Top Ten List, Freshman Year

10. Do not spend a ton of money trying to make your dorm look cool.

Simple is easiest and cheapest.

9.  Join something, anything....maybe several somethings. There are literally all kinds of clubs and groups available. This is the easiest way to meet a friend. Even one friend can make a huge difference in your adjustment to being a college student. It will also help you to not go home every chance you get.

8.  You may find that you talk and text less and less with friends from high school. That's normal, and remember, they're finding their way, too. Maybe at one point, you'll reconnect. Meanwhile, go ahead and make new friends. Often, college friends stay lifetime friends.

7.  And while we're at it, don't be surprised if you don't stay together with your romantic-interest person. Talk to him or her about what you both expect once college begins. You might not be on the same wavelength about it---better to know than to be disappointed.

6.  Preferably before the start of classes, locate and print out the syllabus for each class. It will clearly spell out what's going to happen and what's expected of you, and will also indicate your instructor's contact information such as office hours.

5. Have you heard of the Freshman 15? It's no lie: When you can eat anything, you'll eat anything. Fifteen pounds is going to be tough to take back off. Try not to put it on in the first place-think fruits, veggies, whole grain, not fast food, fries, and Cheetos. Get out and move, too: exercise will help keep you balanced and healthy.

4.  Before classes start, walk through your schedule, that is, find where the rooms are before the first day. Walk it a couple of times. You'll feel a lot better on the first day with some clue where you're going. You could draw it on a piece of paper (or find a printed campus map) and highlight your class locations. Take a screenshot of it on your phone to refer to.

3.  It's OK to change your major, but if you are undecided (be honest with yourself), then don't take classes that aren't going to transfer. Speak to an advisor to be sure.

2.  Get familiar with the campus library. Not only does it have great references for reports (and help from librarians), it's also a quiet, well-lit place to study. This is going to be key in doing well.

And last, but not least...……….
1.  Enjoy your time in college. You hear it all the time, but just think how fast high school went by and you'll get the picture. Everybody's low on funds, everybody hates tests and studying, everybody is sleep-deprived. Talk about fun!

Freezing To Death

We've published this before, but it bears repeating....


It seems like every year, we hear of a young person, usually a college student, who is found outside, dead from exposure to the cold. Frequently, if not every time, there is alcohol involved. The person drank too much, tried to walk home, fell or passed out while walking, and lay in the snow until he or she died by freezing to death.

How does that happen?

There is a reason there is a "legal" age to drink alcohol: when you're too young, you don't know how to handle it. In fact, plenty of people much older don't know how to handle it, either.

Once people graduate from high school and begin college, the game changes in a lot of ways. For many, they will live at the college they attend, whether in a dorm or in off-campus housing. Even students who commute will have much less parental involvement in their lives: they will be making their own decisions, since there aren't parents hovering around. There will be underage drinking, and there will be first-time drinkers.

*The 'legal' age for drinking in Minnesota is 21.

There's also sometimes a 'crowd mentality' involved: Everybody else is doing it, I don't want to be different. We're just having fun, that's all.


Because this is all new and exhilarating, sometimes people will overdo things they have not done before. One thing they'll overdo is drinking: they may drink more than they ought to because they don't know how it affects them. They've never felt what it's like to be drunk, not to mention the 'hangover' the next day. Alcohol is a poison, or toxin, that our bodies don't need and don't want. We have to get rid of these toxins so the body can return to normal, and the process isn't fun.

 

 *Did you know that your alcohol level actually rises after you stop drinking?

 

When you live on campus, it's likely you don't have a car, although students who commute often go to parties with friends who will give them a ride. Once a party's over or if you simply want to leave, you'll walk, or try to walk, to get home or to the next party. Maybe you don't know a lot of people there and feel stupid asking someone to walk with you. Maybe you don't think simply walking home is going to be a big deal. The problem is: you're carrying a lot of poison/alcohol in your system and you're not your usual self. You set out walking towards your home/dorm/apartment and think, I know where I'm going, I'll be fine. I'm doing the right thing by not driving. If I drove I'd be endangering myself and others. You may think: It's cold outside, that will sober me up fast.

 

Yeah, not really.

 

What happens sometimes is that a person will start walking, find himself confused, and stumble and fall, or pass out and fall, or slip and fall in the snow, and not get up. Here is how fast tissues freeze:

This chart shows what the wind chill is when you figure the temperature plus the speed of the wind, and how many minutes until you would have frostbite.

