Hoosier State of Prep: freshman year

Dear college freshman,

By now you've probably finished your first week of classes and you're probably thinking that you've entered the best time of your life. Well, you have. In a way, I'm so jealous of you because you have so much time left to live your best college life. You have four years ahead of you, full of tailgates, night outs, and basketball games. You still have the opportunity to make new friends that you'll still have as a senior and hopefully after you graduate. So, I thought that I would write down a few words of advice for you. If you want any advice from a senior wishing she had more time on campus, keep reading.

Talk to those people next to you in class

I recommend sitting down in lecture and talking to at least one person next to you. This way, if you have to miss a class, you'll have someone to ask for the notes that you missed. Discussion sections may seem like the bane existence of your week, but trust me, if you make the effort to talk to those people sitting next you, you'll still be friends with them senior year. I met two of my closest friends in my freshman chemistry discussion, and I will never forget all of the good times we've had since then. (Plus you'll have friends to study with when you really need someone to study with). Plus, the friends that I've made from class are the friends that I hang out with the most. Having friends that understand your need to study all of the time for exams and that also want to succeed will make your social life fuller because you'll probably be available at the same time.

Do not go home every weekend

Seriously, please don't be that person. If you live in-state or in the surrounding year, and you go home every weekend your freshman year, I guarantee your friends will probably have more fun than you. You'll be missing out on making new memories with friends and eventually you'll realize that those trips home every weekend were not worth it. If anything, make the most of your time in college.

Learn how to cook

If you don't know how to cook, you'll be living off of ramen, delivery, and mac and cheese once you have an apartment. Trust me, you don't want that. During the summer after your freshman year, ask your mom or grandma, or whoever cooks in your house to teach you a few things if you don't already know how. If you learn how to cook, your wallet will thank you for not going out every meal and your body will thank you for nourishing it with healthy food.

Get tickets for sports events

At IU, basically all of the sporting events are free except for basketball and football. I usually buy a basketball/football ticket package when registering for fall classes so that I know I'll have seats for the home games. Especially if you love going to sporting events, I recommend looking into your school's ticket prices. However, only get the tickets if you plan on going to the games. Most student sections only have a certain amount of seats and if you purchase tickets and then don't go, there is someone else that could've had your seats if you hadn't purchased them. Also, check to see if your student section has group seating. If so, keep up to date on when the group seating opens and then create a group for all of your friends to join. This way you will all be sitting together.

Do not skip class

I know that sometimes it is really rough to get out of bed and go to class, but I promise you, that you can make it to class. "I woke up later than expected" or "My alarm didn't go off" are not excuses when you have a phone with an alarm on it as well as access to stores that sell alarm clocks. If you want your professors and your peers to respect you, go to class. I also promise you that your professors notice when you don't show up, even when you think they don't. Set your alarm for every day during the weekend and don't turn it off. That way, if you have a long night out, or at the library, you can still make it to class on time.

Sit in the "T-zone"

Want to stay focused in class? Sit in the "T-zone". This zone includes the first few rows of the lecture hall and the middle of the lecture hall. The closer you sit to the front of the class, the less distracted you will be, and if you sit in the T-zone, your professor is more likely to see that you come to class. Plus, if you introduce yourself to your professor in either office hours or at the end of a lecture your professor may bump your grade up at the end of the year if he or she noticed that you were in lecture regularly.

Attend office hours

Office hours are set times during the week that professors set aside so that students can come into their office or wherever they hold their office hours without having to make an appointment. These times are for your benefit. You can go in, meet your professor, ask questions about homework, tests, quizzes etc. Plus, if you get to know your professors through office hours, they are more likely to write you a letter of recommendation when you ask them.

Do not wear a lanyard around your neck

Are you currently doing that on your way to class? If so, immediately take it off and put it in your backpack. This is not high school and you're not going to get detention from not wearing your ID on you. I guarantee everyone thinks you are nuts as you walk around campus.

Don't forget to workout

It is possible to avoid the freshman 15, and I wish I had avoided it. Odds are your school offers you free access to your campus rec center in your tuition. For example, I think about $77 of my tuition at IU goes to access to our campus cardio and strength gyms, group exercises, pools, and tracks. I didn't take advantage of this freshman year and I gained at least 15 pounds. So, take advantage of something that you already pay for.

Join clubs

Please, if you do one thing, join at least two clubs. Maybe join a sport club and a professional club or maybe a club for helping care for dogs. Grab some friends and join some clubs. Plus, most call out meetings have free pizza, which is always a bonus. If you haven't gone through recruitment yet, start thinking about whether you want to join Greek life. I'm personally in Phi Mu, Physical Therapy Club, CHAARG, and Future of Human Biology.

Lastly, I've collected list of things that I want to tell you that I think don't need to be explained:

Tailgate, but tailgate safely.
Do not walk in front of a campus vehicle even if you really want your tuition paid for.
Study a little bit everyday so that you're not behind when it comes to exam time.
Explore your college town with friends.
Call or FaceTime your family and friends from home.
Actually visit the health center when you're sick.
Do carry pepper spray if you're walking alone at night.
Do not listen to your music if you're walking alone at night.
Don't just hang out with the same three people.
Get numbers from at least one person in a class for when you miss class and need notes.
Go to local concerts.
Go to the local farmers markets.
Realize that you've started the best four years of your life.

Sincerely,

A senior that's jealous that you still have four years left

If you have any other advice for college freshman comment below!

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.