Peter ElimaThe day has finally come. You count down the hours, the minutes, even the seconds to when you are officially independent. They bid you their farewells, say their goodbyes and then the door closes.
Alone.
The first day of university doesn’t start when your professors begin their first lectures; the first day of university starts when you realize your dinner isn’t going to cook itself. Living on your own for the first time involves a lot more work than you may think. Don’t let the trappings of academia fool you. University is just another twisted version of survival of the fittest, but the good news is, natural selection hasn’t weeded you out just yet.
With this guide, I, a humble third-year university student, will teach you the ins and outs of surviving in your strange new habitat. So take out the notebooks, get out your pens. Here is the comprehensive list of essentials to get you through the first few weeks. Even if you’re lucky enough to be living at home, these tips and tricks will help anyone who’s new to this whole “adult student” thing. Consider this your syllabus.
1. FOOD
The all time basic to survival is food. In the student world, there are generally two types of foods: fresh food and not fresh food. Survival requires both. Fresh food to maintain health and stamina. Not fresh food to maintain sanity. I recommend butter chicken or pasta sauce in a jar. As for fresh food, salad is the easiest.
2. WATER BOTTLE
During summer, Edmonton gets hot. During winter, temperatures plunge into the negative 30s. Being a student, it’s not always easy — or cost effective — to buy cases of bottled water. Invest in a durable water bottle and a coffee mug. You’ll be bringing these everywhere you go. Save money AND save the earth. Two birds, one stone.
3. TUPPERWARE
Being an adult means preparation and preparation means tupperware. Some prep a week ahead, while others prep the night before. Whatever you prefer, GET TUPPERWARE. Without prepared meals, you’ll soon find yourself spending the last of your savings on A & W. Tupperware means saving money, and saving money means saying goodbye to student loans.
4. SEASONAL CLOTHES & WARM BLANKETS
The moment you step off the car/plane/bus/bicycle/horse, head straight to the nearest department store and buy yourself some warm clothes and blankets. Winter hits Edmonton when you least expect it. No month of the school year is truly safe. The last thing you want is a runny nose while you write your midterms. Reliable winter footwear and warm socks are also a must-have! Your toes will thank you later.
5. KITCHENWARE
You won’t believe how fast you will need these when you’re on your own. Get yourself a set of plates, bowls, cups, and enough cutlery to last you through exam season. I don’t wash my dishes every day and neither should you. Pots and pans are equally as important. My go-to is the mid sized pot. It works as a skillet, a saucepan or a very large bowl.
6. COMFY SHEETS & PILLOWS
Whether you’re living off-campus or in a dorm, the beds might not always be comfiest.
Make sure to bring adequate bedding and pillows, no matter how awkward it is to lug it with you. A good night’s sleep is the golden key to success in university.
7. WIFI
If you live off campus, install Wi-Fi as soon as possible. Need I say more? You’ll soon realize it’s better to get things done early than late, and that midnight cram sessions in Rutherford are the pits. Pro tip: scout out deals ahead of time, some companies provide student discounts and other benefits.
8. BACKPACK
I cannot stress this enough: every student needs to invest in a sturdy backpack. Your book bag is essentially an extension of yourself. If your backpack can survive university, so can you. What greater pain can be experienced than a backpack strap snapping on you during a morning rush? Nothing is more frustrating, trust me.
9. AN ITEM FROM HOME
You’ll feel lonely. You might not want to admit it, but it happens. It might take a week, it might be the next day, but it’s inevitable. Have a precious photo, stuffy, or a souvenir. Whatever is most important, bring it with you. And don’t forget to call home at least once a week.
This is the most basic collection of essentials that you should bring with you when you start your first year. You’ll build up your arsenal of essentials as the years go by and soon enough you’ll be an experienced third year like me.
Good luck and have a great fall semester!
