Fall Semester Prep: Your Checklist for Back to Blono

Summer's almost over, and while you've been busy perfecting your tan or binge-watching every show known to mankind, it's time to think about heading back to your second home: your apartment at ISU. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to this whole “adult” thing, having the right stuff can make or break your semester. So, let's dive into the ultimate checklist of essentials to bring back, ensuring you’re prepped for success (and a little fun, obviously).

 

 

1. Study Supplies

• Laptop and Chargers: Your lifeline. Make sure it's updated and virus-free. You don’t want it dying during finals.
• Notebooks and Pens: Yes, actual paper. Sometimes writing things down helps.
• Highlighters and Sticky Notes: For those late-night cram sessions when everything needs to be color-coded.
• Planner or Digital Calendar: Stay on top of deadlines like a champ. Or at least try to.

 

2. Kitchenware

• Microwave: Just in case your apartment doesn't have one, because no one’s got time to cook every meal.
• Mini Fridge: Keep your snacks and Red Bull stash close. #priorities
• Coffee Maker: Essential for survival. No further explanation needed.
• Basic Utensils and Plates: Eating off plastic gets old fast, plus it's better for the environment.

 

3. Personal Items

• Comfortable Bedding: Your bed is your sanctuary. Invest in good sheets and pillows.
• Toiletries: Stock up on shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc. You don’t want to have to ask to borrow something for every shower.
• First Aid Kit: Band-Aids, pain relievers, and whatever else you need when you inevitably hurt yourself doing something you probably shouldn't.
• Laundry Supplies: Detergent, fabric softener, and a laundry basket. Pro tip: don't wait until you have zero clean clothes to do laundry.

 

4. Tech Gadgets

• Headphones: Noise-canceling if possible. Block out the noise of your roommate's midnight gaming sessions.
• Portable Charger: Because your phone dying during a lecture is a nightmare.
• Speakers: For impromptu dance parties, obviously.

 

5. Room Décor

• Posters and Photos: Make your space feel like home. 
• Fairy Lights: Because the big light should never be on.
• Plants: Fake or real, they make your place look more alive (unlike us during finals).

 

6. Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, and make sure to pack the ESWB.
• Reusable Bags: For grocery runs and saving the planet.
• Toolkit: Basic tools for when you need to fix something yourself. We're independent now, remember?

 

7. Clothing Essentials

• Seasonal Gear: Jackets for the cold, an umbrella for the rain, and flip-flops for running to take out the trash.
• Workout Clothes: In case you actually make it to the gym. A for effort.

 

8. Important Docs

• ID and Student Card: Don’t leave these behind. Trust us.
• Emergency Contacts: Know who to call when things go south. And not just for bail money.

 

Getting ready for the fall semester isn’t just about stocking up on pens and notebooks. It’s about creating a space that’s comfortable, functional, and a little bit fun. So, before you head back, make sure you’ve got everything on this list. Trust us, future you will be grateful.