subject: How to prepare for boarding school [print this page] How to prepare for boarding school How to prepare for boarding school
A lot of us are confused and uninformed about boarding schools. Leaving home and living in an unfamiliar environment may not be as difficult as you think, here are some of the things to take to your dorm that will make your new life easier.
Prepare
Call your boarding school and ask for a list of the things you can, and cannot bring to school. After that you can start preparing your list of items to shop and take with you. Don't forget to read the rules and regulation books which will give you a fair idea on things like dress code, food habits etc. You will find yourself breaking the rules without knowing what they are, if you don't go through the handbook.
Your room
Most of the rooms are primarily for comfort and studying. You need a comfortable and private room to study, not a luxurious suite. Hence, when you are bringing items from home, keep in mind only your basic comfort and necessities. Leave jewelry and other expensive things at home, you never know what might disappear. Remember your room is going to be small, so take only those items that you cannot live without.
Advance preparing
Shopping and packing is going to take you longer than you think, start the shopping well before hand. This way you wont miss out on anything.
Cellphone
You need to be in contact with your parents, your school will probably allow you to bring your mobile; if not you can always e-mail your parents, whichever is convenient for you. Go with cheap packages for your mobile, and don't forget the charger.
Homesick
It is pretty common to get homesick at times, take a few items that will remind you of home, such as pictures, your favorite sweater, etc.
Cleaning supplies
Now that you are going to live by yourself, remember to embrace your responsibilities with your independence. Bring adequate supplies for cleaning your windows, bathroom, etc. Many people forget this important item in their list. While you can easily purchase them from stores, bringing them from home will be cheaper.
Medication
If you are under any medication, it is very important to bring them. Bring tablets for allergies or your vitamin pills. If you are not in the habit of eating vitamin pills, include them in your diet right away. A life on sandwiches, pizzas and cola is surely not nutritious.
Computer
Having your own laptop and printer is becoming a mandatory requisite in many boarding schools. Check if you will be provided one, or if you need to buy one. Even if a computer is provided, it will be easier to work in your own space.
Credit card or ATM card
Ask for one from your parents for unexpected emergencies, where you are in desperate need of cash. But remember to use it only during emergencies, this way you will learn self control. Do not have a lot of money in your account, have only a nominal amount.
Talk to them
Nervous about the new place and making new friends? Take to your parents, siblings etc and ask them for advice. It will help you adjust sooner and better.
Take things slow
Don't be over talkative or over enthusiastic, take things slow the first month. You know you are going to meet and talk to everybody soon, it works better to take your time with everyone. You can be friendly and confident, but don't be desperate and in a hurry.
Your roommate
You are going to be living with this person for the next year, be polite and nice to him/her even if you don't like him/her at first. Give them their personal space and respect them.
Some of the things to take to your boarding school, these do not include the essentials such as clothes, books, sheets etc:
