So you're going to college...

Top 5 Backpacks for College!

2011-07-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, I didn't carry a backpack in high school. Mainly because they weren't allowed in most of the classrooms (stupid school rule). However, I knew that I would need one for college because like most students, if not all, I won't be able to go back to my dorm room to get books and other supplies in between my classes. So, behold my top 5 backpacks for college:

5. Roxy So Long 2 Backpack, $48, Bagking.com. The thing I like about this backpack is that it's not your typical looking backpack. It's sorta boho which I la la looove! It's great if you don't like the idea of carrying a boring backpack but know that you have to.

4. JanSport Wasabi Backpack, $39.95, Bagking.com. This backpack is great for anyone! It comes in 8 different colors, so you are sure to find one that you love. Plus, it's not that expensive, so its good if you're on a budget!

3. DAKINE Campus Pack Large, $46.71, ebags.com. Many sites have this backpack high on their list. There are tons of comments online about how much stuff it can hold, which is GREAT for a college student. There is even a lunch compartment which is so awesome as well.

2. SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack, $59.49, ebags.com. This bag is SO BIG. Like the DAKINE above, it can hold so much. Most bags are only big enough to hold a 15" laptop, but this backpack can hold one up to 17". It's also a great bag to take traveling (studying abroad anyone?) because of its size and abundance of pockets.

1. The North Face Borealis Backpack, $79, Moosejaw. The mother of all backpacks. This is my favorite because it has 2 main pockets plus a padded 15" laptop sleeve, strap cushioning, back cushioning, and bungees to hold extra stuff or to keep everything in place. It's not too big, not too small; it's just perfect. Plus, they have Women's style and Men's style, shaped perfectly for either gender.

CG tip: Check out sites like ebags.com and bagking.com for awesome deals on some of these bags!

xoxo,

-College Girl

Ch-ch-check 'em out!

2011-07-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some research (surprise, surprise) on some other college blogs out there. I've found some pretty neat ones that you should check out!

Dorm Delicious
Greatcollegeadvice.com
Surviving College Life
College Students Are Poor
College Prep (<--- great site if you plan on joining a sorority!)

(just hover over the list to link you right to the site.)

xoxo,

-College Girl

Must haves for College

2011-07-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

   Being the end of July, and with dorm room shopping at an all-time high right now, places everywhere are advertising their college and dorm room supplies. Most future college students don't go in with a clear picture of everything they want/need (and if you do, then I highly admire you!). Everyone wants the best and nicest things, but as a future college student, you need to learn to be frugal. Know when to splurge and when to buy the cheapest you can find. Here, I will be giving some of my must haves for college.

1. Laptop
   In my opinion, one simply cannot go to school without a laptop or computer at least. You will need a laptop to take to some classes, to type papers (ugh!), to research, to keep in touch with family and friends, etc. Sometimes, the school library computers are not always an option to use and this is when laptop or computer is essential.
   Recommendation: Apple MacBook Pro, $1,119. A laptop is the #1 item I think every college student should splurge on. Now, I know a MacBook is not always an option to some people, but be wise when choosing a laptop or computer because, if invested wisely, it can and should last through your
entire college education and even on to grad school or into the work place.

2. Bedding Set and Sheets
   There are SO many bedding sets (and comforters and duvets and duvet covers) out there that it can make you go crazy trying to find the perfect one suited for you. If you read my earlier blog post about finding the best deals for college online, you know that I bought my bedding at Overstock.com on sale for $49. Overstock has a ton of name brand bedding sets for super cheap and super cute! I also
found while shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond that their bedding tends to run sorta high because they sell pieces separately. However! There was one really neat thing that I found on their site (listed below).
   Recommendation: Moda Dorm in a Bag, $59.99, Bed Bath and Beyond. The neat thing about this is that it comes with a complete bedding set plus 2 pillows, 2 towels, and a hamper! Bedding is something that you do not have to splurge and you can find such great deals out there for it.