Here is what the Mayo Clinic says about alcohol and hypothermia:

"Alcohol and drug use. Alcohol may make your body feel warm inside, but it causes your blood vessels to dilate, or expand, resulting in more rapid heat loss from the surface of your skin. The use of alcohol or recreational drugs can affect your judgment about the need to get inside or wear warm clothes in cold weather conditions. If a person is intoxicated and passes out in cold weather, he or she is likely to develop hypothermia."

 Read more about this at their website:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/basics/definition/CON-20020453

And that's how you can also lose fingers and toes to frostbite: Your body figures you don't absolutely need fingers and toes to live, but you do need your heart, lungs, and internal organs. it shuts off blood supply to the hands and feet and tries its best to keep your organs warm.

 

At first, your fingers, toes, nose, and ears will feel numb or tingly. A bit later, the skin will turn white, and after that, it will swell, bleed, and develop blisters. It will eventually turn color as the damage presents itself. Frostbite causes irreversible damage to your tissues and blood vessels; it is similar to a burn, ironically. It can go deep into the bones of the tissue as well. If the tissue dies, there may be amputation involved. 

 

From the National Institutes of Health:

Cold weather can affect your body in different ways. You can get frostbite, which is frozen body tissue. Your body can also lose heat faster than you can produce it. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95° F is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly.

Remember, alcohol is a depressant, that is, it slows down your body including reflexes such as reaction time as well. Notice where it says "hypothermia can make you sleepy, confused, and clumsy." These are the same as signs of having too much to drink . Imagine combining the two, and you can see the danger of drinking and going out into the cold.

And so if you've been drinking, whether 'binge drinking' or less, and head out into the cold, you have two things working against you.

 

Another danger in our area is the rivers and lakes we all enjoy. They are fun to play on and in, but are easy to fall into. Let's say you lose your way and wander into the river, break through some thin ice, and can't move well enough to get back out. You may drown, die from alcohol poisoning, or die from exposure to the cold, or some of all three. Maybe you think it's fun to skate in your shoes because you've lost your good judgment....but it turns out the lake you're on isn't really frozen, and you fall in.

 

So, what can we do to avoid it?

• First, of course, would be not to drink at a party, or to have one drink and then stop. It's a bad idea for anyone to take in too much at any time. It helps a bit to eat some food to help the alcohol take longer to process in your body, but it won't prevent you from being drunk.
• Establish early who will be your 'walking home buddy.'
• Before the party, do a search online for taxis or Sober Cabs in your area. Put a few of their numbers in your Contacts list. Better to pay a driver and get home safely.
• If you drove, then definitely don't drink. If you see someone too drunk to drive, offer to drive that person home so he doesn't get into his car and drive.
• Consider having one drink of alcohol and then only soda the rest of the evening.
• Drinking coffee after too much alcohol, does not make a person sober.
• Of course, you should speak up if a friend is getting too carried away. That's easier said than done while everyone is partying, of course.
• ALWAYS (did I mention always) go with at least one friend. Let another person know where you're going and when you expect to get there. Then call or text when you arrive. A simple "I'm home now" is more than sufficient. If you have 'dropped off'' your friend and you will be continuing to your home, make sure your friend goes into his building, before you walk away.
• When you arrive at your destination, you should also call or text back that you have safely arrived.
• Watch for someone that's in trouble. Offer to be his/her walking buddy. If you need to, ask around at the party for people to give a dollar or two-take up a collection-and call a taxi to take the person home. 
• See if you can just spend the night at the host's house. If you host the party, offer that as an option to anyone who needs it.

SoberCar is a service that has drivers to get you and your car home safely. There is a fee. https://www.sobercar.com/ or call 651 788 9118. You could put this number in your phone in case you ever need it.

We just want you to be safe this winter. We want you to get home after a party, warm up, and live to enjoy your life.

Spring Semester: How's It Going?

You made it though Fall Semester-congrats!! What will you do differently this semester? What worked and what didn't? What do you wish you had known back in August of 2018?  Four top concerns of college students are...

 

Time... It doesn't hurt to over estimate how much time you'll need for ....

• Finding a parking spot and walking in to class: it's amazing how far away you have to park sometimes.
• Studying. And, some courses take more study time than others, which you can't necessarily predict
• Sleep
• Everyday things like showering, laundry, putting gas in the car
• Work
• Do you need more hours, or less?
• Activities, whether at school or at home
• Does being involved in an activity make it hard to study? Can you spend less time on that activity?

