Freshman year at college is an exciting and nerve wracking experience. From living with a roommate, juggling homework, clubs and a social life to doing laundry on your own for the first time, there is never a dull moment when away at school.
A daunting task for any classy co-ed is packing. Whether it’s your first or last year on campus, finding the perfect items to bring to college is always a challenge. Are you at a loss for what to take with you your first year away from home? Five lovely ladies from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY weighed in on the matter and are offering CL readers some of their best advice!
Therese Marshall, a rising junior at Marist, recommends a pair of shower shoes, as well as good movies for rainy days when you don’t want to leave the comforts of your dorm room. What else was on her list of freshman year essentials?
“Your favorite pair of jeans for those days when you may be feeling down. Throw them on and you always look good!”
No matter the style, bringing your favorite pair of jeans to college will always make you feel good! Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Stephanie Conte, who just completed her first year at Marist, said three college necessities are slippers, comfort foods and a picture of your favorite people.
Stephanie touched on something critical about transitioning to college life. Small mementos and reminders of home are fantastic items to bring to school. When feeling alone or homesick, you can look to these things for comfort!
College is all about meeting new people and making new friends. Alanna Coogan believes all fabulous freshmen should bring a door stop to school. This way, you can prop their door open and invite people passing by to come and say hello!
A door stop can help you meet your best friends at school. Photo Credit: Glogster
Other items on Alanna’s list? “Your favorite book for when you need the comfort of home and more than one pillow, because you need all the luxury you can get.”
Kalei Perkins traveled to Marist from Hawaii. Her freshman year must-haves included favorite movies and music as a way to break the ice with new people and some small reminder of home. “Whether it be sand in a jar or leaves from your favorite tree, it’s just nice to have something tangible from home with you.”
My freshman dorm room! Decorate your space with photos of friends and family and posters of your favorite people! Photo Credit: Casey Galasso
Not every item on your list will be the tangible kind. Madeline Lo, a rising sophomore, said what every lady needs doesn’t always fit into a suitcase. A fun and open personality was at the top of her list, “but don’t change who you are,” she said, “because you can’t please and keep up with everyone.” Another item to bring? “Courage. It is hard to stand up to someone you just met, but people will walk over you if you don’t stand up for yourself.”
Casey Galasso is a Health & Lifestyles Writer for College Lifestyles. She will be a junior at Marist College in Poughkeepise, NY this fall. Her hobbies include running, increasing the size of her DVD collection and baking. She is looking forward to a relaxing summer filled with friends, family, warm weather and good books.
