College Questions.

1. My college has 2 days of freshman move-in on Thursday and Friday the week before school starts, before everyone else moves in. I do an IT job and part of it is moving in a few days before THAT and I have to help them get their internet set up every year, so I've seen more than one move-in. Most schools have a list of things you need to bring - computer, sheets, surge protector, etc. though you don't really need all of those things. For one, Harrisonized listed a pomegranate load of things that I still don't have. Printer is useful but I'd rather not pay for ink when I can print for free at the library or in my department. You don't need a microwave or a fridge if you have a meal plan, either. Try to find out if there are stores nearby where you can get the things you need. A lot of people come in with their parents, unpack their clothes, posters, video games, TV, random furniture, and immediately run off to buy all their school supplies. If you don't have some means of transportation available or a store in walking distance, it may be hard to do that, and you may want to get everything you need beforehand - though this means you'll have to pack extra stuff, and if you're going by yourself, you'll want to pack light. There's a balance you want to figure out but don't worry too much if you don't get it perfect.

There is also a ton of activity going on around campus when you first arrive. Once you get settled in, go out and explore. One of my roommates freshman year did nothing but play Starcraft after arriving. I went out, met some people, and actually saw a guy I knew from a summer camp.

2. If your laptop can handle games, it should be able to handle schoolwork, unless you need to use AutoCAD or Photoshop a lot or some other computer intensive software for your major. I haven't really needed to use anything outside of Word, Excel, and CAD. If money is tight, just get something simple.

3. I took a language my freshman year. Talk to your advisor about your planned courses.

4. There's absolutely nothing wrong with living in a single. Having a roommate is good experience for learning to live with someone, but it can also be disastrous and ruin your experience at college if things go wrong. I'd consider the LGBT service, though. Who knows - you might make a friend, or at least get someone who will leave you alone. I find most people tolerable enough.

5. Um, inquire into your housing options. My freshman dorm had a public shower, but my friend had a suite with a private shower shared between two rooms. The only problem with the private showers is having to coordinate shower times in the morning, and possibly dealing with roommates who don't understand the concept of hygiene.

6. Definitely recommend.

6. Go for it. Try and get an IT job. I get paid $9 an hour to play on the internet for like 2 hours a day and deal with the occasional chore (install tower A in Building B) or idiot.

Same pomegranate here. Campus IT/Helpdesk jobs are awesome.