Tips to Kick Off Your First Year of College

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• Tips to Kick Off Your First Year of College

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• You have your classes scheduled, your bags
  packed, and your schools supplies ready, but you
  may still have a lot of unanswered questions
  about what to expect from your first year. This
  is something many college and university freshmen
  experience. Ensure your first year gets off to
  the best possible start with these tips

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Scout Out Your New Surroundings

• If youre new to the campus, and new to the
  area, make sure you have ample time to check out
  your new home and campus. Mark the locations of
  your classes, potential study spots, and any
  important shopping locations. Early scouting
  could help you save time and avoid stress later.

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Bring or Purchase the Things You Will Need

• While some residences will provide students with
  basic items, there are some things you may need
  to bring from home or purchase around or off
  campus. It's a good idea to ask for a list of
  what's provided before moving to your room or
  apartment, but some of the items you will likely
  need to bring include

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• A bedside lamp
• A small toolkit
• A small trash can
• Bedding, pillows, collapsible laundry basket,
  towels (bathroom and kitchen)
• Laundry, laundry detergent and bleach, a mini
  sewing kit, and a lint brush
• Storage bins, including under-the-bed storage
  trays

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• A fan
• A desk lamp
• Push pins for your bulletin board
• A wall calendar
• A dry erase board
• Removable wall hooks or double-sided tape
• Office and desk supplies

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• Whether you need to bring your own furniture
  will depend on the type of housing you've chosen.
  For instance, at our student rental in London,
  students only need to bring clothing and personal
  items to decorate their rooms and suites. Our
  suites are furnished and fully equipped!

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Check Add and Drop Dates

• Surprisingly, missing the drop deadlines or
  attempting to drop courses after the deadlines
  are mistakes many freshmen make. Once youre
  settled and ready to start your classes, check
  the add and drop dates for your institution.

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• This will prevent you from getting stuck in a
  course you dont like or that was added to your
  schedule by mistake. Moreover, if a course is too
  difficult, conflicts with others on your
  schedule, or just isnt a good fit, dropping it
  before the deadlines passes could prevent a great
  deal of stress. 

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Learn Your Student Number

• This tip may seem pretty unimportant, but
  knowing the number off by heart can save you time
  and hassle. You may need it to purchase
  textbooks, find your grades in the schools
  system, and more. Plus, your professors and
  administrators will ask for the number
  occasionally as well.

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Do Some Academic Planning

• One of the best ways to prepare and avoid stress
  during the busiest times of the semester is to
  create a chart for your assignment due dates and
  upcoming tests or exams. Sharing comprehensive
  notes with classmates, joining a study group, or
  finding a study buddy are other ways to start the
  school year well and stay ahead.

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• Finally, find a quiet, comfortable, relaxed
  place to complete assignments and study. Without
  a quiet place to study, you might find it hard to
  focus.
• Now's the time to start thinking about the
  upcoming school year and what you can do to
  prepare for a great first year!