Whether you’re a Boilermaker or a Hoosier, classes start soon. And, with every new school year comes new experiences and sometimes a few missteps no matter how much you prepare.
While you’re hyper-focused on locking in your class schedule, buying books and ensuring you’ve connected with your roommates, there are big things you definitely want to get right from the beginning of the year.
We talked informally to some recent grads about often-forgotten items that can pose big problems if overlooked. Below are their top five survival secrets you should take advantage of whether you’re moving back to the dorms or venturing off campus.
- Gather coins and supplies for laundry – Not many students are lucky enough to have in-apartment laundry units and most shared machines require coins to operate. Unless you are living on-campus and have your student ID card loaded with laundry money, it’s time to gather up the quarters. Foldable laundry baskets and detergent pods will help you maximize space. And don’t forget the fabric refresher for when you’re in a pinch or when your roommates become noseblind. (Hey, we’ve all been there).
- Sign up for reliable Internet and cable – Homework deadlines come at you fast. Your WiFi access shouldn’t require a “Game of Thrones” style battle with your roommates. Instead, ensure you can each access the Internet speed you need by checking out XFINITY student offers with Internet speeds up to 150 Mbps. And, if you need more speed, ask XFINITY how to get even more. When you’re done cramming, XFINITY X1 also allows you to binge-watch your favorite shows and stream through Netflix.
“XFINITY, helps me complete my homework assignments hassle-free,” junior health management major at Indiana University, Sophie Meagher said. “I also use it [XFINITY] for online shopping and TV because I can access the newest episodes more quickly than waiting for Netflix.”
- Stock the fridge and pantry – No one likes studying on an empty stomach. While meal plans are great for students on-campus, it’s important to stock up for times between meals or when the cafeteria is once again serving mystery meat. For off-campus students who don’t have the option of a cafeteria, a pantry stocked with college staples like Ramen and Kraft Easy Mac provides peace of mind and fuel for late-night gossip sessions.
- Fill out your inventory/maintenance checklist ACCURATELY – It can be tempting to dismiss inventory lists and simply check the box that declares everything is A-OK. If you don’t accurately mark the condition of facility-provided appliances or equipment, you’re likely to be billed at the end of the year. On the topic of billing, be sure to obtain an on-campus or off-campus parking pass to avoid racking up a glovebox full of costly tickets from campus police.
- Completely unpack and decorate – Whether you’re in the dorms or in luxe off-campus housing, it’s important to make your house a home. The quicker you unpack and clear the clutter, the better. Once classes start and sporting events kick-off, it’ll only get harder and harder to dedicate time to this task.
The one thing Boilermakers, Hoosiers and even Cardinals can agree on is that back-to-school season is an exciting time. Use the above tips to make the most of it. Off-campus students can visit XFINITY.com to learn about special promotions and discounts. On-campus students at select schools can visit xfinityoncampus.com for more info on TV and Internet packages that will help you start the year off strong.
