MUST HAVES FOR YOUR FIRST RESIDENCE HALL

Let’s set the scene: you’ve spent all year researching colleges, taking visits, and trying to decide where you want to spend the next few years of your life. You’ve committed to Valpo (yay!) and signed up for your FOCUS orientation session. Everything’s going swell, you’ve taken a few minutes to relax, and then — BAM! You remember you’re going to need to pack for college.

What should you bring? It can be stressful trying to bring everything you’ll need with you, so I’m here to help you remember a few things that I’ve found to be really helpful.

First, a fan will help mitigate some of that late-August heat. Most people don’t spend a ton of time in their room those first few weeks, but it’s nice to have when you’re sleeping.

Second, don’t forget to bring clothes for all types of weather! Valpo is notorious for having unpredictable weather, so an umbrella or raincoat and a jacket are definite must-haves. It may not feel necessary in the high 70s of August, but it’ll be hitting 40 degrees at night before you know it.

Third, bring some trash bags — or maybe even a small trash can! There are plenty of trash cans around campus and the residence halls, but I find it rather obnoxious to have to walk down the hallway to throw out my fruit snack wrapper after I get hungry at 1 a.m.

Finally, bring some snacks for your room! Founders is open for meals most of the time, but it’s nice to have something to snack on while you’re studying or relaxing in your room.

Remember, if you do happen to forget something you can always go to a store. Lots of people around campus are also willing to lend you items if you’re in a pinch. You’ve got this!

WRITTEN BY
HENRY DEBRUIN