Top 10 Essential Checklist For University

10 Things To Bring To University

New college students are almost always under-prepared for the academic or social environment that a university provides. However, in most cases, that feeling can be prevented through forward-planning. Here are ten items that new college and university students won't want to be without during their first semester.

1. Quarters

Unless your university has a card system for their washers, dryers, and parking meters, every student is going to need their own stack of college gold. There are simply never enough quarters, and scouring the far corners of your dorm searching for one more coin to dry your last load is stress you can avoid.

2. Duct Tape

There's nothing it won't fix well enough to save the day in a desperate situation when you need a quick solution.

3. Cleaning Supplies

If you've never cleaned a bathroom, it's time to start. The spread rate of all manner of diseases across college campuses is high enough to warrant a little preparation for cold and flu season. Plus a regular clean will create a prime working environment and keep your fellow housemates happy.

4. Multiple Flash Drives

Technology fails from time to time. Usually, that time is the night before a final paper is due. Save yourself from the head-desk moment and keep your files backed up.

5. Power Strip

Again, technology is everywhere these days and there are simply not enough outlets to satisfy your energy starved appliances. In fact, you might want to invest in a pack.

6. Ear Plugs

Perfect, and usually quite necessary, for dorms are loud places, and there will always be someone who leaves early for class and leaves their alarm on to blare throughout the hall until they get back.

7. Paper

This one may seem obvious, but all school supplies are going to be more expensive at your school bookstore than they are at larger stores right before you leave for school. If you play your cards right, you can pick up enough for a couple bucks that will last you your entire college career.

8. Coaxial, Ethernet, and HDMI Cables

These are, without a doubt, the most forgotten items that are sold out in retail stores surrounding a college town during move-in even though they prepare a stock of thousands. Save yourself the hassle and bring some from home.

9. Boots and Heavy Jacket

The first time it snows on campus it's easy to spot the people who forgot that winter exists in the college bubble. Don't be that guy in multiple hoodies unable to navigate the icy sidewalks. Being prepared will save you from that moment of clarity lying face-up on the sidewalk.

10. Rechargeable Batteries

Constantly buying batteries to power your electronics is simply throwing money down the drain. In college, every spare pound is precious, so invest a little to save yourself the headache.
Students can prepare by reading as many lists as possible from sites like SparkLife and About, then writing their own after researching their university thoroughly. Every experience will be different, but these few simple suggestions are universal.

Sally is a post graduate and enjoys visiting universities to offer advice to students. She attends Richmond University Orientation and encourages students to make the most of this and other useful resources to get prepared for their year.