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BY PATTIE SIMONE
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
THE FLIP REPORT
Millions of students all over the country are getting ready to enter college in a few weeks. Here in New Jersey, the administration and grounds crew at Ramapo College in Mahwah, are prepping for the arrival of 910 freshman and 575 transfer students. A total of 5776 day and night class students will soon be swarming on the 300+ acre campus, nestled in the Ramapo Valley, just a skip away from Rt. 287 and the New York border.
Peter Rice, Director of Admissions at Ramapo College took time to share some packing and mental prep tips, to ease the transition of entering freshmen and new students. Per Rice, don't stress out. Every college campus has teams of administrators and student services personnel who are ready to answer questions and handle pretty much any issue that might come up. Per Rice, smart pre-planning and a positive attitude will help insure an easier settling in/transition period.
In addition to one set of dress clothes, Rice recommends the following staples (which can be packed and brought from home or bought locally at one of the area's office supply and bed and bath stores):
- alarm clock
- mini-tool kit (including screwdriver and pliers)
- poster putty
- dry erase board with markers and eraser
- trash can
- cushion for desk chair
- First Aid kit
- umbrella
- air freshener
- 2 sets of extra long bed sheets
- quarters (in case your school does not have free onsite laundry)
- desk lamp
- cleaning supplies
- power strips/ extension cords
- ethernet cable
It's also a good idea to have a pop-up laundry bag, laundry detergent, soap, your favorite toiletries, some wall hangings and decorations and basic school supplies. And don't forget to pack all your chargers — for your cell phone, laptop, iPad and iPod touch or other portable communications/music players. Last but not least, bring along some of your favorite snacks — a little comfort food can help calm sensitive nerves.
Although Ramapo College is in a semi-rural setting, it's a snap to purchase anything you may have forgotten in one of the many local retailers and big name shops. And even if your kids are a text away, they still enjoy getting care packages via snail mail.
So don't sweat the impending flight of your son or daughter — you'll get through it and punt beautifully if needed. With these back-to-school packing and mental prep tips, you have plenty of time to enjoy the last days of summer!
Pattie Simone has lived through packing and settling in three kids in 3 different colleges, within 3 years. She recommends having a good sense of humor and lots of tissues on hand — before, during and after sending your kids off to college.
MORE FLIP REPORTS BY PATTIE SIMONE
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