 

Money-be aware of...

• How much you are taking out in loans
• How much you spend on gas every week
• How much you spend on food
• How much your other bills cost
• Credit card debt and how you can pay it down
• An explanation of how long it takes to pay off debt is here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertberger/2016/12/15/the-fastest-and-slowest-way-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt/#7f964a572803
• You can also search Credit Card Calculator to see how you can pay off your debt faster. Here's one: https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/credit-cards/credit-card-payoff-calculator.aspx
• Review the money situation from time to time, and then try not to obsess about it. You've got this!

Stress
What stresses you out the most....

• Grades
• Get tutors as soon as you know you need them.
• Be sure you haven't signed up for too many credits.
• Talk to your advisor about any issues as they arise, not when they're out of hand.
• Speak to your instructor when you're lost, or about your grades. Not sure? Ask how you're doing. 
• If you get to know your instructor, that can also help if you run into an emergency such as getting really sick in the middle of the semester.
• Are you taking any online classes? How is that going?
• Relationships: parents, friends, roommates, partner or spouse: Keep communications open-these folks are your support team. Be sure you let them know how much they help, as well as when you can't be available.
• Worrying about the future: Will you pass that class? Will you graduate? Will you have a good career? If these things bother you, be sure to see your advisor to explore the answers so you can feel confident as you work on your degree.
• Do you take any time to de-stress? Here is a 5 minute exercise in conscious breathing while letting your body relax: https://5minutemeditation.com/
• Here is a 5 minute meditation with pictures and music-there are many to choose from at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utfw-rJUvy4

Planning...

• Plan your schedule so it's manageable
• A syllabus for a class gives you deadlines to plan for
• Plan study time into your everyday schedule-not just a few minutes here and there
• Plan some time to be with friends, but tell them when you have to study
• Plan time to rest
• Don't forget to eat, and eat well, most of the time. Some ideas for easy food: https://www.freebiefindingmom.com/college-recipes-cheap-easy-meals-college-students/
• Did you know there are lots of foods you can make (cheaply) in a mug, in the microwave? True story, try these: https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/food/how-to-save-money-in-college-dorm-recipes/

     

 Here's to making this semester even more successful than the last!

How to Adult: Making a Doctor Appointment

Once you're on your own, whether away from home at college or starting life as an adult, you'll eventually need to tend to your health; namely, you're going to need to see a doctor for some reason, or at least get to a pharmacy for some help to feel better.

 

First, how to know you are 'sick enough' to be seen by a doctor. Here are some guidelines, but truly: if you feel incredibly sick, then you're sick enough.

• Do you know how to take your temperature? You can get a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, they're easy to use if you follow the directions. Normal is usually 98.6. If it's more than 100, it might indicate you're fighting something.
• A bad cough may indicate a respiratory infection
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea that just won't stop after 24 hours and laying off food, should be checked out
• If your chest aches, you may have any number of respiratory issues
• A very raw sore throat may be strep. However, strep doesn't always cause a sore throat. It also can be shown by feeling nauseous, headaches, and a rash.
• For women, if you are not sure whether you have a yeast infection, you should see a doctor.
• You also should be seen if you are having depression that won't ease up. Don't feel like it's not important enough, it is.

While you wait for your appointment, here are some things to try that may help:
Cold/Cough/Chest/Sore Throat - Lots (Lots) of liquids, particularly water; cough drops or anything to suck on that soothes your throat; salt water gargle; ice pops; keeping warm; sleep. Tylenol or ibuprofen for aches and pains (have a little food with ibuprofen as it upsets the stomach)


Vomiting, stomach upset - flat or sometimes fizzy soft drinks, especially clear ones; nothing but clear liquids for 24 hours and then bland foods like soda crackers, bananas, applesauce, plain cooked rice. Have small amounts at a time and see if it stays put.


For any illness, you may want to try products OTC (over the counter) to see if they help-ask a pharmacist for suggestions.

How do you make an appointment?
It doesn't matter if you are at home or away at college, it's the same procedure: First, you call the clinic. Have an idea what time you'll be able to come in. If you prefer a certain doctor or nurse practitioner, say you want to make an appointment with her. Otherwise, just say you need to be seen. They will ask what your symptoms are. This is so they are prepared for possible lab tests or anything else they commonly do, and to gauge how long an appointment you will need. They will tell you what times are available. You can choose the time you want. Write it down so you don't forget.

