Story By: Grace Benson ’26
Back to school is a crazy time, but it can be especially overwhelming when you’re heading to college for the first time.
When I came to Central College as a first-year student two years ago, I had no idea how to prepare for the school year. How was I supposed to pack? What would I need for classes? How could I make my room feel like home? These were the kinds of questions that ran through my mind when I moved into Scholte Hall and waved goodbye to my family.
Whether you’re itching to get to college or nervous for the first day, it’s helpful to know how to prepare. To give you an idea of items you’ll need throughout the school year, check out my list of must-haves as well as some tried and true tips and insights!
Textbooks
By now, you’ve probably noticed some important emails prompting you to purchase something you’ve never had to think about before: Textbooks.
You can access your list of required textbooks by finding the link to the Central online bookstore in your email. I like to view my list of textbooks on the Central online bookstore first then compare prices to other sellers and purchase them used. There are tons of places to purchase your books; other good sites include Amazon, Thriftbooks and Facebook Marketplace. You can also watch for posts on Central’s DutchConnect app and arrange to buy textbooks second hand from other Central students!
It’s a good idea to have your textbooks ordered by the time classes start, but don’t worry if you don’t quite have them for the first day. Professors understand that they don’t always arrive on time, and you might even end up switching classes a couple weeks into the school year and buying different textbooks. Just make sure to follow any special instructions listed on your course textbooks list like buying the print version of a textbook if your professor requires it or paying attention to the edition if you need a specific one.
School Supplies
There’s no perfect master list of school supplies for college — you get to decide what you think you’ll need. Personally, I like to make sure I have the following before I head to my first day of classes:
- Backpack: You’ll want a sturdy backpack to hold all your supplies when you walk across campus between classes.
- Computer: Most classes require the use of a computer, and you’ll also be able to use your computer to print off papers and other assignments throughout the semester. Don’t worry about buying a printer, though — each residence hall has at least one printer for students to use.
- Five-subject notebook: I’ve tried a couple different systems for keeping track of lecture notes, but the five-subject notebook is by far my favorite. I devote each section to a different class and record all my notes there.
- Pens/pencils: It might seem like a no-brainer, but you’ll go through lots of pens and pencils each semester. Make sure you have plenty on hand for whenever you need them.
- Folders: It’s a good idea to have folders where you can organize all the papers you receive throughout the semester.
- Mini stapler, tape, sticky notes and scissors: These supplies might seem random, but I find I always need them in a pinch.
You’ll likely think of other supplies you want that aren’t on this list, and you might need specific supplies like a calculator for some classes. Just keep an eye out for what your professors require and know that Pella has stores where you can always buy last-minute supplies, too!
Room Essentials
Last but not least, you have a room to fill and decorate! My first year at Central, I brought way too many pieces of furniture and cluttery decorations. Since then, I have learned that when it comes to making your dorm room feel like home, less is more.
For me, this looks like limiting the number of clothes I pack and switching out seasonal pieces at breaks like Thanksgiving and winter break. As hard as it is, I also try to keep an eye on how many appliances and pieces of furniture I bring. Packing looks different for everyone but try to be realistic about what you’ll really need. The room isn’t a big space, but it’s yours!
Below are some of my go-to room essentials:
- Bedding
- Mini fridge
- Laundry hamper, Tide Pods and dryer sheets
- Blackout curtains
- Extra blankets
- Coffee maker
- Chargers for electronics
This list will look different for everyone, but hopefully my room essentials help inspire yours. Only you can make your dorm feel like your home away from home! Find more suggestions for packing here.
When you have a handle on all things packing and school related, you can trust that you’re ready for classes and focus your energy on meeting new people during Welcome Week. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to other first-year students and current Central students with any questions. We’re all a family here at Central — and we can’t wait to have you!
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About the Author
Hello! My name is Grace Benson ’26, and I am from Newton, Iowa. I am an English major with minors in Spanish and religious studies. I am also a member of the women’s triathlon team and participate in FCA. On campus, I have worked as an office assistant to the associate academic dean and currently work as a writing tutor and an editorial assistant for the communications office. My dream is to attend law school after graduating from Central.
In my free time, I love visiting coffee shops, thrifting and working out with my friends. I enjoy long walks at Lake Red Rock and catching as many sunsets as I can. Central is my home away from home, and I hope you find your place here, too! Go Dutch!
