Preparing for your Fall Semester!

Well, it's about that time of year again... the fall semester. If you're new to the college life then this could be one of your toughest semesters. If you're like me and have been around the block a few times then you know the drill. Here are a few tips on  how to start planning for the upcoming semester. Wether or not you are new to the college life, it is always a good idea to start preparing ahead of time, especially if you are moving in, in order to avoid unnecessary stress (trust me college is stressful enough already). 

1. A Planner - A good planner is the first thing you want to look for. There are tons and tons of different kinds out there so try to find one that accommodates you the best. It's important in college to be organized because most of the time your professors won't remind you of due dates. As soon as you get your class syllabus the first thing you should do is grab your planner and write down everything you see on the corresponding dates. It will be easier if you are able to see everything due on a certain date and you won't have to go back and forth between syllabi.

2. Make a List - About the first week of August (or sooner) you want to start making a list of everything you will need for the semester and everything you want to get done. First start of with your school supplies (click here for a list of school supplies ). Then write down any projects you want to get done. For example, if you are a DIY type of person and you have all these ideas stored up on Pinterest on decorating your dorm/apartment, write it down along with the supplies you will need. 

3. Start looking at Textbooks - You don't necessarily need to start buying your textbooks yet, but you should go ahead and start looking up prices and familiarize yourself with them. It is up to you on if you want to purchases them a head of time or not. I like to because, in my experience, my professors assign readings in the textbooks on the first day. However, I  have friends in other classes that have had their professors tell them that they don't need certain books. If you want to get them now but are afraid you might not need them or you might have the wrong one, don't worry. It is easier to return them/ switch them out. You can also always email your professors. Most of the time they are glad to tell you. 

4. Contact your roommates - If you are going to have a roommate(s), now would be the best time to start getting in touch with them (especially if you've never met them). Collaborate with each other and see who is bring what so you guys don't end up having two microwaves or coffee makers (unless you want your own). It will also make things a lot cheaper for everyone if you guys split up the shopping list. If you have never met your roommate(s) before it will also be beneficial to start getting to know them now so you aren't meeting a total stranger on move-in day. 

I hope this is helpful! I would love to here how you all prepare for the school year!!

Everything You Need for College

Here I have compiled a supply list of everything I feel you will need for school...

For class:

Binders - either one small one for each class or two big ones (M/W/F classes and T/THUR classes)

dividers

Planner

A notebook for each class

LOTS of paper (I prefer college ruled)

LOTS of pencils 

Flashcards (for endless studying)

Blank white paper

Pens

Highlighters 

White out

Glue

Tape

Colored pencils

Scissors 

Whole puncher

Stapler 

Paperclips 

Tacks 

Wall calendar 

Post-its

For dorm/Appartement:

Shower shoes (dorm)

Shower mat (appt.)

Shower caddy 

shampoo

conditioner 

soap

body wash

razors 

shaving cream

toothbrush

toothpaste

floss

wash cloth/loofa 

face wash
Two body towels

Several wash clothes 

Robe

Mattress cover

Pillow cover

Pillow case

Fitted sheet

Sheets

Blanket 

Hangers

Carpet

Decorations 

Microwave

 Refrigerator  

Coffee Maker

Dish washer soap

Sponge

Paper plates

Plastic forks, knives, etc. (or metal ones)

Pots and Pans

Cooking Utensils 

Paper towels

Trashcan 

Surge protector 

What to Keep in your School Bag

   A good school bag equals a successful student. In order to be prepared, it's important to know what to keep in your bag. It is also important to pick a bag that suits both your needs and your personality. I like to have lots of pockets and compartments, while others may prefer the simple big pocket/ little pocket bag. I'm the type of person who likes to have a place for everything, I even have a pocket that designated for my planner.

This is my bag!

The picture you see here is my "main" pocket. It's where you would put your notebooks, textbooks, etc. Now it's usually much fuller than this, but I'm just showing the the basics that should always be in your bag.

Always, Always, Always keep a notebook (or something else with lined paper) in your bag. It's really convenient for what you need a quick piece of paper or if you forget your class notebook/binder. 

 I have my agenda which normally goes in the side pocket of my bag, but I've decided to include it in this picture because not every bag comes with that feature. You should always carry around your planner with you. I'm really bad at remember dates so I have to write it down as soon as my teacher announces a due date.

The third thing that you should keep in your bag is a pencil case. Mine is full of pens, pencils, highlighters, paperclips, etc. You will never be caught without a pencil and will be prepared for anything. I have a variety of colored pens that I take my notes with.




Now for the "little" pocket. My little pocket is a lot fuller than this picture depicts it to be. First and for most, if you are in a math class, ALWAY KEEP YOUR CALCULATOR IN YOUR BAG. The only time that thing should ever leave your bag is if you are using it. There is nothing more tragic than being in math class and realizing you forgot your calculator. If it's test day you may even consider dying. The best way to avoid this of ever happening is just to simply keep it in your bag at all times. If you do not have a math class than you don't understand the struggle and this doesn't apply to you.

Ibuprofen. If you are like me, than you understand this need. In Tennessee, the weather is ridiculous. Especially during the spring when its rain season. The constant change in weather can give you a pretty bad headache. Also, it's hard to concentrate in class when your head is pounding and all you can think about is going home and sleeping it off.

Hand sanitizer is my best friend. I'm a major germaphobe so I usually have three of these in every bag I own. When I'm eating on one of the campus cafeterias it's usually a hassle to try and find a sink to wash your hands. There usually isn't any hand sanitizer either so it's best just to carry around your own.

This brings me to the lotion. All the sanitizing I do dries out my hand pretty bad so I always but on lotion right after.

Sani wipes... again I'm a germaphobe.
Tissues because a runny nose is never fun.
Headphones are also a must for either when you need to block out noise or you don't want people bothering you.



So this is everything that are in my bag 24/7. It's very rare that I'm unprepared in class or when i'm just out. Let me know what necessities you all keep in your bag!!