The college years
It’s remarkable just how quickly your college years fly by. Though two years are behind me, it still feels like yesterday that I first arrived on SMU’s campus ready to move into Shuttles Hall. I had spent at least a week packing everything I thought necessary for the year I would spend 9 hours from home. I had figured out exactly which organizations I was going to get involved with.
I had planned just how to make time for school and fun. I had it all figured out.
Or so I thought.
If only I had known a few things before I left, I could have saved myself a lot of time, worries, and room in the car. So in an effort to aid any future college first-year, here are a couple lists:
Things to Bring to College
Lots of pictures. Bring some of your family and old friends, because I promise you will miss them. But leave room for the many FLASH pictures you will take in the years to come.
Febreeze and wrinkle releaser. I am hesitant to say just leave your iron and ironing board at home, but the truth is, who wants to wake up 10 minutes earlier to iron a shirt just to go to class?
These two items are a must if you don’t have time for ironing or washing.
Bathrobe and shower shoes. If you live in a hall where you will be using the community bathroom, these items should be the first thing you pack.
A winter coat. Despite what some might think, Dallas is not what you would define as the southwest. No cactus or tumbleweed here. Sure the summers are a little hot, and the springs are beautiful, but it can definitely get COLD. In my two years here I have even seen snow 3 times…so be ready to bundle up.
An ATM/Check card. While mom and dad may disagree with this one, if you get one with a limit that won’t let you overdraw, this is a safe way to have the ease of a credit/debit card and be able get you money anywhere you travel.
Brita water filter. Don’t spend way too much on bottled water to keep in the residence halls. This is the cheap way to do it and get the same, great tasting results.
SMU clothing. Whether it’s a T-shirt, hat or sweatshirt, make sure you have some school pride and spirit. They are great to wear to games or class and make a perfect statement when you return home to all your high school friends.
Cowboy hat. Whether you like country music or not, the fact is this is Texas. It doesn’t matter if it’s a football game, frat party, concert or club – someone, somewhere is always sporting one.
Things to Leave at Home
Old boyfriend/girlfriend. Except for the few and far between, the typical “long-distance” relationships don’t work. Both of you will be in new places with many new people to meet. Take advantage of that and save yourself a lot of grief early – break it off before you come to school.
Old clothes and shoes. The rule is – If you haven’t worn it in a year, don’t think you will actually wear it in college.
High school letter jacket. Sure, you want to stay true to your alma mater, but remember you are at a different school now and that jacket can’t guarantee you a date anymore.
Candles. Sure they smell great and are great for the ambience, but they are illegal in the halls. A $1 candle can quickly become a $250 charge if you are caught with it. It’s not worth it.
Plastic dishware. Don’t bother for two reasons. No. 1, Late night food runs result in food that comes with it’s own disposable wrapping and No. 2, even if you do use the plastic dishware, you will NEVER want to make time to wash them. Trust me.
Tips From Someone Who’s Been There
Be a part of Mustang Corral. When you return to campus those days before classes start you will be happy you did.
Never again will you have the chance to learn the fight song and traditions, participate in crazy activities, or meet so many of your fellow classmates, faculty, and upperclassmen.
Get involved. SMU has over 130 organizations on campus. Chances are you can find something that interests you. It is the best way to meet people of all ages and backgrounds too. The activities fair that occurs right before school starts is the perfect place to check it all out.
Sign up in the Career Center. It is never too early to plan for the future. Plus they can help you find great internships, paid part-time jobs, and on campus work.
Have a positive, enthusiastic attitude that first week of classes. You will shake hands and introduce yourself to more people that week than ever before. And while no one really expects you to remember all those names, people will remember how you treat them.
Again, you never know what those first encounters hold in store … a future best friend, a future classmate, or a future boy/girlfriend.
Have the time of your life. Remember your college years really do go by so quickly. Don’t leave them behind with too many regrets lingering over your shoulder.
