(Disclaimer: These may not all apply to all readers. That is all.)
10 Thing You Can't Forget to Remember
A fan! As in, the small spinning desk variety that will help you keep your room slightly more bearable in the blistering heat. Related note: If your school recommends bringing one to orientation-do it! You won't be lame, you'll be praised.
Stamps and envelopes. Because you know what? Sometimes an email just doesn't cut it.
To look up what you're Dining Plan/Laundry Bucks/Printing Allowances actually are. Chances are you looked at a lot of schools and maybe have gotten a little confused as to which school worked which way. The internet is a wonderful resource. Or if you're attending Northeastern, I am!
Two pairs of bedsheets. Honestly, if something goes wrong with the laundry, you can wear a pair of underwear again (no one will know), but you definitely don't want to have to sleep without any sheets!
Movies! I know, they're free on the internet, but we all know owning them is easier (and legal-er). You'd be surprised how many nights can become Movie Nights. I suggest burning all your DVDs onto an external hard drive and then going digital/buying movies with Digital Copy. But that's just me.
That making a friend is as easy as saying "Hi!"
That not everyone you say "Hi!" to will be your best friend.
You're in college to learn- so do it. Skipping a class you/your parents paid for just to sleep a little more is a very expensive nap... just saying.
Headphones headphones headphones. I know there's about a 0.01% you'd forget them...but just to be absolute sure... do NOT forget your headphones.
A sturdy backpack or other object that carries stuff. You probably have a nice backpack from high school, but it also probably has gotten old. My recommendation is a strong and small hiking backpack. They're built to last a long time and usually still offer good protection for a laptop. You don't usually need to carry a lot, but a good backpack is still essential.
8 Things You Can Remember to Forget
A consistent sleeping schedule. You may be the rare exception that somehow sleeps precisely from 11-7 every night, but in case you aren't, I have now warned you. Personally, I fought hard to get enough sleep and I usually succeeded...but not always and I was far from consistent with my hours. If you're good at napping, prepare to become great.
Being 1 out of 20 in a class. This is college and there's a fair bet you'll have at least one class of over 100. It's different. It's intimidating. It's not that bad. You'll be fine.
Having your schedule all laid out for you by your parents. You're in charge now!
Weighing 15 pounds less. Alright, so I'm taking a knock at the very false "Freshman 15" or the 15 pounds it's said most students gain after going to college. You'll most likely gain some weight because you're eating habits will change and you're going to be older but not that much. Just remember that exercise is your friend, even 20 minutes on a treadmill in-between classes.
An A is an A. There are so many different grading systems in any given class at any given university. Don't just assume you're doing well (or doing poorly), check with your professor!
Having enough money. College and living on your own leads to a lot of temptation and spending. You won't have enough for everything, so keep track of where your money goes.
Looking like a bum on weekends. How you dress becomes dependent on how you want to appear to your friends that you'll be seeing every day. Be prepared to have to put on pants on Saturday mornings.
Being embarrassed by what you enjoy. In college, there's almost always someone who also likes thing x, y, or z. So if you're into rock climbing, video games, "shipping," blogging, trying bizarre food, etc. etc., you'll find a friend, but only if you're willing to show off what makes you, you.
