8.08.2008

Dorm Essentials: Study Time!

Alright, so you’ve re-vamped your room into your space. You have the essential tools for cooking and eating in your room. You’re entertainment system beats out most adults. You’re bed feels like it belongs in a five star hotel and you even got everything you need for smelling good. You’re so ready for school.

Not quite, buck-o.

Remember, you’re going to college to get an EDUCATION which means having the proper tools to do so. So what to bring? Well, I’ve complied yet another list for you to look at, dearies. Hope it helps!

1: The Basics.


This, contrary to popular belief, is the easiest of all parts. Getting down the basics. As with most of my articles that include basics, this is different for everyone but is something that is easy to solve.

First, think back to your high performance peak in high school, preferably your Junior year or the first semester of your Senior year. Choosing your last semester is usually not very wise due to “senioritis.” Also choose a class that didn’t have a very strict material requirements for the class but was a demanding one, scholastic wise. Think AP or IB.

Now what was it about that class that made it so successful? What did you use to help guide yourself through this class?

Luckily for me, my class (which was actually second semester my Sophomore year) was like this. It was an AP American history class were we had only eight tests, weekly timed essays, and a final that made up our entire grade. There were no worksheets, no movies, no slide shows. We came into the classroom, sat where we wanted, and had an hour and forty-five minutes of straight-up lectures, at least one hundred pages to read that week, novels to be purchased and read outside the class, and a list ranging from a hundred to two hundred fifty words that had to be looked up and understand. But it wasn’t a definition. It was major battles, people, events, etc. We had tests every two weeks.

This class beat many butts. It was the most stressful class I’ve ever taken. But I got the highest grade I’ve ever gotten in an AP or Honors class.

Want to know what I did?

I took down notes in a spiral notebook in pen, so it wouldn’t get that weird pencil smudge, made sure to get the list of terms done the night or weekend I got it, made note cards that same weekend, and then continuously studied them. I also kept the note cards until after the final so as to be able to study them at anytime. Simple (and cheap).

So this is what you need to do for yourself Think of what you personally need and stock up. I have friends who need a binder with lots of organization pockets; pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, and whiteout; index cards of various sizes; and multitude of other items that I don’t even understand. Others just need a laptop with a large memory. And still others just have to sit and listen while occasionally taking notes.

If you need anything else, don’t stress. You’re professor will let you know the first day with his or her syllabus.

2: Extras that you may not remember.

Alright, so you have your basic, in class materials. Now you’ll need something to carry them from class to class so make sure you get a sturdy, durable book bag to store them in. I’m a personal fan of messenger bags but due as you prefer.

Also, for those times you do get in class papers, make sure you have something to put them in. A three ring prong folder for each class or even one-inch binders should due. These can be left in your room until you need them for class.

A pencil pouch. Don’t laugh. It helps, trust me, and makes it so you don’t have a dozen broken pencils at the bottom of your bag but nothing to write with.

Getting a planner is a handy thing to have. You’re not in high school anymore. College is not going to be handing out agendas at the beginning of each year and tell you when (and what) to write in them. Get used to writing in the planner and don’t forget: you can use them for more than just class. It’s great for keeping up with a work schedule and those small appointments from time to time.

3: Don’t forget that not everything will need to be toted to and from class.

If you like note cards, get something to put them in. Nothing is more messy (or unneeded) than carting around two hundred or so note cards in your book bag. You don’t need anything fancy, just a simple box to throw them in while not in use. Note card files have hit the market, too, so check in on them.

Rubber bands, paper clips, or staples to keep related items together. Once again. Due as you prefer.

Have a distinct place at your desk to store current class materials at when you don’t have that

class. Drawers work nicely but if your desk doesn’t come with it, then just designated a space to stack your stuff between uses. You can even use stackable trays.

Hole puncher so you can easily put things in your notebooks that don’t become pre-punched. Kept at the desk, though.

Calculator for your math classes. I suggest getting a TI-83 or TI-84, with calculator links. This way, you have the graphing functions and can easily transfer them to your computer using TI Connect. It’s free and a life saver at the same time.

4: That computer stuff.

I know not all college students feel the need to bring a computer to school but for those who do, these are things that I suggest. Also, even for those that don’t, some of these items are good for you, too.

As you may have noticed, floppy disks are completely outdated. Look for a nice jump drive. You could get blank Cds but I personally find a jump drive to be easier and less space consuming. If you feel a little nerdy putting it on your keychain, just stick in to your pencil pouch (looking handy now, huh?) Jump drives are great for saving data such as papers or reports without relying on the computer. That way if your computer crashes, you have another copy.

Getting a nice laptop or desk top is also a good idea. Laptops are better in the since that they’re portable, lightweight, don’t take up much space, and are now around the same price as a desktop. Desktops still tend to have more memory so choose your preference and go with it. I suggest getting a good warranty and keeping all the computer information with you, which means that you should take it to college with you.

If you get a laptop, don’t forget to get a laptop bag or just a laptop sleeve, which makes it so you can put them in other bags. Don’t forget the charger at home and make sure that it has a wireless card already installed or buy one of those as well. Ethernet cords are great as well, for both laptops and desktops, and the connection tends to be more reliable than a wireless connection. A mouse is also a good investment if using a sensor pad starts to bug your fingers a big.

A good printer with a USB connection is a wise decision as well. If you can get an all-in-one, that’s even better so you don’t have to make copies else where or find a fax machine at the last minute. Make sure you stay on top of the ink cartridge, making sure to buy an extra one when it starts to get below the half way mark, just to be safe. This is also an item to discuss with the Roomie and if you do share, split the cost of a new cartridge when it needs changing. Don’t forget the printer paper as well.

Make sure if you have anything that needs the computer, such as digital cameras or the aforementioned calculators, make sure to bring the correct cords along the way. Plus, good headphones are always great for private sound use.

5: Electrical stuff in general.

Get a desk lamp so you can work late into the night without having to use the overhead light. Just snag the one from home or you could just buy one at a local retail store for as low as ten bucks. Don’t worry so much about light bulbs. You can pick those up one the first one blows out.

And of course, get a surge protector and a multiple outlet plug. Chances are you’re room is equipped so that each roommate gets at least two outlets with two plugs a piece. That leaves four plugs in all, which, as you may guess, may not be enough for all your stuff. A surge protector is good for those times when the power surges, making sure not to ruin most electrical appliances.

6: Final Word.

You must never forget that college is for education first and everything second. Get what you need and worry about the rest later. As always, the items suggested are not set in stone, merely suggestions made from one college kid to another. Feel free to do as you wish, whether that means going strictly by it, only do certain sections, or doing your own thing.

Photos taken by me in the usual places with stuff I already have.

Feedback (comments, questions, suggestions) always welcomed.

Sincerely,
Ran

1 comment:

Joie Mayfield said...

I used to be a Residence Life Coordinator at a college for a dorm, and I would recommend waiting until you check into your building for extension cords. Some laws prohibit certain cords. For example, in our building, you couldn't have any cord other than one with a fuse and it had to tbe 16 gauge. :)

Great blog topics! I wish I had this when I was getting ready!!

Joie
http://somuchtodealwith.blogspot.com