 

They will ask what insurance you have. Be sure you can answer that one. They will likely want a copy of your insurance card when you come in for your appointment.

 

Show up on time or a bit early for your appointment, and have your debit card with you for the copay. Go to the checkin desk and tell them who you are, and that you have an appointment at 9:00  with Mary Jones, for instance. They'll ask for your insurance card and possibly a co-pay. Get a receipt for that and keep it in a safe place.

 

When they call your name to go to your exam room, answer the doctor's questions as well as you can. It's hard to diagnose when you're not being clear. She will listen to your heart and lungs, look in your ears and at your throat, examine your lymph glands (below your ears), and may have you lay down so she can palpate (feel) your belly, and will need to examine anything that might indicate what the problem is. She may want to do lab tests such as a white blood count. That will indicate if you are fighting an infection. If there is anything at all you don't understand, ask the person to explain.


It's possible your doctor will determine that you have something viral, and antibiotics won't help.

You can also ask the doctor to write down your instructions for when you leave; most of them will give you a printout to take home with you.


It is important to know if you have any allergies to any kind of medication. Ask your parent if you don't know. If you have seen this same doctor for a few times, he or she will likely know and will prescribe only drugs that are safe for you to take.


If you have something viral, then a prescription won't help. The doctor can suggest ways for you to soothe your symptoms.
If you get a prescription, and they don't fill it at the doctor's office, here's how you get it filled.


Some doctors will call in your prescription for you at the end of your appointment (know where you want them to send it to be filled). If you get a slip of paper, called a scrip, take the scrip to your pharmacy and give it to the person working there. If you're not in their records they may ask for your information. They'll also need to know what insurance you use. They may be able to fill it while you wait, or may have you come back.


Once it is ready, you pay the copay and they give you your medicine. Ask any questions you have, and they may tell you not to take this medication with certain foods. Pay attention to that: Sometimes if you take a medication with orange juice, for example, it wipes out the effect of the medication. There will be cautions printed on the paper you get with the prescription. If you have any questions, you can call the pharmacy and ask them.


Take the medication exactly as it says on the pill or liquid bottle, and finish it all, even if you start to feel better in a couple of days. If you finish it and still aren't better, call the doctor to see what she thinks you should do (another round of medication? Something different?).


Most of all, don't be afraid to see a doctor when you are concerned. They really want to help you feel better. And if it's something that will simply run its course, then you don't have to be worried about it anymore.


Take care of yourself!!

Ruh Roh!! I'm on Probation/Suspension....

You get this letter in the mail that says......

 

You have been placed on Academic Probation or Suspension.

 

What????

 

What does it mean?
To some extent, the college does want you to succeed and do well with your studies towards a degree. Most professors want their students to understand and enjoy the learning process. But, also there is this: Colleges want to be able to point to their completion rate, frankly, and they prefer not to have students who don't care about their education and/or who are doing failing work. Here is Anoka-Ramsey's policy regarding being in good standing academically, from the website: https://www.anokaramsey.edu/about-us/policies-disclosures/policies-procedures/policy-2c1-satisfactory-academic-progress/  If you scroll down you will see the policy regarding suspension.

You are placed on probation or suspension based on both your grades and how many courses you have completed (completion rate). If your GPA is less than 2.0 (C average), you may be placed on probation.


How to avoid it in the first place:

• Be careful not to over-schedule yourself between classes, work, and other activities.
• Track how you're doing: Ask your instructors about your grades at least by mid-term or earlier. You probably know which ones you are struggling with, but it doesn't hurt to check on each class just to be sure-you may be doing better or worse than you think. Make note of your instructors' office hours so you know when you can meet with them.
• If you need some help with tutoring, visit the Academic Support Center and get scheduled with a tutor. Be clear on what you don't understand or need help with.
• Don't try to 'fake' your way through a class.
• Don't assume your class will get you an 'Easy A.'
• Ask your TRIO advisor what you can do to stay afloat.
• Are you putting in enough hours of study? Are you organized? Do you get enough sleep? Are you eating well? Be sure you're doing everything you can to succeed.
• If you are truly struggling, ask your advisor if you should drop the course rather than stay in and possible get an F for your grade. That will stay on your transcript until you re-take the course and get a better grade. However, don't drop a course without checking with your advisor. It can affect your financial aid status.

