Getting ready for the first day of school can be quite a chore. As if getting financially and mentally prepared for college wasn’t enough, we have the pleasure of back to school shopping. Gathering the basic necessities — notebooks, pencils, and pens — it is hard to believe that at one point that is all a student needed to reach scholastic success. Now universities are taking a more technological approach to make teaching and learning as quick and easy as possible. In order to be a student who keeps up with the times, many people are purchasing laptop computers which can add quite a hefty sum on top of other college expenses. But it is money well spent because having the convenience of a computer and Internet access whereever you go makes keeping up with assignments a 24- hour affair.

Once you have your classes scheduled it is always a good idea to go to campus and walk around and find the buildings your classes or located. It is also a good way to time yourself walking from class to class just to learn the general time frame you have to get to your desired destinations.

You might even make your way to the campus bookstore in the student union and pick up a few items that show your school pride. Maybe purchase a T-shirt or some really cool flip-flops.

Now that we do not have to adhere to the outrageous rules in a school uniform handbook, we finally have the choice on the clothes we get to wear. Use this time to exercise your right of self-expression and start the journey to self-discovery.

You are bound to change once you enter college, conform to your new environment, open up to it, and embrace it. It is suggested, however, to wear comfortable clothes and shoes well suited to walk in. I know I will surely take advantage of this new-found freedom, and comfort will defiantly be the goal.

Another thing you should always keep in mind when packing your bag in the mornings: It does rain here and the weather is unpredictable. So keep a travel umbrella in your bag and maybe a pair of boots in your car for those unpredictable torrential rainstorms.

Students entering college should have an open and curious mind, eager to learn and ready for everything. Campus life is definitely different from the high school corridors you are uses to.

So lose the small town mentality and grow up into the young mature adult you always thought you could be. This series of changes is called growing up, so prepare yourself for this process before you begin.

When you start college everything is on you. And it is your responsibility to check up on your financial situations and handle your business, whether it is a class assignment or paying that parking ticket on time.

Another way to avoid having to carry cash is to put a certain amount on your Cajun Cash card. It is not only a convenient way to monitor you spending, but it is accepted all around campus, even in the vending machines. Imagine no more fighting with those pesky wrinkled dollar bills; just swipe and go. Convenience and time saving is the key.

Getting prepared for that first day of school can be quite a challenge. And try as you must, you will inevitably come across a situation you might not be as prepared for as you would have hoped. But if you expect the unexpected and keep your head high, I have no doubt that you willbe able to handle whatever life decides to toss in your direction.

So good luck to all students and enjoy your first day of college. Here’s to our new beginning. If you have any questions or suggestions please contact me at hmd866@hotmail.com.