With back to school right around the corner, it is time to hit the stores and stock up on all of the essential back to school items. This is most likely your first time away from home, so you will need to be sure and stock up on the necessities. Here are 10 tips to help you make it to semester break without needing to steal your roommates stuff.

1. Soap on a rope: You are not old enough to know what soap on the rope is, but the theory is still valid. You will want to keep your soap close to your heart to avoid theft. Use a shower caddy to keep all of your razors, soaps, lotions, body sprays, and other personal hygiene items safe from prowlers. Remember to wear your flip flops into the showers. No one wants foot fungus. No one!

2. Wash N’ Dry: Make sure to keep your quarters in a safe place so you can be ready on laundry day. Buy the laundry detergent that comes in pods so they are easy to carry down to the laundry room. No one wants to fumble around with a huge jug of laundry detergent. Make sure to set a timer when you start your laundry so you can run back down to switch to the dryer. If run late, someone may run off with your unmentionables.

3. Lock it up: If your ride a bike I urge you to buy a bike lock. They are relatively inexpensive and will keep you riding in style to your classes. People will steal anything they can get their hands on. I also recommend a laptop lock. Laptops will walk away as soon as you turn around to check out a book at the library. You kids still check out books right?

4. Meal Plan: If you live on campus I urge you to buy at least the lunch meal plan. You will not be cooking in a dorm room. In between classes it will be easy and convenient to run to the cafeteria to have lunch and catch up on who is going where after class.

5. Go to Class: If you want to stay in college past winter break, attend your classes. Someone paid for you to take them, you may as well show up and learn something. You might even like what they have to say. You will definitely find other students in class, and you might like those people as well. The odds of passing your classes increase when you attend your classes on a regular basis. It’s amazing how that works.

6. Sleep: Sleep is one of those pesky required items for life to continue. I know there will be parties and events taking place on campus. Remember that sleeping regularly will help you make better choice due to increased brain activity. It may even keep you out of the campus police station.

7. Snack time: Living in a dorm can be tough when it comes to snacks. Since you probably only have a mini fridge, keep snack that you can pop into the microwave and keep you fuller longer. I am a fan of Hot Pockets, because they have them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are inexpensive and tasty.

8. Book Buyback: Most schools offer places that buy back your text books so you can have cash to spend on books for the next semester. Remember to read the book first, and finish the semester before selling them back. Also, do not sell anybody else’s books back either, that is a crime.

9. School supplies: Post it notes, highlighters, pens, pencils, notebooks, and USB drives will be necessary in college. You might be a “Grown-Up” but going to college means you are still in school. Be prepared when you go to class. The cute girl next to you may need to borrow a pen.

10. Have fun: Venture out of the dorm and meet new people. College is an adventure. Be wise with the company you keep; some of these people will stick with you for the rest of your life. Other will call you to bail them out of jail.

Be safe, learn a lot, and call your Mom. She loves you and worries about you. Also, don’t be offended if you come home for the holidays and find some new gym equipment in your room. We all have to move on.