What NOT to Bring to College

 Since I have finished my Freshman year of college, I would like to believe that I know a thing or two of what NOT to bring to college. For a more in dept post about my freshman dorm check out: Dorm Room Tour | Freshman Year I posted a while back.  Many of you reading may be incoming freshmen who are shopping for your college dorm, so this post is especially for you. These are the things that I personally did not need for college, but you might think otherwise, which is perfectly fine.

Excess// 
Pillows & Decorations: My roommate and her parents definitely decked out her side of the room with much more decorations than you see on my side. Try to limit the amount of decor pillows because although it would look nice on your bed, your bed is only a twin (maybe XL). 

Towels: Of course you should have backup towels, but I found that I always seem to wash my towels when I needed new ones.
Makeup: Do not bring all of your makeup because I guarantee you will not feel like doing your makeup every single day. For me, I just stuck to a neutral face and picked out products that I could use every single day that is natural.
Purses and Bags; I brought all my purses to college, and used only two the whole year. Only bring the ones you know you are going to use. You already have a book bag, so sometimes I only carried my wallet key chain. My go to purse style are over the shoulder ones, and not the big handbags.

Clothes//
Trust me on this, I found myself wearing the same outfits, you do not need all of your clothes. I even thought that I downsized what I clothes I brought to college, but I still seemed to have more than I needed. Also, a nice tip is to switch out your wardrobe between seasons. Leave your high school tee shirts at home because in college you receive so many free t shirts, it's not even funny.

Bed Risers//
Most beds in dorms are able to be lofted, which raises your bed up without the need of bed risers. I saw in someone's dorm at my school who had a lofted bed and bed risers, which I thought was quite odd especially since she was short. Save go ahead and see if you school lofts your bed already and save some $$$.

Drying Rack//
I never used a drying rack and when I needed something to be dried I hung the item on a hanger, and then hung the hanger from my closet door. You definitely have to be creative in college, and since there isn't a lot of space in your dorm, try to consolidate.

There are many more posts out there about what to bring and what not to bring to college, but I hope you all enjoyed my list. 

Livin' and Stylin'

Sheika

Hebrews 6:19

My College Experience | Freshman Year

In September, I did a post about what I learned in college so far. You all can check that post here: http://livinandstylin.blogspot.com/2015/09/college-life-what-ive-learned-from.html

While most of the advice from the previous post above still hold up true until this day, I have a few more advice to give incoming freshmen and also just to share my experience of my first year.

1. Sometimes you have to go with the flow | Obviously, not in all cases, but there were plenty of times when I didn't want to go to an event, but my friends convince me to go and I had a great time. Even when we leave campus, we could go out for one thing and end up somewhere else in Atlanta exploring, you just never know.

2. Your roommate may not be your best friend | I am so thankful that my roommate and I got along because we both did random selection. Even though we get along, she has her own group of friends and I have my group of friends. No doubt, we always say"hi" to each other when we see each other on campus, but we are not always hanging out together, which is perfectly okay.

3. Go to class | I know everyone is always saying that you should go to class, but attending a small university, the professors really do know who is and who is not coming to class. I found that others who did not come to class, did not perform as well on the exams, go figure. If you are not in class, how are you going to learn the information because a picture of your friend's notes might not always help.

4. Email your Professor and/or Go to Office Hours | I don't know about anywhere else, but at my university; the professors want you to learn and understand the material. Emailing my professors and going to their office hours definitely help me establish a relationship with them, but also let them know I am here to work hard and understand. Professors are so knowledgeable about the material, sometimes too much for their own good.. lol, but they are there to help you, so take advantage of their wisdom.

5. Frat Parties | The best part about going to a party - is the the dressing up part. Though the parties are fun, be responsible for you and your friends. Remember you are attending that college or university for 4 years or so, so you wouldn't want a bad reputation just because you did that "one thing, that one night" to determine who you are as a person for the rest of your college career.

6. Get Involved | I know you probably heard that you should join clubs and organizations, but seriously do it. I know some people we are not involved and are constantly saying that they are bored. First, they might be forgetting about an assignment, but also there is so many opportunities to get involve on campus, its not even funny. There is a club or organization for anything and everything, if there isn't, start one. Don't be cooped up in your room, get out, and get involved. Also, don't try to be in everything, where you don't have time for your school work.

7.  Sometimes you just want to be alone |  No matter if you and you're roommates are the best of friends, sometimes a break is good to rejuvenate yourself. I like being around people, but not 24/7 always talking, always doing something. Sometimes you just need to relax and be by yourself.

8. All-nighters are preventable | I am here to tell you that I went my first year without pulling an all-nighter. How? It's simply. Start your assignments early enough and give yourself enough time to complete assignments. I stayed up late, but not to the point where I didn't get any sleep. Manage your time. I know some people who are constantly talking about assignments they have to do. but they are constantly out. Don't be the person to skip one class to complete an assignment for another class, unless it's absolutely necessary.

9. Choose your schedule wisely | Yes, it's college, you get to pick you classes on what days and times. If you know you are not a morning person, do not choose morning classes, simple as that. Sometimes people do work better in the afternoon times.  For me, I rather take my classes in the morning (not 8 AMs) to have the afternoons free. Sometimes, certain classes are only offered during one specific time and day, so some classes might be out of your control.

10. Don't beat yourself up about a bad grade | Sometimes, you give it your all, and the grade you thought you deserve, you didn't receive. No worries, one bad grade will not determine your future. You will have time to bring it up, and always ask your professors about extra credit, it doesn't hurt.

11. Read the syllabus |  Some many times, people in class are repeatedly asking the professor when an assignment is due, and most of the professors just say it's in the syllabus. Honestly, if you read the syllabus, you would know when assignments are due, if the class has extra credit, and even the attendance policy. So the first week of each semester, take time to read the syllabus and plan for assignments being due in an agenda/planner. (This is also reiterated in my other college post link above.)

12. Have fun |  Though college is about learning, learn to let go and have some fun with your friends and be spontaneous while participating in different experiences.

Livin' & Stylin'

Sheika

Hebrews 6:19