Off To School
Lewis and Clark graduates Darcy Camden and Rachel Rickard are leaving Our Generation for Western Washington University and the rest of their lives. But first they wanted to hand out some advice to fellow graduates getting ready for college.
It’s crunch time for all you soon-to-be college freshmen. As housing assignments arrive in the mail and orientations come and go, you should be thinking about getting yourself packed for the big move.
A little overwhelmed? No sweat. It’s time for College Prep 101. And while we don’t pretend to have all the answers, we can give the following advice:
DON’T curse your loved ones with hefty long-distance bills every month. Collect calls are expensive.
DO invest in phone cards to help stay connected with family and friends. Consider using a cell phone as your primary communication tool. In addition to their obvious benefits, monthly plans include up to 1,000 minutes of talk time and free long distance and voice messaging.
DON’T model your dormitory decor after the electronics section at Target. The five-disc CD player with mega speakers may fit perfectly on your bedroom dresser but it will dwarf your dorm desk.
(Note: A room full of expensive equipment just screams “Rob me!” Don’t invest in anything you can’t afford to replace, and if you plan on bringing a pricey item, insure it.)
DO consolidate electronics. Prior to moving day, decide who brings what: the stereo, the telephone, the television, etc. Also, if you plan to buy a computer, use the CD-ROM deck to play music CDs rather than a stereo system.
Hint: If you want to splurge a little, opt for a laptop computer with DVD installed and leave your VCR at home, too.
DON’T buy a cheesy decorative clock.
DO buy an electric clock with a battery backup and an easy-to-set alarm, the louder the better. Trust us. You’re going to need a good jolt to get you moving after long nights of studying or whatever.
DON’T even think about bringing a car unless you can afford the hefty fees. We’re talking parking permits, licenses, upkeep and insurance, not to mention additional expenses that may come in the form of parking or speeding tickets.
DO bring a bike (don’t forget a spare tire and a tire pump) and a comfortable pair of shoes. Added bonus: It’s the perfect combination for fighting the dreaded “freshman fifteen.”
DON’T turn your new living space into a shrine to high school. The awards, trophies, collages or mementos you amassed the past four years should stay home. They would look out of place at college.
DO think of your dorm room as your home and decorate accordingly, making use of all available space. You should bring a bulletin board, a desk lamp, storage bins, a laundry bag, and a rug for the cold, hard floor. And don’t forget a twin-sized comforter and extra-long sheets.
DON’T forget your high school pals.
DO take advantage of instant messaging and e-mail. Update your address book and bring stationery. Your friends will love reading a handwritten letter (that is if you can afford 33 cents for postage).
DON’T overwhelm yourself with a heavy schedule of difficult classes during your first semester. Use this time to adjust to your new living situation.
DO take care to build a class schedule that will earn you the required credits.
DON’T be afraid to reinvent yourself. Remember, this is your chance to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Keep yourself open to new ideas and experiences. Be ready for change.