by Gabrielle Schrader

Created on: January 20, 2010   Last Updated: January 22, 2010

As a current college freshman I can tell you that there are some "essential" items that you'll want to bring with you to college to make your life much easier. College is an overwhelming experience with all of it's new activities and habits. Without these ten essential items, you'll find that it may be harder to adjust and it may be harder to succeed academically.

1. A Cellphone

This sounds like a plea from a teenager to her parents to buy her something for social connections, and in a way it might be. A cellphone is the best form of social networking that you will find on campus and without one, you are automatically at a disadvantage when making new friends. "Hey Leah, we're all going to dinner. Want to come?" might be a phone call or a text away but if you haven't a cell phone you won't be kept in the loop as much. Of course, it is important to put yourself out there and be where other people are but if you want to stay connected to someone (yes, Facebook will help) but on a moment-to-moment basis a cellphone is really the only way to go. 

Also, if you get into any trouble or danger of any kind, without a cellphone you won't be able to reach those who can help you. If you need assistance because you've been drinking illegally or some creepy guy is falling you, then you'll wish you had a cellphone on you.

2. A Planner

Everyone needs to plan and in college it is of the utmost importance. No one is watching out for you or holding your hand. If you turn in that paper late, do you really think that your Professor is going to be okay with it? Nope, not likely. So write down your assignments, write down your class times, write down any other appointments you have and if you make plans with friends. This way you'll always know what you have to do, what you could do and how much time you have left over. 

3. A Water Bottle/ A Cup (if you only want to use it in your dorm and not bring it to your dining hall)

Buying new water bottles all of the time can add up and unless your parents plan on buying you whatever you want, then you'll want to save money back for going out to eat, to concerts, or doing other activities with your friends. A water bottle can also be re-filled with different drinks at your school's dining hall such as pop or juice. You can then always re-fill your bottle with water in your dorm from a sink or drinking fountain. I only have a cup because I only use this method when I am in my dorm. When I'm out at the dining hall, I just use their

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