It’s back to school time, yay! If you’re going back to high school then I can understand the slight amount of dread you may have. Not to throw it in any high school students faces, but back to school time for college students is on a whole other level! College years are by far the best and most stressful years of anyone's life if they’re able to experience it, and in my eyes—it’s crucial to make the best of this time that you're allowed.

Fall semester, if you’re a freshman, is filled with seemingly 'easy' coursework, club gatherings and social functions. Homecoming, football, tailgating, greek events and more….I would be lying if I ever claimed that spring semester could compare. With that said, I wanted to share some resources and tips to help YOU make the best of your fall semester as a returning or new college student.

Wherever you lie on the spectrum, never allow yourself to believe that you can’t do whatever it is you want while in college. These are your years and you deserve this opportunity to fail and pick yourself back up again. You are the architect that has the chance to design, build and demolish your goals as you see fit. It is up to you and yours for the taking (and making, no pun intended).

Well, now that my mini-inspirational spiel is over, let's get to the good stuff!

Research Your Classes and Future Coursework

With me, usually during the main move-in week, I like to research and read up on my course load and possible responsibilities that I may have for that semester. I like taking advantage of down time to prepare my mind, which is probably why my freshman year was so successful. (Not to toot my own horn, Sophomore year definitely came in and slapped that success out of my poor unsuspecting fingers).

1. One option could include finding your classes in the school manual you’re normally provided when you register. Reading the paragraph about the topics your class will cover can settle some uncertainty that may have built after signing up for something unknown. 
2. Another option could be to read up on your professors, if you can find them, at Rate My Professors—an online site that allows you to look over reviews and notes that other students make about the professors they took at certain colleges or universities.
3. Lastly, you could check out Quizlet and search the name of your class that you’re about to take. This may seem tedious but you could at least save the notes you find, after creating an account which I highly recommend, and have this site as a future resource later on down the line. (Quizlet was my go-to site for studying and online note cards). 

Get to Know Your Campus Thoroughly

Trust me when I say that when I move into my new dorm room, I will be exploring the heck out of my campus on foot and in my car. There is no better satisfaction and relief then knowing where you’re going and what there is around you before the start of a new semester at a school you may not have known much about before attending.

Even though most schools offer guided tours for students year round, don’t think for one second that a simple tour is enough! Get out there with an open tab on your cell phone and search for a campus map that you can follow for further reassurance of each building and parking lot, etc. 

Get That Dorm or Apartment Ready

Many of my fellow shopaholics out there know the excitement that comes with shopping for the dorm room or apartment that you're constantly mentally decorating. Lucky for you, if you didn’t already have a prepared checklist of everything you need, I’ve prepared my own Dorm Room Essentials Checklist Bundle for incoming freshmen, or upperclassmen that are new to on-campus housing, to help you determine what you may and may not need!

I understand how overwhelming it is to feel like you’re missing something important when shopping for school supplies, decor or essentials. If you’re upperclassmen then I’m sure you share the same understanding. Please, if you are about to begin your first year, do not hesitate to download your FREE Checklist Bundle and get in-the-know about what you should be bringing to your new home away from home!

Develop A Relationship With Your Roommates

The best time to start developing a relationship with your roommates is ANYTIME. I just, personally, received the contact information for my future roommate and my email was sent the second I knew her name. I know how important it is to start building the trust you’re going to NEED in a dorm or apartment, and how crucial it is to take the ‘Boundaries Talk’ seriously before actually MOVING IN.

Long story short, the ‘Boundaries Talk’ is the important talk you should be having with your roommate ranging from money and supplies / grocery purchases (if in an apartment), or simply what they can and can’t touch / use or even expect while sharing the room for the next school year. My freshman year, my roommate and I had a pretty decent understanding of what to ask to use and what we could share. She would store some stuff in my fridge and I would use her microwave. She could ask to use my lotion and I could ask to borrow some pencils. It was a clear understanding that I valued after the fact. So, get to talking and don’t be embarrassed to be explicitly clear with your  boundaries!

If you don't know who your roommate will be just yet, make a mental note to talk about boundaries once you all meet.

Start The Semester Off Organized

I bought two planners, both from Sugar Paper - Los Angeles, check them out HERE. Some file folders and a paper sorting organizer thingy-ma-bobber in order to clear my mind of the soon-to-be chaos that will take over my calm ‘summer’ lifestyle. Don’t take me wrong, I love and thrive in chaos but it’s never a bad thing to start jotting down ideas and purchasing tools that will help you 'keep it together' mentally and emotionally.

When it comes to resources that I currently use, I HIGHLY recommend the MyHomework App to get your classes and homework assignments in line and organized. I’ve used this app since freshman year and live for how easy it is to use and update.

Find Your REQUIRED Textbooks Early

I am torn between two sides based off of past experiences... I am one to say that you should purchase your textbooks as soon as you learn about them, but on the flip side, I am one to say that waiting until the first day is just as important a step.

My freshmen year, I paid an easy $500 on my textbooks before my first day of class, feeling accomplished and studios before breaking the shrink wrap. Sadly, I found out on the first day that three of my classes' books were not actually required and simply just optional resources. I’m sure you can guess my anger when I found this out! So, my advice is to do what you want with this step. It is solely based off of your university and classes / professors. Just be aware that you MAY have a similar experience if you decide to purchase early!

My favorite textbook rental site by far is Chegg, I've used this site since my first semester in college and have no plans of deserting this inexpensive resource. There is also a site Half.com by eBay if you're interested in comparing prices between multiple sites. 

Phew! I got through everything without rambling too much. Writing this post has oddly been pleasurable, to say the least. Reminiscing about my first year and all of the tender memories mixed with harsh lessons has been an experience and I’m glad that I have this website to share some of those lessons and advice with you all. If you're interested in learning more about my college experience, check out my other post, 3 Lessons I've Learned In College, for more advice and insight. 

Remember to claim your Free Dorm Room Essentials Checklist Bundle HERE for seven in-depth checklists to help with preparing for your #DormLife experience! Comment down below some of your college experiences, I would love to know!

- Miss Lynn

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