There are 169 occupations, if not more, that require a college degree. Is your career field one of those 169 occupations?

Heading off to college is a big step towards the beginning of your future. Not only does graduating from college prepare you for a new career in a field you’re interested in, but it also provides you with many other opportunities. Attending college comes with several benefits that you can’t get anywhere else.

Before that can happen, though, you need to review your college essentials checklist. Going to college is an exciting experience that might leave you feeling nervous at times as well.

To help ease some of those nerves and ensure you’re prepared for the semester ahead of you, continue reading below. Here are all the essentials you need before seeking a college education!

Health Records

When you were in elementary and middle school, you most likely remember visiting the doctor’s office for a regular checkup, physical, and vaccines before each new school year. In high school, you might have needed to get a physical done before playing sports.

College is no exception. Before you can attend classes, you must submit all of your health records to the university. You might have to do this before the school allows you to sign up for classes.

If you don’t have updated health records, then ask the college if they offer a clinic on campus for students. Most campuses have an on-site clinic where students can quickly obtain any required health records.

A Major in Mind

If this is your first year in college, then you might not have an exact idea of what you want to major in. This is normal, so don’t panic. You might also know exactly what you want to major in and then switch career paths halfway through college.

This is okay as well. College isn’t about knowing exactly what you want to do, taking those classes, and graduating (although you certainly can go about it this way). For many, however, college is about the experience.

This is where many students figure out what it is they want to do with the rest of their lives. You might not figure it out until your last year, but with so many professors, advisors, other college students, and various courses to take, you’re sure to find your path down the road.

Take your time if needed and explore your options. Speak with advisors about your interests and what might be a right fit for you. You may end up learning about a degree you never knew existed.

For example, if you graduate with a liberal arts degree, you have more options than you might think. You can become a teacher with this degree, and that’s just one option! Always speak with professors, other college students, and advisors to help you find the right degree for you.

A Class Schedule

Unlike high school and all grades below it, you won’t be given a printed-out, pre-selected class schedule. No one will choose your classes for you in college. You can always visit an advisor to have them help you create your schedule, but the classes you take are ultimately up to you.

If you do have a specific major in mind, then you’ll receive a sheet of courses you must take to graduate with that major. Use this sheet as a reference and start selecting your classes. You should be able to do this on the college’s website after logging in to your account.

Make sure to choose times that work well for you and courses you’d like to take during the same semester. For example, it’s always nice to have two or three main courses and one or two elective courses.

Course-Specific Textbooks

You won’t know what textbooks you need until you sign up for your classes. After signing up for a class, your professor will send out a syllabus. Read the syllabus thoroughly.

On the syllabus, there’s a list of required textbooks. You can then visit the campus bookstore to buy or rent your texts. Do some research to determine if there’s a used bookstore near campus where you can also buy or rent texts at a discounted price.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors as well to determine if you do, in fact, need the text for class since some professors don’t use it.

Classroom Supplies

You may be tempted to hit up your local office supplies store and purchase a multitude of index cards, sticky notes, highlighters, and pens. Stop right there. Also located on the syllabi given to you by your professors will be a list of items required for their classes.

To save money, only buy what’s needed. You can get a few packs of pens and pencils since you’ll need those in every class, but don’t go all out until you know exactly what’s needed. You can also purchase a laptop and headphones, as you’ll need these throughout your entire college career.

Dorm Room Essentials

Not every college student stays on campus in a dorm room. If you are staying in a dorm, then it’s time to start shopping for all your dorm room essentials. Think of it as your own little apartment.

Microwaves, toaster ovens, mini-fridges, comforter sets, safe boxes, organizational storage bins, and decorations are all common items found in a dorm room. Try to bring what you can from home to save money, such as your own TV, bed sets, hangers, and anything else you can bring along.

A Weekly Planner

Taking multiple college courses at one time is expected, but that doesn’t make it easy. When going to college full-time, you’re going to have a lot of assignments and due dates to remember. If you don’t have a planner, then it can get overwhelming.

Keep a weekly planner with you everywhere you go. Make sure to buy one with lots of space for notes under each date. You can then add assignments, quizzes, projects, and tests down in your planner, so nothing’s forgotten.

What’s on Your College Essentials Checklist?

What items will you include in your own college essentials checklist? Make sure to review all of the items listed in our checklist above to help you create your own. It’s also beneficial to bring healthy, high-protein snacks and a refillable water bottle with you while on campus.

With all of these essential items on hand, you’re prepared to have an amazing college experience! Want to learn more about becoming a teacher and what jobs are available? Be sure to visit here daily for new helpful posts.