You will receive a letter from the college if they are placing you on probation. There is at least one form to fill out in order to appeal. Ask your TRIO advisor to assist you with it.

Things the appeals committee might ask, in person or in writing:

• What happened to cause you to be on probation or suspension?
• How has this situation changed, or how have you become better able to handle it?
• What kind of support do you have to pursue your education?
• What will you do if this same stress continues or shows up again?
• Why should we take a chance on you? 

Whether you're talking in person to the appeals folks, or writing a letter to explain your situation, remember these tips:

• Prepare: know what you're going to say, and do your best to be organized with your thoughts.
• If in person, be sure you appear dressed like this meeting means something, because it does.
• Be honest. What happened that sidetracked you?
• Include details. Instead of "It just got to be too much," add that it was because you had a death in your family, or your car conked out and you had no way to get to school reliably, or you broke your leg and couldn't get around as well.
• Tell them how you plan to do better if you get another chance. Have a real plan: I will use my time better. I have transportation all lined up and a back-up person as well. I am dealing much better with my home situation now, and school is my absolute priority.
• Be polite and mature as you write or interact.

 

 

 It doesn't have to be the end of your college education. You can do it!

 

https://www.thoughtco.com/academic-dismissal-appeal-questions-786222

How To Adult: Eggs

You can still get a dozen eggs for under $2.00. That gives you a simple way to get some protein that doesn't cost a whole lot. Add a piece of toast and some juice, and there's some good fuel for getting through your day.


But, how? You ask.

OK, there are several ways to 'make eggs.'


Scrambled   https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=B589B5669A797050521BB589B5669A797050521B&&FORM=VRDGAR

                                                          This is a pysanky Ukrainian decorated egg

Fried ('sunny side up') https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=A098F6E41047E40F59BCA098F6E41047E40F59BC&&FORM=VRDGAR

Hard boiled  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=1DEB725329C2CDACCB951DEB725329C2CDACCB95&&FORM=VDRVRV

Soft boiled  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+soft+boiled+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=B2F28E1FA2DD1435E2BBB2F28E1FA2DD1435E2BB&&FORM=VRDGAR




Poached  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=A3DDF3AABC1D3588EFE3A3DDF3AABC1D3588EFE3&&FORM=VRDGAR

And remember to thank a chicken for her efforts!!

I Love Me A Good List

You don't just need a list of what stuff to bring to college, you need a list of stuff you need to do, such as......

• Check about your car insurance. Are you going to have a car at college? If you are, see about a lower rate if you won't be in a metro area. If you're not going to have a car at college, drop coverage to Comprehensive only, if the car will be parked and not in use. Coming home from winter break and want to use the car for those few weeks? It can be done.Call your insurance agent and ask about these things. Be sure you have your proof of insurance card with you all the time.
• If you'll have a car at college, do you know how to check the oil? Fill the windshield washer fluid? Change a tire? Have someone show you before you leave. You may not be able to Google that when you need it.

• Make sure you've had any vaccinations recommended, including one for Meningitis. Keep a record of them, the college may ask for it. Carry your health insurance card with you all the time. Some facts on meningitis; http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/meningococcal/collegefact.html
• Set up your own bank account, or a joint account with a parent. You may need cash from time to time and, you may have a 'regular' job or a work-study, and your employer will need to direct-deposit your pay.
• Find out where you can use an ATM without incurring charges to your account-some of them charge $4 just to make a withdrawal.

• Know what you'll do if you get sick while you're at college: Is there a campus clinic? How does your insurance work when you're not 'at home'?
• Remember, the college can't share any information about you without your consent. That means grades, for example, as well as any medical information if you should go to the doctor (whether at home or away)
• If you have a significant other, talk about how your relationship will work if you aren't going to live close together. Be honest: Do you want to be free to enjoy your time? Do you want to go home as much as possible to see him or her? Or not? How does your SO feel? Better to talk about it than assume you know what you both want.

• If you have a younger sibling who will, believe it or not, miss you while you are gone, see if there's a prized possession of yours or maybe your pet, that you can entrust to said brother or sister. This can be quite an honor for him or her.
• Do you know how to cook simple foods? The college caf won't be open 24/7. Where can you get a loaf of bread, peanut butter, and milk? Fruit? Cereal?

