College Packing List

A Few Things to Put in Your Suitcase and Keep in Mind

By Caitlin J. Noris
Special to The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition

This will be your last lesson in Freshman 101. I will not be administering any final exams or requiring any papers. But I do hope that you can say you’ve learned something, that you can step onto your future college campus with some knowledge of what lies ahead of you. The biggest test will not come from your new professors. It will come from within.

College tests your strength, your motivation, and your desire to succeed. The experience enriches and enlightens you. It’s a place to discover new interests, new friends, and yourself.

When it’s time to say goodbye to the life you know now and pack up your things, you may be met with a formidable enemy: your suitcase. In those few bags you must cram all the necessary tools to ensure your success. Whether you travel far or stay at home, your adventure will require the right attitude and accessories.

Shower Shoes: Sounds mundane, but trust me—it isn’t. Those little slabs of rubber will be your saving grace when you’re showering in the dorms. Like the following tools, shower shoes will help you deal with all the crud college throws at you.

Money Management Skills: College can be an extremely expensive endeavor, and more so if you don’t handle money well. During the last decade, tuition and university fees grew by 40% at private schools and 33% in public schools. Almost two-thirds of students borrow money from the federal government to help pay for these costs. While coming out of college with some loans is normal, it’s important to learn how to properly manage your money, so you’re not saddled with spiraling credit-card debt in addition to your loans.

"Please Send Money: A Financial Survival Guide for Young Adults on Their Own" by Dara Duguay offers advice on establishing good credit, student loans and overcoming the temptation to spend unnecessarily. It’s a great beginner’s guide for learning sound money management skills. Trust me: When you see how much an Introduction to Philosophy book costs, you’ll be thankful you didn’t splurge on that new pair of jeans.

A Date Book: A date book—whether it’s an electronic PDA or the old-fashioned paper variety—is absolutely essential for any college student. The challenge of juggling classes, work, and a social life can be daunting. Cramming for college exams rarely works. There is simply too much information. A date book will allow you to plan your study schedule ahead of time so homework never piles up.

Campus Map: "Using a campus map while scheduling your classes is absolutely necessary," says Sarah Eamigh, a fellow sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. "Otherwise, you can spend your entire first semester sprinting from one side of campus to the other, like I did."

A campus map will also come in handy your first week of classes. Using a map in public may make you feel like a dorky tourist in a foreign country; however, being late to a small class on the first day is much more embarrassing. And being late to a big class lands you in the back of the auditorium, where it’s tough to stay attentive.

Advice from Successful Students: "Been There, Should’ve Done That II: More Tips for Making the Most of College" by Suzette Tyler offers real advice from college students and graduates. They spill their secrets on the best way to schedule classes, deal with homesickness and survive job hunts. This guide is a fun, quick read and small enough to toss into your suitcase.

Probably the biggest concern for freshmen is their future roommate. It can be a challenge, but it can also be a pleasant surprise. Remember to treat your roommate the way you’d like to be treated; for example, don’t play loud music at midnight on a Monday night while they are sleeping. Sara Klieger, a sophomore at Northwestern University, offers advice worth repeating: "You don’t have to be a good friend, but be a good roommate. They fall into two separate categories."

The Right Attitude: College is a funny thing. One day, your life is all settled. Mom does your laundry, you know where to get the best burgers in town, and your schooldays are rigorously planned around the ringing of a bell. The next thing you know, you’re on your own in a strange world. College quickly places you in a variety of unique situations, and it’s sometimes difficult to take it all in.

To deal with all these changes successfully, you must come to college with the right attitude. First, view the experience as an adventure. Try new things. Talk to the girl in your math class, invite someone to lunch, support your school’s athletes, or join an on-campus organization. Four years may seem like a long time, but the semesters will slip by before you realize it.

Secondly, remember that college is a full-time job. That means going to class every day and keeping up with assignments. You may be paying to go to college, but you can still get "fired" for poor grades. Academics must be a priority. The time you spend at college will not only shape you emotionally, but will also dictate your future career prospects.

So when it comes time to move into your future, pack up your aspirations and go to college with an open mind. Most importantly, remember to dream big.

But don’t forget your shower shoes!

For an archive of On Campus columns, visit the College Center.