Ready or not, it’s here: Classes start Monday at Washington State University, University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College. We asked a student (or grad) from each to share tips for dorm life and college in general, and since it seems like everything is extra expensive these days, they included ways to save money while having the best experience possible.
Sam Taylor
School: Washington State University, Pullman, 2024 graduate.
Major: Multimedia journalism.
Hometown: Lacey, Wash.
School: University of Idaho, sophomore.
Major: Journalism and political science, with international studies minor.
Hometown: Lewiston.
Piet Kongsatt
School: Lewis-Clark State College, junior.
Major: Mathematics, with computer science and political science minors.
Hometown: Spirit Lake, Idaho.
Inland 360: Thank you for sharing your experiences. First off: What’s essential?
Sam Taylor: A sturdy laundry basket is probably the most underrated, but most obvious indispensable item. You'll be doing laundry once a week or maybe more, so having a sturdy basket that can transport your clothes to your washing facility, without dropping them in the hallway (or worse, outside), is important. This didn't happen to me thankfully, but it's not uncommon.
An electric kettle is also essential. I like oatmeal, so it was nifty to warm up water in my room (I also had a sink in my room, which made things infinitely easier, but the kettle is a lifesaver no matter what).
Seyi Arogundade: One thing I didn’t think I’d need but definitely ended up needing was waterproof shoes. Moscow, where I go to school, gets super rainy and wet, especially in the winter. Having a solid pair of shoes that can handle all that weather and keep your feet warm and dry turned out to be a must-have. It made a huge difference, especially with all the walking between classes.
Piet Kongsatt: Shoe dryer, ethernet cable (needed if you are playing video games) plus ethernet adapter to USB (if you have enough money), mini fan (especially in the summer because it will be your best friend at night), trash can, water bottle, night-light, water filter, mattress topper, winter clothes, extra shoes and sandals, sleep mask, shoe rack for organization.
360: On the flip side, what’s not necessary?
Arogundade: One thing I’d say isn’t really a must-have is buying textbooks. Every class and professor are different, so you kind of have to play it by ear. I found that a lot of the textbooks I was told I needed ended up not being necessary, or I could find a PDF online or just borrow one from a classmate. If you do need a textbook, check out used copies online to save some cash.
Taylor: Being savvy with your acquisition of the textbook is important. If you don't mind a digital version (and your professors allow it), buying an e-book can save you money and time. The Control-F command is very helpful to search the contents of the book.
It may be a transition, but if you make your own coffee (or just don't drink it regularly), your wallet will thank you. At the same time, if it truly makes you happy, go for it — it's all about balance.
Kongsatt: (Agrees about textbooks.) You don't need to bring a TV (too big and eats a lot of space) if you already have a monitor. And anything you’d only use once you might as well rent or borrow from a friend.
360: Where did you buy back-to-school supplies?
Kongsatt: Walmart for most typical school supplies: Pencils, pens, notebooks, erasers, cleaning supplies, food.
Costco for large-quantity items like laundry detergent, trash bags — and certain kinds of food.
Amazon for school books (see above).
Taylor: I bought kitchen essentials like cups and plates at Walmart. I also ordered other items like a Bluetooth speaker via Amazon. Be careful with those, and don't be the room that blasts music 24/7.
Arogundade: Considering that this past year was my freshman year, a lot of my back-to-school shopping w
as done before I arrived on campus. I got a lot of my essentials from Ross and Walmart, but I tried to look for little decorative pieces in thrift stores around the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, such as Idaho Youth Ranch and Goodwill.
360: What’s your advice for students adjusting to college life?
Arogundade: One piece of advice I’d give to anyone coming back to campus is to jump into different activities and clubs. I know it can be a hassle with juggling class schedules, work and everything else, but getting involved really makes a difference. I joined a bunch of different organizations, and it was honestly the best decision. I met some of the coolest people through these groups and had experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Plus, it’s a great way to break out of your routine and try new things. My college experience would’ve been so different if I hadn’t taken the plunge and gotten involved.
Taylor: Talk to people: That is the most important thing you can do when you are new to any place or situation in life. The people around you are going to be around you for a significant amount of time. Make an attempt to be friendly and it will pay off in some way. That person may end up being your friend or introduce you to other friends or opportunities.
In terms of personal discipline, treat school like a job. Spend at least eight dedicated hours (or whatever you find yourself needing to do) a day, and respect that time. Go to class, do your homework, study — and ideally do it all while the sun is up, so that in the evening you can socialize without penalizing yourself.
Kongsatt: Your first two months will be the most overwhelming months of your college year, but I promise it will get easier. Attend school events, especially in the first months, and you’ll meet many cool new people. Join a club. Make at least one friend in each of your classes so you have a study buddy if you are struggling in classes. Get to know your professors or advisers in your division, because they care about you and you can build a good network with them too.
Also: Get your parking pass and ID card as soon as possible, because there will be a long line, and do the parking pass online before going to the security office.
360: Anything else you’d want new students to know?
Taylor: Don't underestimate your breaks: You need to eat, you need to sleep and you need to hang out with friends and take time for yourself. It's all important, and you have 24 hours a day to do it. That's not a lot, but it's what we've got.
Arogundade: I totally think college is a game changer. It’s where you get to figure out different sides of yourself. I’m only a year in, and even though it sounds kind of cheesy, I’m pretty sure these are going to be some of the best years of my life.
Kongsatt: Don't forget to eat healthy and exercise in order to keep yourself alive in college.
