Going to College: Everything a First Time Student Needs

No one ever tells you exactly what you need for college. I remember stressing out over everything I needed for school. The first step is to find out what textbooks you'll need for that semester. Books are expensive, and the price of books is one of the many differences between college and high school. My suggestion would be to buy them online. Compare prices of the three top textbook sites, Amazon.com, Half.com, and Abebooks.com. I've usually found all my textbooks on these sites for prices that are unbelievably cheap. Never buy from the on campus bookstore, unless you have a book voucher that requires you to. Now that your books are out of the way you need supplies. I wouldn't buy anything to expensive because it probably won't even last all four years you're in college. I'm a senior and I'm finding that I have to re-buy some materials because they have all ready wore out.

If you're living in a dorm I recommend a cover sheet for your mattress. Who knows where that bed has been or who has been sleeping on it? You'll also need a sheet and comforter set. I recommend either Wal-Mart or Target who provide the bed in a bag option at very reasonable prices. Shower necessities are a must. I recommend using body wash instead of soap, especially if you're sharing a shower with an entire hall. Also, for girls and very secure guys, a loufa, instead of a washcloth, saves on laundry. Of course you'll need towels, two or three since you'll be responsible for your own laundry unless you're not that far from home. Shower shoes are also a must, unless you have a private bathroom. An inexpensive pair of flip flops will work nicely. Despite what you may think a mini refrigerator is what every college student needs to store those midnight snacks or fuel for those all-nighters, something a college student has to deal with. I picked mine up for fifty bucks at Wal-mart and it has survived almost all four years without replacement.