Five Things To Do Before School Starts

First, it's Miracle Treat Day! Make sure to stop by your local Dairy Queen today, July 27th, in support of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals! Your purchase of a blizzard goes to providing children at CMNH hospitals the care and treatment that they deserve. CMNH is very important to me as many of my friends have had siblings who are Riley kids.  I've been involved with Riley Hospital for Children (Indiana's CMNH) through dance marathons (high school and college) and through my sorority, Phi Mu.

Now to the point of the post:

I know what you're thinking, "A back to school post when it's not even August?". YES!

These are five things that you can do now that won't have you dreading class and will help you start out the year organized.


1. Purge your closet

Clean out your closet, including shoes and jewelry, and then divide things that you don't want into trash, donation, and sell piles. I sell my clothes to Plato's Closet and Poshmark. Selling your clothes will also give you spending money for the upcoming school year.

Tip: If you sell to Plato's, look up your local store to see what pieces they're really wanting at the moment. They'll be more likely to take those pieces. 

2. Purge your room 

This can be good for two things. One, you can find things that you want to take to your dorm or apartment. Secondly, you can figure out what you really don't need anymore. I always clean out my nightstands before I go back to school (somehow an abundance of chocolate and cough drop wrappers end up in a drawer) to find chargers that I need to take and to just organize everything that is in there.

3. Set up your planner

Setting up your planner before you move in can save you from forgetting about events and can save you from the hassle of rescheduling.

Tip: Color code classes, clubs, work, social, fitness, etc. 

4. Order your textbooks

I know a lot of people wait until classes start to get their textbooks, but I recommend ordering them before hand because you can always return them within a week of picking them up. If you order them before school starts, you'll have your books that you need just in case they go out of stock. You never know when your professor is going to assign an important reading.

Also, ask friends who may have had the same professor before if the textbook is that important. If it isn't, then maybe wait until class starts to determine whether you want to purchase or rent the book instead.When ordering your textbooks, make sure to compare prices. I usually order mine from Amazon or my campus TIS because of how easy it is. I'm not a huge fan of Chegg, but if you like it, use it.

Tip: Save money by ordering used books (or by renting). 

5. Make a playlist for walking to class 

I always make a playlist for walking to class. I think that's important to have just the right kind of music on right before you walk into a boring hour long lecture. I'll be posting my back to school playlist in August before I move into my apartment.

Grab a blizzard and get some work done before school starts!

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College Series: The Do's and Don'ts of Classes

Do

Try to purchase all of your textbooks before your first week of classes so that you'll know that you have the textbook. You don't want be part of the outrageous number of students that are lined up at the bookstore waiting for books once classes start. Don't forget to pick them up before classes start to avoid the lines as well. I usually purchase most of my textbooks from a local TIS Bookstore because it's convenient at the end of the semester when I return them. I recommend purchasing your textbooks from Amazon or your local university bookstore.

Do

Purchase new books for classes that pertain to your major if you plan on going to graduate schools. These new textbooks may pay off in the future!

Do

Rent or by used books. I personally don't rent my textbooks, but purchasing used textbooks can save you a ton of money. Plus, you'll save money!

Don’t

Carry all of your textbooks around with you on campus. Two words: back problems. Usually you won't have to take your textbooks to class unless it's a lab or a foreign language class. I only carried my books around campus when I was headed to study for specific classes. Books are heavy!! (Especially if you take your laptop everywhere)

Don’t

Sit in the back of lecture halls. It will be harder to concentrate because you'll see all of the computer screens for the 200 people in front of you. Sit closer to the front to be more engaged with the class. The professor may even notice!

Do

Go to office hours. I didn't go to any office hours until second semester and I regret it. I lost all of my study habits and struggled. Your professors are your largest assets. Don't be afraid to go talk to one!

Do
Make friends with fellow students. They may have some study tips and you may have some great friends and the end of it! I made a lot of friends in my chemistry class so we all decided to take the same class, lab, and discussion classes this upcoming semester.

Don’t

Sit on your phone during class. Put your phone out of reach in your backpack with the sound turned off. I also turn the vibration off. Do not disturb is also a good option.

Do

Try out different study habits to see what works for you! My study habits completely changed in college.

Do
Keep on top of things! Keep an agenda that is updated with important due dates.

College Series: Part 2

Bedding 

Twin XL or Twin sheets*

Comforter or Quilt

Blanket (for under comforter or quilt)

Pillows (1 or 2)

Throw blankets (perfect for movie nights with friends)

Body Pillow (if you so desire)

Throw pillows

Bedbug Protection Mattress Cover and Pillow Covers

Foam Topper

Places to purchase bedding:

Bed, Bath, and Beyond (where I got mine)

PB Teen

PB Dorm

Garnet Hill

Macy's 

JC Penney 

Target 

Kitchen Necessities 

Microwave (if allowed)

Mini-fridge with a built in freezer

Keurig (if allowed)

Candle Warmer *

Eating Utensils (not plastic)

Bowl

Plate

Tupperware (for leftovers)

Cutting board

Knife 

Brita Water Jug

Coffee Cup

Travel mug 

Water Bottle 

Bathroom

Shower Caddy

Bathroom Toiletries 

Bathroom Rug*

Towels

Robe or Shower Wrap

Shower Shoes 

Any other personal shower necessities 

Hair Dryer

Straightener

1 Curling Iron 

Hand Soap

Lotion

Sunscreen

Makeup

Makeup Remover

First Aid Kit

Leave-in Conditioner

Dry Shampoo

Hair Ties

Hair Clips

Bobby Pins

Tweezers

Nail Clippers

Nail File

Nail Polish

Kleenex

Feminine Products

Desk + Technology

Desk lamp

Post-its

Wite Out

Tape

Stapler
Staple Remover

Loose Leaf Printer Paper

Printer*

Printer Ink (black and color)*

Extra Batters (AAA, AA, etc)

Rubber Bands

Paper Clips

Binder Clips 

Drink Coaster

Phone + Charger

Laptop + Charger

Camera + Charger

Flashdrive

Power Strip (at least one)

USB Power Strip

Flashlight

Laptop case

eReader + Charger

Wall/ Desk Calendar 

Stamps

Address Labels 

Dry Erase Markers

Three Hole Punch

Whole Punch

Ruler

Pencil Case (for backpack)

Desk Pencil Holder

Textbooks

Notebooks*

Index Cards*

Magnets 

Clothes

See previous college series (part 1) for some ideas

Below are listed some very important clothes for schools in seasonal places:

Rain boots

Snow boots

Rain Jacket

Parka 

Riding Boots

Vests (love J. Crew and Patagonia)

Fleece Pullovers

Fleece Leggings

Workout clothes

Going out clothes

Jeans

Sweaters

Flats

Business Casual 

Baseball  hat(s)

Winter Hat 

Ear Muffs

Winter gloves

Slippers

Socks

Boot Socks/ Camp Socks

Purses (Everyday and Going-Out)

Tote bag

Sandals

Flip-flops

Sweatshirts

Shorts

Skirt

Dresses

Flannels

Button-ups

Cardigans

Tank Tops

Camisoles

Underwear

Bras 

Strapless Bra

Tennis Shoes
Wristlet 

Other

Pepper Spray

Television 

DVD/ Blu Ray player

Rug

Christmas Lights

Photo frames

Clothing Hangers

Portable Hangers

Sports Equipment

Blanket for outside

Beach Towel

Bathing Suit

Desk Fan

Screwdriver

Backup Phone Charger

Duffle Bag(s)
Sewing Kit
Chair
Shoe rack for under bed
Storage Ottoman 

Notes

Bedding: Most college beds fit twin xl only, but some are twin only. Make sure you double check at orientation or ask people you know at your school what size you need! 

Candle Warmers: Most dorms do not allow burning candles, as mine did not, so I purchased a candle warmer to warm the candles in my dorm! You can get candle warmers at Yankee Candle or at supermarkets such as Meijer! I recommend taking the wicks out of your candles so that they do not float around. Also, if you spill the wax, here's a handy trick: Use paper bags and an iron to get the wax up. 

Bathroom Rug: I had to purchase one for my suite bathroom because I hate the possibility of slipping in the shower. You do not have to purchase one if you have communal bathrooms! 

Printer + ink: I personally did not bring a printer because we get allotted prints at all printing stations at IU. Consider how much room you will have in your room, and then if you want to bring one, consider if you really want all of your friends bugging you to use your printer late at night! 

Textbooks: I recommend searching for your textbooks at online stores along with your online campus bookstore manifest to compare pricing. Do not purchase new books for your gen ed classes that have nothing to do with your major. Check Chegg and Amazon for other prices! Side note: Get Amazon Prime! College students get 6 months free and it is so worth it! Free two day shipping on most things and you sometimes get deals!! 

Notebooks/Index Cards/Pens etc: I highly recommend that you purchase all of these products when you get to campus and once your classes start so that you know what you need. You don't wan to waste money on products that you don't actually need.

For all college shopping needs, go to Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond because they have everything. Literally. 

College Series: Part 1

Saving and Making Money in the Summer

Sell your clothes: 
Each season I clean out my closet and take the clothes that I don't want anymore to Plato's Closet to earn so extra cash. Sometimes my parents will send some clothes along and will let me keep all of the money that Plato's offers which comes in handy throughout the year. I've earned anywhere between $20-$150 with the clothes I have taken in. I recommend checking your local Plato's to see what items they are currently in need of to earn some cash.

You can also sell used books at used bookstores such as Half Priced Books! I have sold a lot of books there and usually get a fair amount of money back.

Keep your change:
 I keep whatever coins I get back from purchases and place them in a container to take to a coin counter later. My parents do the same thing and then cash the coins in right before vacations for spending money! At school I kept my coins in a plastic bag and then would bring those coins home to add to my container. The coins really do add up! I'll be taking the coins in at the end of the summer to get cash back and then I will with deposit the money or keep it for spending money at school!

 The container that I keep my coins in. (It also has a lid with handles)

Sports Lessons: 
During the summer, I teach tennis through a tennis camp in my town, but will also be giving lessons on the side the summer after some people asked me to. Giving sports lessons means that you can plan around your schedule because it's not a full time job. 

Barista: 
Yes, this is a lot of work, but if you are good enough barista and are nice to your costumers, the tips could become a big part of your summer cash! Also, think about the coffee drinks you can create! 

Babysitting/Nannying: 
Become a licensed babysitter and babysit around your community. Make sure you are trained in CPR and First Aid and have references. Also consider dog sitting, house sitting, or flower watering (a job that I did when I was younger, but the money was fantastic!).