The calm before the storm

The day before classes can be very stressful indeed. Sitting with time on your hands and plenty of opportunity to worry, it can be quite nerve racking. I found myself freaking out about everything from what I would wear to how I would act. The whole process was completely exhausting and definitely not productive. Eventually though here's what I figured out:

The day before classes start really is the calm before the storm. It is a time when you should be doing everything possible to prepare for the day ahead. Meet up with some of your new friends or head out with your roommate. Take some time to explore the campus and plot out your course from one class to another. If the doors to the buildings are open go in and find your room and places in the building where you could hole up and study when you have some spare time before or after class. Those are precious minutes that you wouldn't want to waste. Get comfortable and get a good night's sleep. And don't forget to shower!

Keep it Clean

"Cleanliness is next to godliness" ... or at least that's what my grandma says. Do I buy it? Maybe. But I do know that having good personal hygiene is pretty much a must if you want to avoid being a social outcast, condemned to spending your time with the other kids who smell like cheese or B.O.. And of course, one of the most important steps to keeping your body clean, is having a properly stocked "bathroom bucket" and using the soaps and stuff in it.

Here's what I learned from my shopping trip for the infamous "toiletries".

First, take an adult. Not because you need help picking out the shampoo that will keep your hair silky smooth and frizz free, but because let's face it -- if there's one thing your parents would be willing to buy for you, it's deodorant and body wash. (Plus, once they buy a few things they're more likely to buy other non-essentials.)

Go prepared. This is an important step. Go with a list typed on your phone, or at least a mental tally of things you'll need. The internet (if you need it) can give some suggestions, but everyone's bathroom needs are different. For example, I have to alternate between normal shampoo and conditioner and Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 or my hair gets goopy, and I always invest in super tampons for my own peace of mind. These are staples of my bathroom that many others would not have to concern themselves about. Guys, for instance, should probably NOT buy super tampons, unless they're going for the world's best boyfriend award.

Finally be reasonable. Let's be real. You don't need to buy the biggest bottle of shampoo, or a huge carton of Q-tips. Sure, buying economy-size may save money, but you won't really have a place to store huge quantities of soaps and stuff.

Realistically, this is a pretty basic thing, but messing this up could complicate your dorm life in ways it doesn't need to be.

Oh. And don't forget a loofa.