The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/37616
Trust Me, I’m a Counselor by Lisa Ryther Get ready to head back to school It’s the end of July, do you know where your school supplies are? Head to any local depart- ment store and you will find towers of school supplies on display. Summer’s over; it’s time to get back into the game, back to school. So, get your paper and your pen and let’s start that shopping list. Where to begin? Let’s start with the basics, to save on pens, pencils, paper clips and highlighters, try buying them in bulk from companies such as Staples and Office Depot. They carry the above items in pre-packaged/ large-quantity options, which will help you avoid repeated trips to the campus book store. More time to study, right? The dorm-room basics Most colleges provide each student with a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe cabinet. The beds tend to have a Twin XL mattress, so make sure you get the right size bedding before you get to campus. Tip: If you enjoy the softer side of life, make sure you pick up an egg crate or feather bed for your mattress. To make the most of your new space, try packing your extras in boxes and/or plastic storage containers that can be tucked under your bed. To save on closet space, pick up some tiered hangers that can hold up to five pairs of pants/skirts. Let’s get together Avoid a crowded room by connecting with your future roommate. Find out what items they plan on bring- ing and how they feel about sharing those items (ex. dorm refrigerator, television, game system). This can be a great way for you to save money and give you a chance to bond with your new roommate. Books, books and more books Thanks to the Inter- net, students can often find out what books they will need for each course before the semester even begins. This can save you a lot of money, giving you the opportunity to shop for pre-owned books on places like Amazon. com, Ebay and Campusbooks.com. Keep in mind that the average student pays out be- tween $600 and $1,000 a semester for books on top of their residence life costs, meal plans and tuitions. Buy now, and save later. A stress-free start • If you can get access to a hand truck or dolly, bring that with you for move-in day; even the smallest ones will make this task easier. • Leave your candles, hotplates, toaster ovens and string lights at home; most dorms do not allow them. • Get yourself a supply of sticky tack rather than thumbtacks to hang posters and pictures on the wall. This will prevent you from causing damage to your room and keep you from racking of fines at the end of the year. • You will be at school for awhile, so bring what you need now. Avoid packing very ex- pensive and/or irreplaceable items unless you have a secure way to keep them safe. • Remember, your dorm is your new home away from home so make the most of it by getting ready and planning ahead. That’s my advice take it or leave it. Lisa Ryther is a coun- selor in the College As- sistance Migrant Program at the State University College at Oneonta. 6 O-Town Scene July 28, 2011