Planning for School

The new school year is just around the corner. Whether you're heading off to college for the first time or entering your junior year of high school, it's a good idea to start planning now!

School Supplies
What you'll need and how much of it will depend on your course load and teachers' requirements. But there are must-have items you'll want to have on hand before the year begins.

— Pens
— #2 pencils
— Notebooks
— Notepad
— Folders
— Binders
— Highlighters
— Post-its
— Index cards
— Pencil case
— Stapler
— Ruler
— Calculator
— Scissors
— Dictionary/thesaurus


On Budgets?
Remember, these items don't all need to be new! Before you go shopping for school supplies, look through your old supplies and see what's still in good condition. Go through old notebooks and see if there are any unused pages. If so, rip out the old notes, so the rest of the notebook has blank pages. You can also reuse folders and binders.

Don't worry about old doodles or those cheesy portraits of your old crush — jazz them up with pictures of friends or a collage of your favorite celebrities.

There's no need to spend money on penholders or desk organizers when you can make them yourself! Save aluminum soup cans after you use them. You can use them as is or decorate them — either way, you're saving the environment.


Packing List for College
So, you're going off to college. With the change of scenery, the new independence, and the responsibility headed your way, packing might be the last thing on your mind. Figuring what (and what not) to bring to school can save you a lot of stress when moving-in day comes closer. Bring this checklist with you before you gather your things or head to the store.

FOOD: A Girl's Gotta Eat!
— Snacks
— Water bottles
— Cups
— Dishes
— Utensils
— Mini refrigerator
— Coffeemaker*
— Microwave*
— Toaster*
— Tupperware
— Ziploc bags
— Paper towels
— Dish soap
— Dishrag
* Make sure your school allows these items.

BATH: So Fresh and So Clean
— Shampoo and conditioner
— Toothbrush and paste
— Towels and bathrobe
— Shower tote
— Soap
— Razor
— Makeup
— Lotion
— Hairbrush
— Contact solution
— Hairspray/gel
— Face wash
— Deodorant
— Laundry basket
— Detergent
— Dryer sheets
— Tissues
— Air freshener
— Febreze
— Flip-flops

BED: Be a Sleeping Beauty
— Sheets (your school will tell you what size; generally it's an extra-long twin)
— Pillow(s) and Case(s)
— Comforter
— Extra blanket
— Bedside fan
— Reading light
— Bedside storage
— Bed risers
— Mirror that can be hung
— Posters
— Over-the-door hooks

CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES: What to Wear?
— Underwear (20)
— Socks (20)
— Pants (6)
— Shorts (2)
— Shirts (12)
— Pajamas
— Gym clothes
— Formal outfit (2)
— Formal shoes
— Sneakers (gym and casual)
— Sandals
— Slippers
— Clothing organizer
— Shoe organizer
— Hangers
— Lint brush
— Umbrella
— Backpack
— Purses
— Jewelry
If applicable:
— Winter coat
— Sweaters (5)
— Gloves/hat/scarf
— Snow boots
— Rain boots


TECHNOLOGY: It's Electric!
— CD/MP3 player
— Phone
— Computer
— Printer
— Computer paper
— Flash drive
— Radio/alarm clock
— Alarm clock
— Hair dryer/straightner
— Extension cord
— Batteries
— Ethernet cord
— Lightbulbs
Coordinate these with your roommate:
— TV
— DVD player
— Speakers


DESK: Get to Work!
— Bulletin board
— Dry Erase Board
— Extension cord
— Lamp
— Pens
— #2 pencils
— Notebooks
— Notepad
— Folders
— Binders
— Highlighters
— Post-its
— Index cards
— Pencil case
— Stapler
— Ruler
— Calculator
— Scissors
— Tape
— Glue
— Sticky tack (to hang pictures/posters on the wall)
— Staples
— Wite-Out
— Dictionary/thesaurus
— Permanent markers
— Wastebasket
— Small rug
— Flashlight
— Batteries
— Daily planner Bookmark/Share this article with others:

The Truth About College Dating

You've aced dating in high school — now get ready for a whole new class of relationships in college.


Remember The First Day of High School
You've heard the basics about college dating: more types of guys, more freedom, and more mature relationships (hopefully). But with close living quarters, no parents, and stressful classes, things get intense, and college has its own soap operas. Read on for the inside dirt you'd have no way of knowing until you're on campus — and need to know if you already are.

1. Hookups outnumber boyfriends
With so many different types of guys around, it's tempting to sample them all! Why not, right? Hookups can be fun, but a lot of times they're mini bombs that explode in one of two ways: into a relationship (rare!), or into misunderstanding, hurt, or just thin air. At the typical beer-soaked party (even if you're sober), you can't always tell which guys want a one-night thing and which ones truly like you. If you've been drinking, there's not always a trusted friend there to stop you from going too far with a guy you just met. Just like there might be things you're not telling him about your life, he could be hiding stuff too. What if that hot econ major has anger issues or a closet cocaine addiction? Meet guys and have fun, but stick with your friends at parties so you can watch out for one another. And don't make it a contest!

2. Things get way more intense
Relationships move faster in college, physically and emotionally. Basically, three months of college dating (where you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night pizza with a guy if you want) is like a year of high school dating (when you're living with your parents' restrictions). New college couples tend to rush from the getting-to-know-you stage to the practically-living-together one. It's like they're addicted to their new freedom. And the more intense it gets, the more it hurts when it ends. So hold off before stocking your guy's shower caddy with your Venus razor. Not only can you lose yourself if you spend all your time with a guy, you also lose the time you'd spend meeting other guys and potential lifelong friends. Be sure to make room in your busy love life for the rest of your college experience.

3. There's a new dating vocabulary
Love it or hate it: Dorms can be cesspools of debauchery! Living in the same building as guys creates interesting new situations (and vocab words!). There's sexile (when your roommate hooks up with someone in your room and you're shut out) and dormcest (dating people who live in your dorm). Dorm gossip can devastate your reputation more than high school gossip — you live with the people who know your business! Then there's the walk of shame: your trek home the morning after hooking up with a guy and sleeping in his room (it's actually against the rules at some campuses to stay over!). It's seen as a rite of passage, but doing it a lot won't make you feel great about yourself (the word shame isn't there by accident!). We know you'll pass college dating tests! Just watch out for the trick questions, okay? Bookmark/Share this article with others: