by John Oystein

Created on: August 29, 2009

When you're headed to college, especially for the first time, you're going to bring a lot of stuff. While you're packing, you'll find some of the things you need will not fit in a backpack, suitcase, or the trunk of your car. But before you go to school, find out what the school will provide you in your dorm. Next, get in touch with your roommate, assuming you're going to have one, and find out what they're bringing, and you can share. Still, you're going to have to some stuff on your own.

Here, you'll find John's Top 10 essentials to bring to college. John went to college, 15 years ago this week. These are items I found extremely useful, but they weren't all something I used in my freshman year.

10. Beddings The college will provide you with a mattress, but not any bed sheets or pillows. You'll need them. Be sure to get more than one set. Bed sheets should be washed and changed on a weekly basis.

9. Cooking utensils and silverware Even though you'll surely eat many meals at the school's cafeterias, you'll also want to cook in your room. Sometimes, a dorm kitchen will provide some utensils, but definitely, don't bank on it. (Commonly owned things tend to disappear in a dorm.) So, have your own silverware and basic cooking supplies on hand. By the way, this includes having your own detergents and dish rags as will.

8. Blender A small blender was one of the best purchases I ever made at school. After I got it, my room became quite popular as a joint to get good fruit smoothies.

7. Microwave A microwave oven is another must-have. From heating TV dinners and last night's pizza to study-time popcorn, you can use a microwave for all this.

6. Laundry supplies (especially a basket) Get a good, sturdy, heavy basket. I made a mistake with a flimsy, cheap one that was ripped in half by the end of the semester. The heavy-duty one I bought 10 years ago is still with us. As for the detergents, I recommend a store brand, they work as well as the big names.

5. School supplies College is still school, duh. Make sure you've got plenty of papers, notebooks, pens, and pencils. Even a set of colored pencils, scissors, and glue may come in handy.

4. Computer (with a printer) While many students bring a computer to school, I was shocked to discover just how few bothered with printers. What was the point in that? A printer is vital to your schoolwork as a computer itself. And don't forget the paper.

3. Common sense In many respects, universities are bastions of stupidity, not higher learning. On one level, you've got hoards of young people with a lot of freedom, some money, little responsibility, and no common sense. That's why you see the stories of reckless behavior on campuses. Binge drinking, predatory credit card merchants, an abusive cliques abound on campuses because kids are cut loose, and don't think. On top of that, there are some professors and administrators that have never grown up themselves. Childish professors hide behind useless decrees and tenure to espouse the most ridiculous nonsense to helpless, captive students require to take their courses. They in turn breed students who grow up repeating the same garbage.

2. Values A student's freedom, away from home, is a dangerous thing. When you're away, clinging to your values can keep you away from trouble.

1. Your brain You're supposed to be learning, remember? Use your brain!

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