Timeline of essential dates
School Checklist
Room Needs/Storage
- Bedside lamp
- Alarm clock/clock radio
- Mini trash can
- Storage bins
- Under-the-bed storage trays
- Desk lamp
- Fan
- Drying rack for laundry
- Bulletin board and pushpins
- Dry-erase wall calendar/board
- Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench)
- Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)
Linens/Laundry Supplies
- Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.)
- Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face)
- Pillows (2)
- Mattress pad (check with college for size needed)
- Blankets (2)
- Comforter/bedspread
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry bag/basket
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover
- Lint brush
- Mini sewing kit
Office/Desk Supplies
- Electronic storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives
- Stapler and staples
- Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
- Pens and pencils
- Pencil holder and sharpener
- Notebooks
- Folder with pockets
- Labels of various sizes
- 3 × 5 index cards
- Sticky notes
- Paper clips and binder clips
- Rubber bands
- Tape
- Scissors
- Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
- Ruler
- Stackable desk trays (at least 4)
- Stamps and envelopes
Electronics
- Laptop (printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print)
- Portable speakers (if you want to play music from laptop/MP3 player)
- HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless)
- Surge protector
- Extension cords
- 3-2 prong adapters
- MP3 player
- Headphones
- Camera
- Cell phone
Shared Items — Check with roommate(s)
- Audio equipment
- TV and DVD player
- Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed
- Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
- Area rug
- Posters/art
Toiletries
- Antacid
- Aspirin or other pain relievers
- Vitamins
- Antidiarrheal medicine
- Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment
- Cough drops
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes (flip-flops)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairstyling products
- Bath and face soap
- Travel soap container(s)
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Comb/brush
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
- Razor and shaving cream
- Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
- Cotton swabs
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pants/jeans
- Shirts/blouses
- Sweats
- Pajamas
- Slippers and/or flip-flops
- Sweaters
- Light/heavy jackets
- Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foul-weather gear as needed)
- 1 pair of boots
- 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
- 1 set of business-casual clothes
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 swimsuit
Household and Kitchen Items
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Lightbulbs
- All-purpose cleaner
- Plastic storage bags
- Food-storage containers
- Dish soap
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
- Bowl, plate and cup
- Coffee mug
- Water bottle
- Silverware
- Can/bottle opener
Miscellaneous
- Umbrella
- Backpack
- Sports equipment
The best links for grants and scholarships
https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-scholarships
https://www.salliemae.com/plan-for-college/college-grants/
An interview from a current senior in high school
Jonah Strenski is a senior honors student at Greater Johnstown High school, and someone who is seemingly super ready for college. I sat down with him to pick his brain for a while and find out just what sort of state of mind hes really in. His responses give some insight on just what this age group is going through as far as preparation, fears, and emotions attached to this age group.
Q: What have you done in your high school career that has gotten you prepared for college?
A: My sophomore summer, I had the opportunity to attend college by being selecting for Penn State’s S.C.O.P.E. (Summer College Opportunity Program in Education) program. For month I stayed at Penn State’s University Park, however, I was 1 of 20 chosen to go. This experience is like no other, yet it gave me a firsthand feel for college, campus life, curriculum, and all the inbetweens.
Q: What is your favorite part about high school?
A: My favorite part about high school is the tight knit communities you build with your peers through the 4 years of school. Every year I look forward to participating in my favorite activities and progressively having a more enjoyable time while doing it. Additionally, I look forward to graduation so I can begin my post-high school life in the so called “real world”
Q: What scares you the most about college?
A: The amount of debt I will be in after high school and the lack of well-paying careers awaiting my graduating class are 2 scenarios that scare me about going to college. Yes, I have the opportunity to GO to college but I do not want to spend my entire life paying off student loan debts.
Q: Do you think everyone is cut out for college?
I do not think everyone is cut out for college. The problem with American education is that it is trying to make everyone the same. Why are we encouraging our schools to categorize everyone as the same? We should be encouraging uniqueness and individuality. Having said that, people should be motivated to go to vocational schools, trade schools, and follow their dreams. Young students shouldn’t be brainwashed and funneled into college believing that it is their only way to be successful in life.
Q: What helped you decide what you were doing with your life after high school?
A: Since my childhood, I have dreamed of serving our nation in uniform and that has guided me throughout high school; however, I want to be a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps. which entails going to a 4 year college. Between my academic success, personality and physicality, I have geared myself towards attending college and serving my country.
Q: What would you say to a younger ‘you?’
A: Looking back and reflecting my past, I would tell younger me to prioritize my overloaded schedule and operate out of my comfort zone more. Time management is an important element to success in life and is something I have not done so well. Taking on too many activities at once can put a hefty weight on your shoulders and make life miserable. As for operating out of my comfort zone, I think it is crucial to try new things and take risks. Being sheltered is the easiest way to miss life altering opportunities and to be shielded from amazing experiences.