• When you get in touch with your roommate, talk about the practical part of living together. Who empties the trash? Will you share any supplies? Does one of you like to stay up late and the other is early to bed? Some excellent questions to ask each other: https://campusriot.com/10-questions-you-must-ask-your-new-college-roommate/
• If there is no air conditioning in your dorm, you'll be glad to have brought a fan, even a small one, and even if you only use it for a few weeks.
• Clarify how often you'll be in touch with your parents, if necessary. They'll miss you and want to hear what you're up to, and you'll be very busy a lot of the time.

• Less is more: four or five of every type of clothing will probably be fine, plus (ahem) underwear, a light jacket or hoodies, a couple of pair of shoes, and a winter coat. Dorms are TINY. You don't need 17 pair of shoes. Really, you don't.
• Remember, you're not cutting ties with life as you know it. There are discount stores, grocery stores, even malls, just about anywhere you go. You can ask your parents/guardians to send you things you need, too---it's kind of fun to receive a package in the mail.
• Be safe: remember to have a buddy when you go out, especially at night. Text each other when you get back to your dorms. Take note of emergency phones on campus, too.

 

 

 

Do You Know How To Fry An Egg?

You probably aced most of your classes in high school, and now you're ready for The Great Adventure aka college. You're learning how to navigate Financial Aid, purchase your textbooks, and get your housing set up.


But, what about the practical side of life? Before you leave home, here are some things that are really helpful to know when there's no parent to help, aka Adulting 101:

• Could you make your own doctor or dentist appointment? Do you know who to call? Do you know how to get a prescription filled? There is often an on-campus clinic; otherwise, you'll have to find somewhere nearby that you can be seen. Check with your parent about what clinic or doctor is covered by your medical insurance, and how that will work. You can't generally just go anywhere you choose, because your medical insurance won't pay for it. Make a list of clinics that work with your insurance.

• Do you have a place where all your passwords for important stuff is kept? There should be another place besides your phone: Phones run out of battery just when you need them, they break, and they get lost. One good idea is to write your passwords down but have a friend keep them.
• Can you check the oil level in your car? Check the tire pressure? Can you change a tire? Would you know what to do if your car conks out? Have a parent or someone show you how to do basic maintenance, and seek out a mechanic that might be a possibility if you need one, close to campus.

BONUS: NEWS FLASH: Did you know you might be able to save on your insurance premiums if you are not bringing a car with you to campus? You don't need full coverage if you won't be driving it, and you can put coverage back on if you go home on break. There can also be reduced premiums if you're going to have your car, but will live in a more rural area (not in the Twin Cities). Ask your insurance agent about these potential savings.

• Can you use an ATM?

• Do you know how to check your bank balance online? Do you keep track of your purchases?
• What would you do in an emergency? For example, if you had a car accident-Do you know where your insurance company's number is? You should have an insurance card in your wallet or in your car. What about a medical emergency? Or, what would you do, or where would you go, if your dorm was unavailable because the water main broke? Or if the power went out?
• Do you know how to do a load of laundry? How to sort colors and whites? How much detergent to use? How to dry clothes? How to fold them? Have someone show you how before you find yourself with no clean clothes.

• Can you make simple food, such as eggs? Mac and cheese from a box? Cook a burger? Follow a recipe? Also, could you make a grocery list to get the stuff to make something? Do you know how to store leftovers safely?  Have someone show you how to do these things. Some 3-ingredient recipes:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/genius-three-ingredient-recipes?utm_term=.ttpp7ZgwR#.asPKALvP7

• Do you know what items constitute healthy or healthier eating? Why should you not eat pizza seven days a week? Remember your basic food groups? Have. Some. Fruit. And. Vegetables.

• Can you sew on a button that's loose or has fallen off? It's not hard!!
• Do you know how to clean a bathroom?
• Can you tie a tie? Here's how: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+tie+a+tie&&view=detail&mid=B1000A43D8489DFCB1ACB1000A43D8489DFCB1AC&FORM=VRDGAR
• Can you change the sheets on your bed?
• How will you get up in the morning? Do you have an alarm clock? Or are you going to use your phone? Is it loud enough to make you wake up?

• How does your college communicate important news to you (like campus is closed due to weather, the most hoped-for news): Is it through your campus e-mail? Check it every day!
• If there is public transportation near you, do you know how to use it? How do you get a bus token or pass, and where does the bus take you? How long will it take to get where you're going? Is there a shuttle bus that can take you to and from campus? How does that work?

