6 Must Knows Before Heading Off to College

There are some things that you should know before you leave the comfort of your parents. Your parents do a lot of things for you, some of which you don't even realize! Here are six things you must know how to do before leaving for college:

1) How to do your own laundry

      You have to know how to do your own laundry before going to college. You are now living without your parents. You shouldn't (I’d say can’t, but people do it) let your laundry build up until you take a trip home and bring ALL your dirty laundry for your mom to wash for you.

       Doing your laundry is really easy:

Take the dirty clothes and separate the dark ones from the light ones.

Put the dark or light clothes into the washing machine. Make sure to NOT overfill the washing machine! It will break.

Put laundry detergent in.

Start the washer.

Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Move the laundry from the washer to the dryer.

Put in a dryer sheet & make sure there isn't lint in the lint catch.

Start the dryer.

When it’s done, take your clothes out & put them away.

2) Buy correct medicine for illness

Don’t buy Aleve for a stuffy nose. It’s for Joint pain.

If you are having any sort of muscle pain – take Tylenol or Midol.

DayQuil and NyQuil are fantastic for colds, flu, and so much more.

If you’re unsure – go to Health Services! It’s a cheap (or free) doctor’s office on campus!

3) Buy personal products without getting embarrassed

Personal products are birth control (of any sort - condoms, the pill, anything), and feminine products.
If you are buying birth control of any sort, you need to own it! Be proud of yourself for having safe sex! No babies or STDs/STIs for you!
Ladies - if you are in need of feminine products, get the courage to buy the ones you like. Guys - if you are commissioned to buy some for your girlfriend, do it. You are being a great boyfriend. Add her favorite chocolate while you're at it.

4) Wash your own dishes

      You most likely won’t have a dish washer in your dorm. Learn how to scrub down those dirty dishes to avoid ants and other creepy crawlies!

5) How to control yourself from over-spending in a store

      Remember: You are a poor college student! You really don’t need that extra shirt or another pair of shoes. There is no room in your wallet nor your closet! Learn how to walk away from that irresistible buy!

6) How to dress for an interview

      It doesn't matter if you are interviewing for a fast food job or an internship, you need to dress well. First impressions matter. Ladies - Wear a nice pair of pants or a skirt with a good blouse. Guys - Wear a good pair of pants with a polo or a button down collared shirt with a tie. Make sure you are wrinkle-free and spot free. Don’t wear jeans and a t-shirt. It shows that you don’t care about the interview. 

What are some things that you think you should know before heading off to college?

6/27/14