3. Shower Caddy
   This is a MUST if you are living in a dorm with communal bathrooms. Find a good sized caddy that can hold your shampoo and conditioner, razors, shaving cream, and soap. Caddy's are a good way to keep your bath products organized so that you can get in and out of those dreaded communal showers QUICK! ;)
   Recommendation: Shower Day/Night Caddy, $7.99, Bed Bath and Beyond. The thing I like about this is you can specifically organize it with your day products into one big caddy and then it detaches into a smaller caddy for your night products. Plus, it's durable hard plastic so it's perfectly fine to go right into the shower with you.

4. Storage Containers
   These are essential for storing and organizing EVERYTHING you bring with you to college. Plus, the good thing about storage containers is that you can find them in all different kinds of shapes and sizes which is perfect for dorm rooms.
   Recommendation: Sterilite Large Tall Modular Drawer Set of 3, $40, walmart.com. I love the shelving type storage units. I chose the large and tall set because it is replica to a set of drawers you would have in your own bedroom at home because the are long drawers.

5. Alarm Clock
   This is one item that every college student should have, no matter what. Please people, do not rely on your cell phones to get you up every morning. I used to use my cell phone to get me up and would have to set 2 alarms because I would sleep through it. The famous "My alarm on my phone didn't go off" excuse will not get you through college very well. Invest in an alarm clock. They're cheap!
   Recommendation: Timex® Extra Loud Alarm Clock, $9.99, Bed Bath and Beyond. I actually bought this item today while browsing Bed Bath and Beyond for what seems like the 10th time looking for dorm stuff. What I particularly liked about this alarm clock is that it has 2 settings, Regular and Extra Loud, for even the deepest sleepers. It also has a backup battery in case the power were to go out in the middle of the night and turn of the alarm. Two great features for only $10!

Extras:

extension cord(s)
earplugs
Aspirin
hangers
day planner

and my personal favorite..

a good reusable coffee mug. :)

xoxo,

-College Girl

Branching out!

2011-07-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

So.. I joined Twitter! I be retweeting some pretty cool and interesting things so be sure to follow me @soyougo2college. I'd love to give some advice on Twitter as well, so be sure to mention me and I'll reply back!

xoxo,
-College Girl

Dorm Room Shopping = Money Down the Drain.. Or Maybe Not?!

2011-07-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/pin/22999551/

Besides paying for things like books, room and board, TUITION, many college students also have to pay for dorm room furnishings. I am not entirely done with my own shopping, but I have a majority of the items I need, like bedding, pillows, towels, etc. Now, I am a notorious online shopper, but I the thing I love about shopping online is finding bargains and deals. Here is a list of some of my favorite sites to find the best deals and if you shop soon, many of them are offering special promotions exclusively for college students! (Score!)

Amazon.com
Overstock.com (Purchased my bedding here. I got a $100 bed set for $49!!! Oh, and it shipped SUPER quick.)
Google Shopping and Product Search
Ebay.com (Not my favorite but you can find almost anything here, if you are willing to take a risk.)
Bed Bath and Beyond and Target (Grouped these together because they both have an awesome college specific section not only online, but in stores as well.)

If you don't plan to shop online, at least help your parents, or yourself if you are the one paying, and do some research prices about the item(s) you plan to buy. There are tons of overpriced items out there and at least have a good idea going into a store about the items the offer. A little before-hand research = $$$ in your pocket (or into that college savings fund). ;)

xoxo,

-College Girl

New site!

2011-07-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/pin/70523278/

I'm writing this blog as a first time college student, fresh out of high school. I'm from a small town in the Midwest and have never really known anything outside of my town. As I write this, it's nearly 4 weeks until the big day. The day when I leave the nest and am on my own. Moving close to 2 hours away is going to be tough, but I'm a tough girl and I think I can do it. I think.

My hopes in writing this blog is to share my stories, tips, advice, do's and don'ts, and anything having to do with college. So, check back for those in the coming months. Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,
-College Girl