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Should I bring it?
You’ve got all the goodies a freshman could want: a cute carpet, a matching bed set and a moving van full of schnazzy gadgets. But did we mention that you’ll only have an 11-by-11 square foot space to share with your possessions and a roommate? (Not to mention your roommate’s stuff.) Here’s our advice on what to bring to college and what to leave in your parents’ safekeeping. You’ll thank us when it’s time to move in—and out.
Car
Bring if: You’re living off campus or are within driving distance to home and will need to go back often. Also consider if you’ve secured an off-campus job.
The plug: You’ll gain instant fame and popularity if you have a car. You’ll be the Official Dorm Driver, making runs to Wal-Mart at all hours of the night. You’ll be able to explore beyond your campus and thus become connected to your college’s town instead of just the college.
The problem: Insurance. Parking passes. Parking tickets. Gas money. And you’ll be the Official Dorm Driver, making runs to Wal-Mart at all hours of the night. If you own a particularly lovely car, start dreaming up excuses now for all those who will ask for the keys “just this once.” It’s OK to say no.
Reality check: From batteries to burgers, you’ll be able to access most things you’ll need on campus. Look for on-campus jobs at the library, athletic center or bookstore. And if you offer to pay for gas, it’ll be easy to bum a ride home or to the airport at break time.
Computer
Bring if: You’re in a major that will require a lot of paper writing, and you’ll have a printer and Internet access in your room.
The plug: The convenience of having e-mail, typing and printing capabilities just feet from your bed is undeniable.
The problem: Beware of getting sucked into hours of solitaire and Instant Messenger when you should instead be writing that 20-page paper. Also beware of letting others use your computer. When you give one person free reign, you’re in danger of welcoming a line of e-mailers. Make sure you always back up your files, and don’t let anyone download things from e-mails onto your hard drive—a professor won’t care that a virus ate your homework.
Reality check: All colleges have computer labs scattered around campus, in libraries and even in residence halls. So if your summer-job money needs to go towards tuition rather than towards a machine, there will be enough computer access to meet your needs. If you are buying a computer for college, consider a laptop. They’ll allow you to write your labs in the library, a coffeeshop or on spring break. You can also take it with you if you study abroad.
Cell phone
Bring if: You have friends and family in different area codes, or if you and your roommate will have to compute and split long distance bills. Save yourself the hassle of perpetual I-owe-you’s by using your cell as your main phone instead.
The plug: Long distance relationships get the attention they need when long-distance charges are already factored into your monthly cell bill. Mom will also be able to get in touch with you whether you’re at the student union or softball practice.
The problem: DO NOT forget to turn your cell phone off in class! You’ll be humiliated if you hear Fur Elise beeping from your bag during biology. If you do forget to turn off your phone, do NOT answer it in the middle of class. Entire conversations have actually happened during class, and that’s just uncalled for. If you think your call’s an emergency, excuse yourself from class. If you re-enter, sit by the door and go back for your books after class is done. Also, consider that a cell phone’s signal may be weak in your room or on campus. Test the coverage in the places you’ll most likely use a cell phone before signing a long-term contract.
Reality check: Cell phones are nifty for the access they provide you with your loved ones. But cell phone companies don’t offer student discounts, so make sure you have enough cash to cover your monthly costs.
Wall decorations
Bring if: You’ve got pictures and posters that aren’t in frames. Also bring lots of sticky tack.
The plug: You’ll be able to hang a bit of home in your new room and transform the bare institutional walls into a really big scrapbook.
The problem: Some dorm walls are cinderblocks, some drywall, and all have their own restrictions. So before investing in a framed print by your favorite photographer, make sure you’ll have a way to hang it in your room. And you might want to talk to your roommate before hanging anything. That way, she won’t be surprised by your Disney posters and you by her Metallica ones. Waiting to decorate will let you compromise with a nice tapestry instead.
Reality check: College towns are never short on poster sales. And if you save your decorating until you get to school, you’ll have an excuse to explore downtown’s stores and a good bonding experience for you and your new roomie.
Was this helpful? Pick up The Next Step Magazine’s annual Graduation Gift Guide in May! Article provided by 
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