Freshmen Checklist: Surviving your first year at DU

Leaving for college is an exciting, fun time for anyone. Picking the school that’s right for you, choosing where to live and what classes to take are important decisions you’ve already made. Your next step is having the right tools to be successful and happy in your new home away from home.

Dorm Essentials

Small kitchen appliances: a refrigerator, microwave and coffee machine are staples in any college student’s room. You will want to keep extra snacks and quick meals, like apples or Easy Mac, for in between classes or when you just don’t feel like dragging yourself to the cafeteria. And while there may be a Starbucks on your way to class, you’ll be much happier with extra cash in your pocket from brewing your own coffee in the morning.

Electronics: A TV is really an option for college students. With services like Netflix and streaming videos from network websites, lugging a bulky TV with you may be an unnecessary hassle. You will need an alarm clock, though, if you plan to make it to your 8 a.m. on time. A fan may also be a good option, since Pittsburgh gets pretty steamy between April and November.

Computer Accessories: Everyone remembers to buy a new laptop for college, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget the other essentials to make it useful. You will need an ethernet cord to connect your computer to DuqNet in your dorm. A printer may also be a good idea, since Duquesne’s printers are notorious for having a mind of their own and never working when you need them to.

Laundry Essentials: Since Duquesne isn’t quite home, Mom isn’t here to do your laundry. You’ll need detergent and laundry sheets to get your clothes clean, a laundry basket to carry your clothes to and from your nearest laundry room, and hangers to keep your nice clothes wrinkle-free in your closet. A word to the wise: Write your name on all of your detergent and baskets and don’t leave your clothes unattended for too long. Washers and dryers tend to be in high demand at Duquesne and some impatient building mates may move your laundry in order to do their own if left unattended.

School Supplies

Now that we’ve got your living necessities figured out, on to the fun stuff – school supplies. A very simple essential is school supplies and a book bag. You are going to college to get an education, so you will need notebooks and folders and pencil cases. Pick whatever you like, whether it’s a superhero, character, or just plain, just remember to use them in class.

Advil will come in handy for migraines that come out of nowhere; Post-it notes for ideas on the go and things that you must remember; and a dry erase board for friendly messages and reminders.

One more thing: Come in with a new attitude. You are no longer in high school. You don’t need to reinvent yourself, just be yourself – be open to all different people and all different walks of life. Enjoy the city, don’t work too hard, but never slack off either. Good luck freshmen. If we could do it, so can you!