins 

Sunblock, bug spray  

Cleaning Supplies: 

Handheld vacuum 

Small broom & dustpan 

Waste basket, garbage bags 

Paper towels 

Room deodorizer 

All-purpose cleaner 

Air purifier 

Cleaning sponges 

Dish drainer, dish soap 

Toilet brush, toilet cleaner  

For the Bed: 

Bed sheets, mattress pad and cover 

Comforter, blankets 

Pillows & Pillow cases 

Bedside caddy 

Bed lifts 

Alarm clock 

**Check with your college to see what size you will need (most likely, extra-long twin).  

Storage: 

Organizers for the desk, drawers, closet, etc. 

Under the bed storage containers 

Hooks (Command Brand strips are great and reduce damage to walls) 

Luggage for traveling back and forth (those with wheels work out best)  

Entertainment: 

Digital camera

Music with music playing device 

TV w/ remote, TV stand, DVD player, movies 

Dorm décor  

Miscellaneous: 

Dry erase board, markers or bulletin board, push pins 

Cell phone, room phone, contact list 

Lamp, light bulbs, flashlight 

Fan 

Desk, bookcase, chair 

Laptop accessories, lock for laptop 

Mirror (full length and hand held) 

Duct tape 

Noise cancelling headphones/earplugs 

Tool kit 

Area rug (with non-slip pads if necessary) 

First aid kit 

Lockable file cabinet and/or lockbox 

GPS 

Extension cords, adapters, chargers, surge protectors 

Batteries    

Article written by Christina Scalise, author of Organize Your Life and More    

Website: OrganizeYourLifeAndMore.com