Welcome to your very first guide to becoming a pro at-all-things-college because this article won’t be the last one. We have all been there and to say the least, it is stressful. College is freeing and exciting but it comes with responsibilities. And this gets chaotic when we don’t do it right. Trust me, chaos is only cute when it’s a romantic comedy. So, sit down with pen and paper because real life also needs a system.
We are starting off this list with a Planner System because without one, you’ll be surrounded with deadlines and a swamp of college fests at the same time. Keep two planner systems, one for your academic goals and another one to track your vacations - bonus points if you make a bucket list of all the places to visit and add it to your planner! Your planners will be your best friends when you have to make plans or even cancel some to catch up with those hectic assignment deadlines.
Chaos is for others, your overpacked luggage needs a place. Amazon is the best place to lookout for closet organisers, shoe racks, hanging closet shelves, over-the-door hooks and a sturdy storage unit. Organisers - whether in the closet or just to store your eatables, will help you save space and the time searching for your things. Make sure to look around for local stores in the area where you will move which have organisers and storage units.
You’ll be at the peak of your homesickness when clean clothes don’t magically appear in your closet. Taylor Swift was right when she said, “You are on your own, kid.” Get a sturdy laundry bag which is lightweight and has durable handles. Make sure to buy foldable laundry bags so that storage is not a hassle. Laundry detergent and a bar of Rin, because life is full of coffee, ketchup and chaos. That one bar of Rin will save you from the horror of timeless stains. Bonus tip - Wash your bedsheets and towel every two weeks.
Smoothly sailing through your hostel life will depend on what you eat and the utensils you’ll be having with you. First and foremost, get an emotional support mug for your daily tea or coffee break. College is tough, take a break with that mug. Buy two water bottles. One for your daily college adventures and the other one strictly for your hostel. Protect them like mom’s tupperware tiffin set. A plate (not the disposable ones) and a microwavable bowl which is wide enough for soups, cereals or the daily dal-chawal combo. Keep a cutlery set with. We are talking steel forks, spoons and a knife as well. Buy a dishwashing liquid and a scotch brite sponge which will be your friends and foes after every meal.
Once you have sorted your kitchen utensils, let’s talk about what to eat and how to survive college when you are on a budget. A quick order to Zomato and Swiggy looks tempting but your budget will say otherwise. Keep a collection of healthy and non-perishable snacks. Protein bars, instant oats, soup packets, cup noodles, dried fruits etc. If you feel a little homesick, then bring some snacks with you on your next trip back to home.
Your dorm room is a shared space. Even if it’s a single sharing room. Keeping your personal space clean is not only a flex but even your future self will love you for it. Get lots of disinfectant wipes along with a Colin or any multi surface spray. A microfiber cloth will be your friend when you have to do dusting. Air freshener packets by Odonil are cost effective and a good investment because good smell = good vibes.
Living away from home feels like a curse when you are sick. And it’s not a main character moment unless you get a cold two days before your finals. Have a medical pouch ready which has medicines like pain relievers, a pain relief spray, antiseptic cream, antacids, cold tablets, anti-diarrhea tablets. Your wellness kit should always have a thermometer, heating pad, hand sanitiser and Peesafe’s sprays are a handy tool in the bathroom.
Sometimes people pack three different types of lotions but forget to pack a toothbrush. But not on my watch. For shower essentials pack shampoo, conditioner, a soap bar with a soap dish, face wash, hair oil. Your oral care supplies can be basic but they should also be of good quality. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste and a tongue scraper. There are several things which you don’t notice until you are standing with just a comb in your hand. Get a hairbrush, lots of hair ties, nail clippers, deodorant, body lotion, razors.
The right tech setup, minus the aesthetics, will minimise chaos and increase competence. Nothing increases those cortisol levels like a laptop on 5% battery and there’s an assignment to turn in within 2 hours. Your laptop will be your academic ride or die, have a laptop with you which is lightweight and has a long battery life. Charging setups are an underrated best friend. Extension cords and portable power banks are non-negotiables. College life is chaotic in all caps but make sure to take out time for a digital detox.
You take two big steps into the adulting world when you enter college. One step is for growing up and the other one is for learning things on your own. There will be microwave disasters, laundry meltdowns and even a tech crisis in the middle of the night.
Everyone started out with their own list of essentials and today, you have officially made a list for yourself. Now go conquer campus and believe in the process which is filled with laughter, caffeine, deadlines and my personal favourite, a get-ready-with-me episode in your room everyday.
Class has commenced.