#originalmasterpost

[espressosandexams]

So I went college shopping way back with some friends (including @studious-kiddo) and I compiled a college packing list. Now, as I actually start to pack for college I thought I might make a post about it. But, because it’s my first time actually packing for college, I really am not qualified to offer any sort of advice so I’ve pulled some of the posts that have helped me decide what I should and should not bring to college. There’s a lot of other posts out there that are amazing, but these are the ones I happened to stumble across. Hope it’s helpful!

College provided list: I started with this list that was offered on the Barnard website. It basically outlined everything that my room had, what I was and wasn’t allowed to bring, and some suggested items.

Complete College Checklist by @preparingforcollegeblog - This was just a long list of literally everything that I might need to bring. So I cross referenced this with what my college had given and added whatever I didn’t already have on my list.

My College Dorm Packing List by @produitivity - This also had a really long list of stuff that I would need, but it also had some short explanations for why you might need something.

The following lists were lists of things that a person might not think to bring to college or to leave at home. They’re more specific and by no means comprehensive. But they all provide some really good explanations of why you will (or will not) need something. 

What they don’t tell you you’ll need in college (but you totally do) by @alexatsmith

My “Not-on-Normal-Packing-List” List– Things I plan to bring to College and WHY by @collegelife-101

COLLEGE PACKING DO’S AND DON’TS by @universtudy

Packing for a Dorm by @myastudies

[espressosandexams]

So, now that I’m one week into my summer vacation, I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon and make a master post about summer. I’d love love to hear about your summer goals so feel free to message me or send me an ask or anything! 

1. Figure out what you want to do this summer. You don’t have to learn a new subject. You don’t have to study math everyday. You don’t even have to read. Just figure out for yourself what a really fulfilling summer means to you. That might be sleeping until noon everyday. That might be watching a bunch of Netflix TV shows. That’s ok. You’ve earned it after a long school year. What I mean to say is know what a fun, enjoyable, fulfilling summer is for you and be totally ok with that not being what everyone else thinks it is.

2. Write down what it is you want to do and put that list somewhere visible. The fulfilling summer I was talking about above, write that stuff down. If you’re like me and tend to get a little sidetracked, it can be helpful to have an actual list somewhere reminding me daily what I want to do this summer. If it’s a more complex goal (reading x amount of books for example) then figure out a plan to get there.

3. Work a little towards your goal each day. Is it watching the entirety of “Grey’s Anatomy” that’s on Netflix? Watch an episode or two a day. Is it running a half marathon? Run a few miles a day and train towards it. I’m doing an 80 Days of Summer challenge. If you feel inclined to do something similar, I’d love to hear about it! 

4. Be really ok with not completing all your goals. Don’t get worked up about not finishing everything you wanted to. Summer is about enjoying yourself and taking some downtime from the very stressful school year. So just have fun!

[espressosandexams]

With spring break just around the corner and a lot of travel in the foreseeable future, I thought I’d put together something about traveling and productivity. Now, but productivity I don’t mean studying. I’ve tried that and unless I actually have a test the minute I get off the plan, it’s usually miserable. What I mean is: how can I do more than just sitting around and counting the number of people with bags that definitely won’t fit on the overhead compartment? So here’s what I try to do at airports.

1. Pack smart. I’m guilty of packing ten thousand books, pens, notebooks, cords, etc. at the last minute and just stuffing them all in my backpack. That’s not good because I can’t find anything when I get to the airport and I’m always paranoid something will fall out! So I’ve started packing earlier and smarter. I put my laptop in first as well as my bullet journal (it’s pretty big so...). Then I pack ONE notebook (I figure separating my notes later is better than breaking my back with 5 thousand notebooks). I keep my books (2-3 MAX) in a plastic bag (to prevent water damage in case of a spill). I put my small pencil case (carry only the basics!) next to it. All my charging cords go into a mesh bag that’s kept separately. I also use twist ties to keep everything organized and relatively tangle free. My headphones go in my pencil case and a water bottle in the side holder!

2. Wear comfortable clothes. Seriously. Airplanes and airports are uncomfortable enough without your clothes having to be uncomfortable too. I also like wearing things with A LOT of pockets!

3. Pick a place with good lighting. Pick a seat, cafe table, cafeteria table, etc. that has really good lighting. This is better not just for your ability to read/do work, but also for your eyes.

4. Drink water! Airplane air especially is so dry that it can be really easy to get dehydrated. I guarantee that if you get a couple sips of water, you’ll feel much much better. Take care of yourself!

5. Figure out what you want to get done, but don’t overestimate what you can do. For many people, traveling is a stressful and taxing experience. You don’t have to read 5 chapters of your bio textbook and write that 15 page essay. Read 1 chapter and write an outline. Or don’t do school work at all! Just figure out what is manageable and don’t punish yourself for not finishing everything.

6. Know what’s best for you. I cannot stress this enough. If you know you get airsick, bring motion sickness medicine or maybe just sleep through the plane ride. If you know you get cold easily. bring an extra jacket or blanket. If you know you can’t do work when you travel, then don’t! Take care of yourself!

[espressosandexams]

Alright so now that I’ve completed the written application portion of college apps, I thought I might share some tidbits of knowledge I collected. I can’t promise they’ll be helpful to everyone, but I know that if I were to go through this again, I would want to know this stuff. Here goes!

It’s ok to say “I don’t want to talk about college.” Really. If talking about college is stressful, then don’t. Figure out what is good for your sanity and mental well-being and stick to it. Your friends and family will understand.

Make a comprehensive college deadline/factoid list. I’d recommend doing this during the summer break before senior year. Even if you haven’t fully narrowed down your list yet, make a deadline list for all the colleges you’re thinking about. Include financial aid deadlines, scholarship application deadlines, interview scheduling deadlines, application deadlines. Figure out how the schools do financial aid. Are they need blind? Need aware? For interviews, do colleges reach out to you? Do you have to request an interview? This doesn’t take more than a few hours in one day but it’s so worth it! I felt a lot calmer once I made my deadline list. I didn’t worry as much about missing deadlines.

Write your “Why our college?” questions first. And start these early! I found that these questions helped me figure out why I wanted to apply to this college. These questions also require a bit of research, so it’s nice to get that out of the way so you can focus more on yourself. Regrettably, I left these for the end and I felt like I had mountains of research to do.

Talk to some current students. Maybe you know someone who graduated high school a year before you that you could talk to. Even an alumni would be nice. It helps get a non-polished, real sense of the school. Be careful talking with alumni who graduated more than 10 years ago, though. Many things can change on campus during that period of time!

Phew! Ok that was long. Good luck! But also know that you will be amazing at whatever college you go to! I have so much faith in you all.