Preparing For College? Start With These Essentials

Preparing to go to college can be such a daunting experience. Not only will you have just had the stress and busy times of finishing up high school and exams, but you will be preparing to leave home. It can feel pretty overwhelming. It can also be pretty expensive when you think of all of the things that you need to get ready for. That is even before we start talking about the cost of living or tuition. So it is a good idea to get prepared well in advance and gather the bits that you need over time. But what are the essentials that you need? 

Here are a few bits to
​get you started.

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Laptop Computer

Having a fixed desktop computer can be great when you are at home. But having an easily movable laptop computer is the best idea. You can take it around with you to lectures and tutorials, as well as taking it to the library and out to the coffee shop. Mac or PC is probably an opinion you already have. So just make sure that you choose one that will be suitable for all you need it to do. It is good to get one that is the right size for you too. Many people choose a 13 inch one. But some will prefer a larger screen, or perhaps, even a more compact one. Just shop around and choose one that will look good, but also is functional. 

Backpack

​You will be carrying large books, pens, notepaper and your laptop when you head in for lectures and meetings. So you need to have a bag that will fit everything in. Many college backpacks aren’t sturdy enough and then you just end up buying several. So look out for one that is well made and ergonomically designed. If it can spread the weight between both shoulders, as well as around the waist, then it will help a lot. Some people prefer to get a laptop bag that you just carry with your hand. But you need to bear in mind that you could be walking or cycling to school. So you want it to be functional for you.

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External Hard Drive

When you are a college student, your life in on your laptop. Imagine trying to save an essay or document, but there isn’t any space? Pretty much a nightmare. You might store photos and movies on your laptop too, and they all take-up space. So it is a good idea to get an external hard drive. Not only does it help you create space and save your work, but it also acts as a backup in case your laptop gets stolen or gets a virus. Always backup your work!

Things For Your Room

If you want certain bedding, desk chair, lamps, or accessories, then they all need to be stored and collected. It might be good to buy things that are on sale now so that you can put them to one side and use them in the future.

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​By Iconic Chica Contributors