These are things you might want to consider as you move into adulting: you can do it, and what you don't know, you can learn. Because those that came before you, learned how to adult, and you can, too.

What Not To Bring To College: 25 pair of jeans and the Dreaded Futon

Have you seen all the merchandise in stores for 'back to college' or  to 'outfit your dorm'?

 

I have a secret to tell you: You need approximately none of those things to start your year. New freshmen and their parents tend to be persuaded they'll use all sorts of things, but they won't. Here's a reality check:

 

The overriding idea is this: Think of a dorm as a home for tiny little miniature gnomes where everything is 1/4 scale. The keyword is 'Tiny.' A typical dorm has just enough room for the twin size extra long 'beds' it has, the tiny desks and perhaps a tiny bookshelf for each person, and there will be a tiny closet. Space for anything you bring in is really limited.

-Doing laundry during college is not going to be a priority. That doesn't mean bring more clothes. Trust me.
-You'd be surprised how little you actually need in terms of clothing:

• 4 pairs of pants or jeans
• 4 shirts
• 2 hooded sweatshirts
• 2 or 3 pair of shoes (yes, that seems minimalistic to some)
• 7 pair socks, 7 underwear
• 2 pair pajamas or what passes for pajamas
• jackets, one that's really warm for winter
• winter scarf or hat, mittens or gloves

So much for clothing.

Here are items actually found in a dorm checklist from a well known store. Revised title:
Completely Pointless Items Nobody Ever Uses in College:

• Iron and ironing board (you will use these never....and this carries on into adult life)
• Vacuum (you must be kidding)
• Your own shower curtain (the great majority of dorm showers are multi-stall and not private)
• Set of dishes ...skip these, or buy four plates and four bowls from Goodwill or a garage sale. All you really need. Ditto silverware.
• Sewing kit: Would you actually use it? I thought not.
• A lap desk?? Really?
• A jewelry organizer... for what?
• Bed skirt  (that's actually pretty funny)

                                                              Whatever it is, where would you put it?

• Several sets of sheets .... Nope, you need one set, maybe two. See laundry habits above.
• Storage trunk. And this would go where?
• Shoe storage racks. Everyone knows that shoes are thrown on the floor of the closet.
• Scale.Seriously?
• Lounge seating. Where is this lounge exactly??
• Clothing steamer
• Coffee maker
• Dining table (they actually suggested that)
• Garment Bags

• Skirt hangers (unless you wear skirts all the time, I suppose)
• Closet organizer (ha!)
• Gym bag
• Socks to wear with rain boots
• An upgraded shower head, if your school allows it
• Self Tanning lotion, as well as eye cream, foundation, and concealer
• Formal clutch (that's a purse you use with a formal dress)
• Formal dress
• Little black dress
• Going out purse (??)
• Sleep mask
• Tool kit

Remember, you're sharing the tiny dorm with someone else. Be considerate of your roommate, too.

 

And the most egregious idea ever invented and foisted upon college freshmen and their parents:
(drum roll)                                    ****A futon****


Do not, let me repeat, do not purchase a futon for a dorm room

• There's not enough room in the dorm
• They're not fun to carry and wrangle and maneuver into a dorm room
• They're always bigger than you think they are
• They're awful to sleep on even if you could get it into the room
• There's already two or more 'beds' in the room, there is no room for a futon
• Did I mention there's no room?

•  Your parent(s) will try valiantly to deliver said futon, and when they've gotten up all 12 floors and realize it won't work, they'll have to bring it back down again. This will not make them happy.
• On a hot August or early September day, the last thing you want to deal with is moving a futon. Trust me.
• Yes, you're probably 'lofting' the beds in your dorm. No, that doesn't mean there's room for a futon underneath. A couple of lawn chairs and a cardboard box for a table, yes.

If you want more great examples of what not to bring, simply visit a college campus in the dorm area either at the end of spring or the beginning of fall semester and take a look at the sidewalks and dumpsters: You'll see an abundance of furniture left behind, some of it perfectly good. Those are all things people didn't want or wouldn't fit anywhere, but they didn't care to take back home. You may be able to furnish your first apartment this way....but not a dorm.

 

Here are some things that actually are helpful:


A Fan.  The great majority of dorms are not air conditioned, and the end of August/beginning of September is hot.


 That's all I can think of. Bring a fan.