It can be frightening for parents and students to move away from their homes for the first time. Freshmen shouldn’t be afraid of living in a dorm. You’ll be ready in no time if you get started preparing for college.
* Plan ahead. You need to start thinking about the things you will need to succeed in dorm life. List the things you need for your dorm, and for classes. For a list of items you should buy, check with your college.
* Create a budget. Create a budget that reflects your income while at school. You have many options to help you stick to your new budget. Reloadable prepaid cards are an excellent tool to help you live within a budget. These cards can be used just like any credit or debit card, but they are loaded with money up front and don’t require you to have a bank account. These cards are affordable and offer text or e-mail updates about balances. nFinanSe offers reloadable prepaid card at Dollar General for $3
* Dorm room essentials. Discount retailers make it easier to stock a dorm space on a tight budget. You can find everything you need in one place to furnish your dorm space. You will need a bed-in a bag, sheets, towels and pillows, as well as a trash can and storage containers. Also, you will need laundry detergent, a laundry basket or bag with fabric softener and stain removal, an iron and hand sanitizer as well. You can stockpile the items that you most frequently use during the day by thinking about the items you are likely to use every day.
* Bathroom Basics. Many dorms lack the luxury of private toilets so make sure you have access to the local one. A shower caddy containing essentials like shampoo, razor and soap and wash cloths with flip flops, bath robes and flip flops is a must.
* Stock the fridge. It is important to have enough food on hand for class and study sessions late at night. You can stock your dorm with basic necessities such as ramen noodles and peanut butter, popcorn in the microwave, pretzels, and bottled water. You will also need a few basic cooking items such as a small set of bowls, a can opener, and a coffeemaker. Check out DG Easy Meals for quick and easy recipes. www.dollargeneral.com.
* Get ready for class. Once your dorm is organized, it’s time to prepare for class. A book bag, highlighters, pens, pencils, and notebooks are all essential classroom items. Copy paper, extra discs and an external hard disk are all essential for any computer or printer.
