Getting ready to start your year at Ball State University (BSU)? Here are some ways to prepare, tips and tricks you may or may not have heard and what you should and should not bring when heading off to college!
Ways to Prepare
There are so many ways to prepare when it comes to your first year of college. Every student is different, especially when it comes to preparing for a life altering experience, so here are five things that I find are most important when it comes to going to college.
1. Follow BSU’s social media platforms and/or group
Joining BSU’s social media platforms and groups is a great way to meet new people that have the same interests as you. Some examples include Ball State’s Twitter (@BallState) and Ball State’s Instagram (@ballstateuniversity).
2. Research your professors.
Once you find out who your professors are, do your research! Which professors do people love, and which ones not so much?
3. Connect with your roommates.
Before your move-in date, try to connect with your roommates! Break the ice and stop the awkwardness, that way when you meet for the first time, it isn’t like moving in with a complete stranger.
4. Tour campus before the first day of classes.
Before the first day of classes, you’ll want to get comfortable walking the campus. Find all of your classes and figure out how long it takes you to get to each of them, that’ll save you some stress before the first day!
5. Think about your major and the future you’ll have with it.
Take some time to really consider your major. Is it really something you see spending your life doing? While you don’t have to have it all figured out your freshman year due to the relative ease of changing majors, it always helps to find the right one from day one.
If you follow these tips for being prepared, you will walk intoBall State ready to conquer the school year.
Tips and Tricks
As mentioned earlier, every college student is different, which means there are so many tips and tricks that you may not have heard of! There are five tips and tricks that I think every college student should know, and that might help you going into your year at Ball State University.
1. Join a club or group.
You’ll meet so many new people with the same interests as you. This way, you have acquaintances that you’ll know right away and will help you feel most comfortable.
2. Find a place where you know you can study effectively.
Studying effectively in college is absolutely crucial. Find a place where you know there will be no distractions; it could be the library, your dorm room, or anywhere else on campus that is quiet and comfortable.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your professors.
Professors are there to help you, and want to help you. Don’t be afraid to go in during office hours and ask for help if you are struggling.
4. Create a roommate contract.
Yes, it sounds very cheesy, but it will help you when you start getting to know your roommate. Depending on the situation, you and your roommate may be strangers, and don’t know each other's daily schedules. Making a “contract” will help you both get on the same page when it comes to your schedules.
5. Build a community on campus.
Everybody at college is in the same boat as you when it comes to not knowing anybody, become familiar with people and make lifelong friendships!
If you find these tips and tricks helpful, use them and create a worthwhile Ball State University experience!
What You Should Bring for Classes and Your Dorm
It all comes down to preference when it comes to what you should bring with you to college. While there are so many things that former college students have said they used, again, everybody is different! Bring whatever you feel you need for your classes and living space, and make yourself feel comfortable!
Examples of things you should bring:
Any school supplies that you may need
Any bathroom necessities
Electronic necessities
All the clothing that you’ll need, keeping in mind you will have limited space
All the shoes that you’ll need
All the accessories that you’ll need
Kitchen necessities, keeping in mind your kitchen will likely be very small
First-aid and/or medicine necessities
Bedroom/decor necessities
Cleaning supplies
What You Shouldn’t Bring for Your Dorm
While there are a lot of items that could be beneficial in your dorm room, there are items that you may not need. When living in a BSU dorm room, you should keep in mind that your space will be limited, but you want to have a comfortable space where you are able to focus and relax.
One thing that you may not need to bring is bed risers. Instead of bed risers, you should bring under-the-bed storage. You could use under-the-bed storage for an extra dresser or just extra organization.
Another thing you may find that you don’t need are closet organizers. Closet organizers just take up precious closet space! Instead, use the drawers that are provided for you in the dorm, that way you have more space.
The third thing you may or may not need is an alarm clock! Instead of buying an alarm clock, buy a bedside shelf. This way, you can use your phone as an alarm and also have room for other things such as a drink, glasses, etc.
The fourth and fifth thing that you could probably go without is an iron and ironing board. Instead of an iron, you can use a steamer when trying to make your clothes less wrinkled. A steamer takes up a lot less room than an iron and ironing board.
While some people may feel the need for these and others don’t, that’s ok! Your living space is up to you!
If you follow my suggested ways to prepare, my tips and tricks and what to and what not to bring to college, you should have the best year at Ball State. Good luck, and have a great year!
Contact Rylin Sherron for comments via rylin102405@gmail.com.
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