Blog

It’s that time of the year again. You walk into any local big-box store and see the Back to School signs blaring at you from the back of the store. But shopping for college doesn’t have to be expensive.

You likely already have most of what you will need at home. So, to save you time, money, and hassle, I’ve compiled a list of things that should be on your check-list for back-to-college.

1. A budget plan - This might not be a physical item unless you make a handwritten plan, but having a budget in mind or on your computer before you start college is important. Before I came to Ann Arbor, I didn’t have a budget, opting instead to take an approach that I call “mindful spending.” While this might work for some people, without a clear budget, it is easy to fall into poor spending habits. Before you start college, create a plan to set you on a positive track for the semester. I like to use Google Sheets for easy access, but you can also download free apps like Mint and Clarity Money.

2. Snacks - Even though most first-years in university housing have an Unlimited Meal Plan, keep some snacks on hand for when you’re on-the-go, when your late-night cravings kick in, or when you just don‘t want to leave your bed. My personal favorites: energy bars and yogurt.

3. Old shoes - You may have already heard from friends and family that you will walk a lot in college. This is definitely the case for Ann Arbor students too. Bring a pair of sneakers that you won’t mind getting worn.

4. Comfortable clothing - Along the same lines, I recommend making at least 75% of your college closet comfortable clothes that you see yourself wearing to walk across campus, as that’s what you will spend the majority of your time doing.

5. Venmo - As Millennial as it sounds, downloading Venmo on your phone will likely come in handy at some point during your first semester. You might not always carry a wallet, but you’re much more likely to have your phone on hand.

6. Room decor - I used to think the way people go out of their way to create the perfect Pinterest-inspired dorm room was unnecessary until I learned about the positive impact room decor can have on students’ mental health. Decorating your dorm room doesn’t have to be pricey, either. You can have posters printed using your printing balance at U-M (See fellow blogger Yilin’s article “Freshmen Folk Wisdom” for more details about printing at the university.) You can also print photos at CVS or Walgreens for around 30 cents a photo and bring a piece of home with you!

7. An open mind - This was a piece of advice that I was given over and over again but did not value enough my first year. In a space as large as U-M, experiences and opportunities are abundant. Have you wanted to take up a hobby for a while, but just couldn’t find the time? Your first year at Ann Arbor is the perfect time to explore a new interest. You can take photography, drawing, dance, and more through U-M. Plus, students have access to facilities like the Recreational Sports Buildings and occasional free skates at Yost. To learn more, take a look at the ongoing events and 1000+ organizations that U-M has to offer!

My seven must-haves for U-M students are by no means comprehensive, but they can help you prepare for back to school. Incorporate these tips into your college checklist to make the most out of your first semester!