the starter pack

Do you have any advice for college/scholarship applications?

  • "When you write your essay, use it as a chance to tell who you are. It does not have to be your best writing and does not have to be super sophisticated. Use it as a chance to tell a story about who you are and how you've grown!"

  • "Pretty much do it as soon as possible! Also make sure to fill out FAFSA."

  • "Be yourself, don’t try to impersonate someone you’re not. Colleges don’t want fake people, they want the real you."

  • "Really research and ask the professors. There are a lot of scholarships. If you want one more specific to your major it’s easier to ask the professor instead of researching online."

  • "Wherever you are meant to be you will be. Most people will get rejected or deferred from at least one school they apply to so try not to take it to heart and really consider all of the options you have!"

What's something you regret bringing/not bringing to college?

  • "I personally wish I brought blackout curtains because I had a big window and the sun would be shining in my eyes every morning. Also earplugs because my roommate sleeps through her alarms."

  • "A lap desk, I do so much work in my bed and use a pillow to prop my laptop up on. A lap desk is game changer."

  • "I regret bringing so may clothes. And I regret not bringing an umbrella. You dont think about it until you need it and you WILL be walking to class in the rain."

  • "Bringing too many notebooks. It’s easier to take notes online and can be more organized, but it also depends on the class."

  • "When I lived in the dorms, I regret bringing reusable cutlery and bowls. It took up space and it was hard to clean in the bathroom sink, as my dorm didn't have a kitchen and the dorm kitchen was on a different floor entirely. Use disposable plates."

  • "I regret not bringing more business casual or formal clothes."

  • "chargers with long cords"

  • "Cute dresses and heels for sorority events if you are planning to rush!"

Do you have any good recipes that you can make while living in dorms?

  • "Sandwiches are awesome and tuna salad"

  • "I always kept a lot of fruit in my mini fridge, specifically apples and I would always have apple slices with peanut butter for a good snack! Also keep a frozen dinner or two in your freezer for when you don't feel like going to the dining hall for dinner."

  • "I didn’t cook too much, but I snuck in an airfryer and made pizza rolls a lot! Also chips and dip were a big thing everyone had. I saw a lot of people making pasta and cookies in the kitchen downstairs."

  • "Not really a recipe, but you can make a lot of people happy with macaroni and cheese, and hot chocolate. Maybe not at once, but they’re both good to have around, ready for making."

  • "Taco chicken is pretty easy. You just put chicken in a crockpot with some seasoning and salsa. Once its done you just use two forks to shred it and it’s ready to eat."

  • "Instant packet food, cup mac and cheese, and canned soup is your best friend."

  • "Microwaveable meals. Quick, easy, little prep time, etc. In dorms you might not have the space to store fresh ingredients too."

  • "sausage balls!! follow the bisquik mix recipe for their biscuits but add a roll of sausage and lots of shredded cheese!"

  • "Curry, in a pot stick onion, carrots and potatoes. cover in oil and simmer for 5 minutes until brown. add 2 cups of water and boil for 15 minutes. Add Japanese golden curry cubes in at the end, it thickens the curry. Add rice and cooked chicken."