Freshman Survival Guide: From Backpack to Browser — Everything You Need Before Day One
Are you starting college this fall? This exciting milestone can easily feel overwhelming with so many new responsibilities and tasks to manage. In this guide, we’ll cover three essentials: what to pack for your dorm, the best apps to keep you organized, and ways to manage stress and make new friends. From buying dorm furniture to budgeting, a little preparation can go a long way. With the right essentials, tools, and advice, you can start college with confidence and ease, leaving the stress behind.
Packing for college means balancing functionality, budget, and limited space, so bring only what supports your academic and daily needs. According to the National Retail Federation, most students and their families spent approximately $229 on electronics, $153 on clothing, $109 on dorm furnishings, and $103 on food items in 2018 (Richter, 2018). This shows how fast costs add up, even before you step on campus. Be selective with clothing: prioritize items suited for the local weather, professional events, and everyday wear. As a college student in Washington, D.C., I relied on my umbrella and puffer jacket during colder months.
Five must-pack items for my closet and dorm room included:
Comfortable sneakers – necessary for long walks across campus and daily wear.
Storage containers – keep your small dorm space tidy and make moving easier.
Laundry drying rack – saves money on dryers and protects delicate clothes (be sure to purchase a foldable one to ensure it fits within your limited space).
Shower caddy + shoes – essential for shared bathroom spaces.
Electronics chargers – keep extras for your phone and laptop (pro tip: always keep one in your backpack; you might need it for class or at your favorite study spot).
From staying organized to managing finances, apps can make college life more efficient and less stressful. According to a 2023 report by Transact Campus, “around 62% of students use personal finance apps like Mint, PocketGuard, or Acorns.” These apps help students keep track of spending and budgets” (Hollands, 2023). My most used apps include Google Calendar, Notion, and Quizlet, which I used to schedule appointments, track to-do lists, and study during college. However, trying many apps at once may be overwhelming. Test a few for yourself, then commit to what works!
Starter Toolkit:
Study Tool: Quizlet. Test your knowledge of important concepts by using flashcards and games.
Finance Tools: Mint and PocketGuard. Try setting a spending budget for the semester.
Scheduling Tool: Google Calendar. Schedule reminders for assignment deadlines, exams, and events.
Feeling nervous when starting college is completely normal. According to the 2024 Student Stress Statistics by Transforming Education, college students’ stress levels have increased by 30% over the past three decades. However, there are simple ways to ease nervosity from day one. Some effective ways to manage nerves include exercising, prioritizing sleep, and connecting with others, as researchers from Cornell University suggest. For example, in your first week: schedule 8 hours of sleep each night, take a 20-minute walk after class, and text a friend or family member once a day to stay connected. When stress becomes extreme, reach out to a loved one or professional for help. Remember: you don’t have to be fearless — you just have to show up.
Meeting new people in college is easier when you’re prepared. Remember that everyone around you is likely just as nervous as you are. Freshman Orientation events like tours and presentations are great chances to find common ground and start simple conversations. Try these thoughtful conversation starters to break the ice:
Have you tried the dining hall yet?
What’s your favorite spot to study so far?
Did you watch [popular show…] this summer?
However, don’t stress if you don’t “click” with others right away; you have an entire school year ahead to grow your friendships!
Key takeaways:
Budgeting is imperative; planning and utilizing budget apps can help you start with confidence.
Be selective while packing; space is limited.
Utilize apps to your advantage; they can help you get organized before this big milestone.
Anxiety is completely normal; prepare strategies for stress relief ahead of time.
Starting college is a big step, but with the right mindset and tools, you’ve got this!
Citations
Hollands, C. (2023, July 10). The Financial and Tech Habits of College Students. Capture Higher Ed. https://www.capturehighered.com/the-financial-and-tech-habits-of-college-students/
Manage Stress to Flourish. Cornell Health. (n.d.). https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/stress-management#:~:text=Take%20care%20of%20yourself:%20Prioritize,would%20be%20with%20a%20friend.
Richter, F. (2018, August 27). America’s Back-to-College Shopping List. Statista Daily Data. https://www.statista.com/chart/15226/average-back-to-college-spending-by-category/
Student Stress Statistics [2024 Update]. Transforming Education for People. (2024, September 10). https://transformingeducation.org/student-stress-statistics/
Meet The Author
Sienna Montenegro
