Help Is for the Helpless

[foolish_m0rtal]

Dear People that Have Already Gone to College,

Anything you especially recommend? Or something you found surprisingly useful or wish you had brought with you? (And yes, I've been given the Bath Robe, Shower Caddy, Flip-Flips Instructions)

I shop at Sam's Club, so some suggestions in the bulk food department might also be good. (I'll be eating 8 meals a week independently, aka no mess hall). I came at my mother with a list of the most important food groups: coffee.
Sooo now I'm kind of out of ideas. Milk certainly...to go with the coffee.
Actually, nowdays I have a cup in the morning and I'm good for breakfast and lunch. That's probably not healthy, but I don't use as much energy cleaning drawers as I used to when I was jumping around theatre sets and singing.

Comments

[kasumi-sora.livejournal.com]

I don't know what you have to work with, but I'm going to assume a microwave.

Ramen. The classic intant food.

But if you want something health to go with, try steam bag food. It most vegetables, but there's rice too. Bird's eye or privet select are my favorites. Privet Select is cheaper, but I've only seen it at Kroger.

It might be nice to keep something like popcorn or Princles (easy to reseal) around. Something like this to stick in you bag, in case you get up late or need a snack, is a must too!

[foolish-m0rtal.livejournal.com]

thanks, KS! Yes, my roommate is bringing a microwave and will look into this tasty nuke-food you speak of.

[joyfulmusician.livejournal.com]

So, my recommendation:

Don't bring a TV. TVs are distracting. Anything you *must* watch can be watched online these days. And in the event that you do have time for TV, kill two birds with one stone and make it a social event by watching it in a lounge or with friends.

Do bring lots of layers. The whole walking outdoors business does get tricky. Bring comfortable clothes & shoes, but try to avoid the wearing-pjs-to-class thing if you can.

In addition, bring a variety of clothes...everything from costumes to formal attire. You never know when you need it, and you'll be surprised how much more at ease you feel when you have the proper outfit for new situations.

Do bring posters and your favorite pictures. You have no idea how much more pleasant your room will be when it is decorated and homey.

Stock up on healthy snacks....dried fruit, peanuts, granola bars, etc. Snacking will become a way of life, and you need some way to get your nutrients. Avoid vending machines because they are a waste of money and 0 nutrients. You'll be glad you got the parents to buy them because eating healthy isn't cheap either:)

I would also recommend the following:
1. Planner - with lots of space for assignments and due dates
2. Filing folder or box...to help you keep everything organized
3. iPod...walking/riding to class will be much more entertaining
4. Basic art supplies...opportunities for creativity abound, especially when getting involved in clubs or celebrating birthdays/holidays
5. Games like playing cards, Apples to Apples, and Catch Phrase...great fun for free time
6. Flash cards...especially when taking foreign language classes
7. Reusable water bottles (and/or water filter) to save on buying bottled water.

That's my advice:) If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask!