5 Items to Buy Before College

5 Items to Buy Before College - and 5 That Can Wait If you're getting ready to go to college, there are a lot of potential expenses. For many students, the struggle to pay for everything can be a major source of stress. While college isn't getting any less expensive, there are things you can do buy essay papers to help ease the financial burden. While many students attend college on scholarships or live with family to save money, you may consider simply waiting to purchase certain items. There are items to buy before college and items that can wait - but what are they? Now: Laptop While your school may offer a student discount on technology purchased through the bookstore, it is incredibly convenient to arrive with your laptop in hand. You'll need to be able to quickly access your schedule, respond to emails, and pull up a campus map. Now: Dorm room essentials Though you should probably wait to get wall decor and even a mini-fridge, you'll need the basics for your dorm room. Things like sheets (be sure to find out what size mattress you'll be given) and a shower caddy are a must for those first days at school. Now: Smartphone

If you don't already have a smartphone, you might want to consider purchasing one before you embark on your college experience. A smartphone can hold your calendar, planner, and emergency contacts. You can put your music there, keep track of all assignments, and get ahold of friends and family. Now: Headphones You're probably going to have a roommate, and they're going to have equal rights to the space. If you're trying to focus, headphones can be crucial. You may also have teachers who expect you to listen to online lectures or friends who want to Skype - so invest in a quality pair of headphones before you leave home. Now: Immunizations If you're living in a fraternity, sorority, or residence hall, you're going to be around a lot of people. A lot of people typically means a lot of germs, so protect your health by making sure your immunizations, flu shots, and other medical necessities are up to date. And don't forget to check with your school to see what medical paperwork is required - your college may need proof of your vaccines. Later: Textbooks and supplementary texts You may be jumping the gun if you choose to purchase your texts in advance. Course syllabi can change, books may go on sale, or you may decide to share a textbook with your roommate. Before you shell out hundreds of dollars, begin the class and make sure you're committed to it. Later: Gym membership

If you belong to a gym back home or are otherwise hoping to stay in shape as you begin college, resist the urge to pay for an expensive gym membership. Many college campuses have fitness facilities that are available to students at no additional charge. Later: Car Before you throw all of your money toward new wheels, check out your campus. See what sort of public transportation is available and what the bike or pedestrian culture is like. Later: Trips home You may find that your college schedule doesn't allow for as many trips home as you had thought, so avoid buying these tickets before school starts. Give college a try and get used to your new life before committing to specific trips home. Later: College apparel In the excitement of college, it can be easy to stock up on new goods with your college logo on them. Before you do so, try going to the school for a little while and make sure you're committed. You'll save money - new students often receive some items for free - and learn about sales. Remember, college isn't a place without stores or people, so if you forget something, there's always a way to get it later. Spend wisely and within your means and the timeline will matter less.