Some of you will be waving goodbye to summer with a sad heart, others jumping at the chance to escape back to school - but whichever you are feeling we here at VF want to make the transition easier! So get a pen and pad of paper ready like a good student, because school is in session and today's lesson is the ten things to do before going back to school...
One: Find Your Tribe
Emotionally and over a keyboard we are all behind you and cheering you on, but we can't go to college with you. Check out your college and universities students' union to see what societies are available for you to join. Be it gaming, metal and rock, or Bronies Anonymous, they will have something you're interested in. It's an easy way to quickly meet people you where know you have at least one thing in common. And if you want something online check out all the VF Cults to find people who are like minded to you.
Two: Decorate Your Dorm Room
While at university or college your bedroom is your safe space, and you need to make it feel like your own and somewhere you want to be. Find some artwork that speaks to you on the VF Store. There is so much to choose from and starting at just $16.99 we know you'll find something you love.
Three: Budget, Budget, Budget
Get a piece of paper and on one side write down all the money that comes into your bank account each month, and on the other side do monthly out payments (rent, bills, groceries, netflix, phone contract, etc). This way you can easily see your expenses, what you need, and what is left over each month. Even if it is just $10, from whatever is left put 10% into a saving account in case of an emergency.
Four: Really Get Organized
Each year we all say the same thing: "This year will be different, this year I will be organized." Then suddenly it is three months into the academic year and you're not sure what has happened but being organized hasn't! So to make life easier we've found this useful (and free!) blog with online resources just for you. Share how you stay organised below with everyone else, because we could all use the help!
The Organised Student
Five: Actually Think About Your Packing
Twenty four hours to go, and still not packed? Yep, we have been there too! Before moving to college lay out all of your clothes in to piles of what actually goes together. This way you can pack smart, minimizing the amount of unnecessary items you take with you leaving more room for the important things such as fourteen pairs of shoes, your entire gaming system, that body you forgot to dispose of... Wait, what?
Six: Check The Weather Of Where You're Moving Too
The pictures in the brochure might all be of groups of multicultural friends sat laughing in the sunshine, but the actual climate of your university probably isn't like that all year round. Make sure to double check if it rains often, gets snow, or if you'll need sunblock. This is especially if you are going abroad for your studies. Too many people get caught out, and suddenly your drinking money is spent on a rain coat, umbrella, and water proof spray for your fave pair of suede boots!
Seven: Feeding Yourself
The time has come to say goodbye to the fridge of mom and dad, so make sure you collect two weeks worth of recipes into an folder on your computer or a scrap book. You can find some great recipes that cost less that $3 dollars to make online, and it is worth doing it in advance so you don't have the first shop panic. And don't forget to find yourself some kitchenware on the VF Store to make your housemates jealous!
Eight: Think About Your Classes and Electives
This one is important because after all, you are at university or college to study! Take the time to look up the reading list for your classes, at the way modules add up to your overall grade, if you'll need any equipment, and what extra credit you can take. Always do this beforehand and it can easily be done in a few hours one afternoon. Better to do it before then have any nasty surprises waiting for you.
Nine: Referencing, We Have You Covered
The essay is the best you've ever done, and you've been up all night making it perfect. But with three hours to go you still have to print and reference... Don't panic! You probably should have left more time but for those of you who are the gods-of-last-minute and goddesses-of-forgetting-to-reference we bring you Cite This For Me. Save time with your referencing so you can spend more time on here with us!
Ten: Forever Be Yourself
Being the only goth in school is something a lot of us understand, be it when you were in middle school, high school, or in further/higher education. Kids are cruel, bullies can be all ages, and it can genuinely be hard. But the number one thing you can do to show them is be you. No one more or less than simply you. Because even if others don't, we here at VF fucking love you, and you always have a place on this website to be yourself with people who value who you are. And if all else fails we hear that being a badass with superpowers helps!
Let us know what your top tips are for going back to school, and what the number one thing is you always do before returning!
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TheGothicLibrarian
