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Resources for Incoming College Freshmen

Hey lovelies!

Today I'm going to be sharing a resource document I made last year for incoming freshmen on their way to college. I hope it blesses you all!

Love,

Liv


Freshman Year Resources

Before Move In

What to bring/buy videos:


For Guys

Note: In this video it says colleges provide trash cans. My college doesn’t provide trash

cans so double check because you might need one! 


For Girls 


What to bring/buy blog posts:


12 Things you'll forget to pack to College


What NOT to buy videos: 


There are so many things stores will try to sell you that you do not need, here's a list

of stuff not to buy I think is pretty accurate here

*Video Note

This video says not to get a knife. I use a knife to cut fruit and even open plastic

things so I would still recommend a knife if you think you’ll be cutting fruit or things like that.

Also, my college has vacuums for us to use so I wouldn’t get a vacuum at all until you know if

your college offers them for student use. 


My Top Five Buys


  • An ID Holder and Lanyard

Seriously I didn’t have one freshman year and it was awful. If you don’t listen to

another thing I say, please please get one of these or an ID holder for your phone.

YOU WILL NEED ONE. Personally, I like the one on my lanyard more because

I can use it as my wallet and I’m less scared of my cards falling out. I got mine on

clearance from Vera Bradley here

  • A Reusable Water Bottle 

I didn’t think I’d use one of these. I was so so wrong. I got a metal one because I’m clumsy

and I broke two freshman year. I got mine from TJ Maxx but you can find similar ones

like this on Amazon. 

  • Plastic Dishes

Even if you’re not a cook you will definitely want one plate and bowl, believe me, exams

make cereal cravings strong.  Get one or two just in case. Also, again, I’m very clumsy so

I broke a couple ceramic bowls and my glass microwave plate my freshman year. So don’t

be like me and get plastic. I got these for 79 cents a piece at Target

  • Rain Boots/Raincoat 

Guys, I live on a walking campus, and believe me when I tell you that walking to class in

soaking wet shoes and clothes is one of the worst feelings ever. Get rainboots and a

raincoat. Your future self will thank you 

  • Power Strips

College dorm rooms do not have a lot of outlets. You will need more outlets.  I recommend

getting at least one. I have two power strips in my room.


Move In Weekend


Move In Vlogs:

I personally LOVED watching Move In vlogs before freshman year because it gave me at least

a vague idea of what to expect for my Move In weekend. With everything going on, right now

some things will be a little different, but these can still give you an idea. 


Sydney-- Penn State 

Lily-- DePauw University

Carlos-- University of South Florida


Move In Blog Posts:


18 College Move In Day Tips

https://grownandflown.com/college-move-in-day-12-things-save-life/


Advice from Upperclassmen 


So I, as an upperclassmen, have many upperclassmen friends and I can bug them with questions. 


The Question: “If you had one practical piece of advice for incoming freshmen about Move In Weekend

what would it be?”


The Answers: 

  • “It’s okay to cry. Not everything has to be put away at first, but if that helps you be calm, do it.” -Erika 

  • “You don’t need as much stuff as you think you do” -Amelia

  • “Have fun! But also it’s good to take time for yourself to feel at home in your dorm.” -Karina 

  • “It can be hectic to adjust to a roommate, but it’s worth it and everyone’s in the same boat” -Sianna 

  • “Bond with your RA/roomie during this time, it’ll help you feel less alone.” -Erika 

  • “Make friends with upperclassmen” -Jaima 

  • “Don’t stress it and take advantage of all the activities offered. Interact with others.” -Emerson

  • “Having parents leave early on was super helpful for me. Like ripping off a bandaid. The

      longer they stay the harder the goodbye.” Erika 

  • “10/10 recommend bringing a stuffed animal from home.” -Erika 

  • “Don’t be afraid to assert yourself into plans. Everyone is trying to make new friends!” -Amelia 

  • “Even if it looks overwhelming or scary, you’re gonna be okay! Also get Ready!!!” - Bailey 


During the Year


Freshman Year Advice Videos:


“What I wish I knew before my Freshman Year”


Freshman Year Advice Blogs: 


44 Things I learned my Freshman Year

10 Tips For Doing Laundry In College


Advice from Upperclassmen: 

The Question: What’s one thing you would tell your freshman self about freshman year?” 

The Answers: 

  • “Don’t be afraid to try new things ever. Try everything once and don’t worry so much about

    looking silly trying something new. It’s always worth it to spend time crafting relationships.
    Most importantly, be yourself, express yourself, and explore yourself. This is a really important
    period of self discovery.” -Elijah

  • “Do not even choose doing homework over having fun. I stand by that 100%” -Jodi 

  • “Be authentically yourself with all people. You’ll connect with the people who

    like you for who you are.” -Katie 

  • “Have fun, and it’s okay if you don’t find “your people” freshman year. Don’t be afraid to

    go out and do things with a variety of people.” -Amelia 

  • “Don’t be afraid to meet new people, especially the other fresh-people. In their first year

    everyone is new and eager to not be alone. Also, we’re all in this together!” -Madeline

  • “Don’t slack off in classes because it’s a lot easier to maintain a good GPA if your

    freshman year grades are good.” -Amelia 



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