The countdown is beginning! Only 35 more days left until Welcome Weekend here at Missouri State University! I am sure that y’all are filled with a mixture of emotions about this next big transition in your life. To give your mind a little rest, I thought I would compile a list of a few items that I viewed as very valuable when coming to college:
- A portable phone charger-Whether it is a good or bad thing; our generation is pretty reliant on our cellular devices. Even though there are plenty of outlets available, they may not be close enough to your seat in class or when you’re lounging around campus. I recommend bringing a portable charger so that you always have the ability to keep your phone alive
- Slippers-Especially in a community style residence hall, it is nice to have something to wear to the bathroom or around your room. I recommend ones with soles so that they last longer.
- Soap dispensing scrub brush-This is exactly what it sounds like, a brush that you can wash dishes with that has soap in the handle you can squeeze out. Whether you’re in community or suite style, you will most likely have to wash some dishes. It’s a lot handier to have soap in the brush than trying to keep track of the soap and the brush. Sounds like not a big deal, but the less you have to keep track of, the better.
- Notebook-Even if you think you are going to take all your notes on your laptop or tablet, I recommend having at least one notebook. There may be times in class that your instructor asks you to do an in class assignment and turn it in, or maybe you’ll just feel fancy one day and want to hand write your notes. Regardless, it’s always nice to have paper at your disposal.
- A small whiteboard-My roommate and I hung a small whiteboard on the outside of our door and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did it give us an opportunity to leave notes, reminders and encouraging antidotes to each other, but it also was fun to see who else would write notes to us when we were gone.
- At least one piece of Bear Wear-I promise that once you come to the maroon and white nation, you will want to rep Bear Wear all the time! You can stop by the bookstore after moving in or just wear anything with maroon on it. Also continue to keep a look out for opportunities to win free Bear Wear at campus events throughout the year.
These are only six of the items that I found very beneficial to have at college. I encourage you to ask friends who are already in college about what they brought. You will also learn as you go along what works best for you and your routine. Don’t stress too much about your packing list though! What you don’t bring down on move-in day you can get from the store, grab it the next time you go home, or have your family bring it when they visit next.
Good luck packing!
~Zoë
Zoë Pixler, a junior majoring in Photography and Art Education, is a Family Orientation Coordinator, helping with special projects and family orientation. She is a member of a social sorority where she is the Vice President of New Member Education.