Top 18 Things you Don't Want to Forget to Bring to College

1. Cleaning supplies – Multipurpose cleaner and easy-to-use products like hand vacs and Swiffer sweepers are key. You’ll be surprised how quickly your dorm floor gets dirty. Also, bring extra laundry detergent. It’s more expensive than you think—take advantage of your parents buying it for you now.

2. iPod docking station – Perfect for dorm rooms. And you and your roommate can alternate your iPods.

3. Ethernet cable, extension chords and power strips – No matter how many outlets you have, it won’t be enough. And where you want to put your TV is almost always on the direct opposite side of the room where the outlet is.

4. Quarters – You’ll be surprised how glad you are to have a quarter collection come laundry day. Plus, some college dorms don’t give you change without requiring a purchase.

5. GPS – If you’re moving to a new city, you don’t want to have to rely on Mapquest or Google Maps to get everywhere. Let’s face it—sites like this often get you quite turned around.

6. Ear plugs – I can’t tell you how vital ear plugs are. Whether it’s nap time and your neighbors are hammering nails or it’s a Tuesday night and there’s a party next door, you’re guaranteed to need them.

7. Digital camera – You’re going to have a lot of great memories in college so it’s important to document them with a camera. Also, I recommend one of the new Olympus waterproof digital cameras. Whether it ends up in the toilet bowl or the punch bowl, you’ll be glad it’s waterproof.

8. Duct Tape – So underrated. From covering up chords to hanging posters on the wall—you’ll need it.

9. Personal information – Your car and health insurance paperwork, Social Security card, Passport, AAA card, checkbook, etc. College was the first time I realized how much I needed a checkbook. They’re expensive, too, so have your parents get them for you before you leave.

10. Tools – I thought a tool kit was the lamest graduation gift EVER, but I can’t tell you how many times my roommates came running to me for a screwdriver or hammer.

11. Dorm vault and laptop safe – Unfortunately, college dorms are notorious for theft, especially if you have suite mates or unlocked doors. Keep your valuables locked up at all times—it’s a pain, but you’ll be thankful later.

12. Can opener – This is definitely one of those things that completely slipped my mind. You’ll be sorry when you’re on your last can of soup with no opener.

13. Printer paper – When you’re late for class and haven’t printed out that paper you finished at 3 a.m., you’re going to be glad you have extra printer paper. But don’t bring too much. You won’t have room and you won’t use as much as your family does at home.

14. Anti-virus and security – Your computer is even more susceptible to viruses and hackers when using insecure networks that are on most campuses. You’ll realize why you did it when your roommate’s computer crashes right before finals and you’re good to go.

15. Umbrella – It’s easy to forget if you’re packing during a summer drought, but you never want to be that person who shows up soaking wet to a freezing auditorium for class.

16. Vitamins – Just in case you’re not getting them all in your new college diet. Also, yet another one of those items that a college student doesn’t have room for in their budget.

17. Stapler – I recommend the small, portable kind. You’ll be surprised how many weird professors dock heavy points for missing staples.

18. Voice recorder – One of the easiest ways to take notes in class. You won’t miss a beat or have to worry about writer’s cramp.

5 Ways to Cut Corners on a College Budget

Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time or taking a victory lap, we’ve got some great tips for living on a budget that you probably haven’t thought of before.

Free Stuff
Everyone wants freebies and these days it feels like everyone's giving them out. But how do you know if it’s just a scam or if it’s a legit freebie? Check out these tips to avoid spam and get the free goods!

Online Grocery Guide
Have you ever been standing in the grocery store aisle, deciding whether or not to buy a product, and wished you knew if you could get it cheaper at another store? With this grocery guide, you can search businesses in your area and get a comprehensive list of products and their costs compared to other local businesses. It even allows you to send the list to your phone so you can use it on the go. Still not cheap enough? You can also search coupons for the product you’re looking for.

Love that Ramen!
Nothing says college student like Ramen noodles. But if you get burned out on plain old Chicken and Beef flavored soup, check out these dirt cheap Ramen recipes for everything from Chicken Diablo Ramen to Three-Bean Ramen Salad. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out one of these unique recipes, like Chocolate Ramen Cake!

Keep a budget
Of course, the best way to pinch your pennies is to keep a budget. But this is often difficult for college students who are just now having to start thinking about where their money is going. In order to make things easier, you can check out this college budget worksheet to keep track of your money and figure out how you can improve your spending habits in the future. The best way to do this, though, is to go paperless with an easy-to-use program like QuickBooks or Quicken.

You gotta save to spend!
After you figure out how much you should be spending per month, the only way you can increase that number without putting yourself into debt is to earn more money than you spend. This may seem really simple, but how can you earn some quick and easy cash? Check out this ultimate list of how to save money in college or if you want to earn a few extra bucks, here's a list of 31 ideas to start with!

Different Offices, One Team!

Every year we have a summer party here at Academic Superstore before the busy Back to School season begins. This year's party was given the "One Team" theme to emphasize the unity of our "team," despite being in different offices.

I sat down with Kelly Garrott, the marketing coordinator for Journey Education Marketing, to get the inside scoop on this year's party...

What went on at this year’s party?
Kelly: During the party we had a potluck BBQ. The company provided the hot dogs and hamburgers and then each employee was asked to bring in their favorite side dish. Throughout the day we had different contests, including a root beer chugging contest and a pie eating contest! But the main event was the Picture Contest where each office was asked to submit a team picture with the theme of "One Team." The pictures were judged and the winning office received a catered lunch.

How was this year’s party different from other years?
Kelly: This is the first year that we have had a "One Team" party. In previous years we have had different themed parties to rev company spirit during busy times.

Why do you have the party during the summer?
Kelly: The party was done during the summer to amp people up before our busy season, "Back To School."

Explain a little bit about “One Team” and the idea behind the name.
Kelly: This year we had a "One Team" Party in order to show the unity between different offices. We used to only have an Austin office, but now we have offices in Fargo and Dallas, as well. The idea behind the party was to get everyone connected and working together.

What was the most memorable moment from this year’s party?
Kelly: The most memorable moment of this year's party was the picture contest. We took two different pictures outside in the middle of the afternoon during Texas heat. It was nice to see us working together even though it was incredibly hot. It really made me proud that everyone hung in there until we got the perfect shot. Even though our office didn't win, we had a great time and were really proud of the way our picture turned out. It is nice to work for a company where everyone has such a great team spirit.

And the winners are...

Dallas and Fargo!