Back-to-School Resources


Dive into our collection of back-to-school resources to find tips, checklists, and insights from real students.

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8 Mistakes to Avoid Your First Semester of College

8 Mistakes to Avoid Your First Semester of College

College is a time to grow, learn, and make mistakes. That said, we've compiled a list of mistakes you should definitely avoid during your first semester.

portrait of Danika Miller
July 25, 2022
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Student Stories

The Value of Staying Open-Minded in College

March 7, 2023
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Why I Stopped Pulling All-Nighters: The Dangerous Side Effects of “Grind Culture”

March 7, 2023
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The Key to Choosing Student Clubs Without Spreading Yourself Too Thin

March 7, 2023
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What Dorm Living Taught Me About the Relationship Between Space and Self

March 7, 2023
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4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting College

March 7, 2023
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A Transfer Student’s Guide to Making Friends

March 7, 2023
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Don’t Put Your Life on Hold: How I Learned to Balance School, Work, and Fun

March 7, 2023
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What You Do Is Not Who You Are: College Students’ Ever-Changing Identities

March 7, 2023
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My 5 Biggest Tips for Out-of-State Students

March 7, 2023
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How an Interdisciplinary College Taught Me How to Learn

March 7, 2023
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Road to Vet School as a Minority Student: How Poverty and Natural Disasters Built My Resilience

March 7, 2023
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You Deserve to Be There: My Top 5 Tips for Women Majoring in STEM

March 7, 2023
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College Prep

College Packing List: 51 Things You Absolutely Must Bring to Campus

July 22, 2022
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A Complete First-Year College Checklist

August 8, 2022
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6 Ways to Prepare for the First Day of Class in College

July 22, 2022
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College Move-In Day: 8 Tips to Help You Prepare

July 22, 2022
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4 Ways to Make Your First Week of College Count

July 22, 2022
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What to Bring to College: 10 Critical Papers and Documents

July 22, 2022
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9 Tips for a Smooth College Transition

August 8, 2022
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College 101: The Basics

The Student’s Guide to Choosing a Major

March 21, 2023
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College Orientation: 5 Things You Need to Know

July 22, 2022
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What Is Student Services and How Does It Benefit Students?

July 22, 2022
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The Ultimate College Terminology Guide

July 22, 2022
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What Does a College Resident Advisor (RA) Do?

July 22, 2022
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How to Find a College Roommate: 6 Essential Tips

July 22, 2022
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Download the BestColleges.com Ultimate College Packing Checklist

School Supplies Must-Haves

Pack your bag with the essentials you need to thrive in school.

33 School Supplies Every College Student Needs

33 School Supplies Every College Student Needs

Getting ready to head to college? Check out these must-have college school supplies to make your higher ed experience go as smoothly as possible.

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July 22, 2022
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Student Life

10 Ways to Get Involved on Campus

July 22, 2022
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How to Deal With Homesickness in College: 6 Tips to Keep You Grounded

July 22, 2022
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5 Success Tips for First-Generation College Students

July 22, 2022
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The Top 5 Benefits of Living on Campus

July 22, 2022
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4 Things to Know About Rushing in College

July 22, 2022
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When Does 2022-23 College Football Start?

July 22, 2022
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