By: Lizzy (MSB’18)
Returning to the Hilltop always fills me with excitement for the new semester. I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things and take my classes and extracurricular by storm. Part of getting the year off to a great start is having the necessary books and supplies While I can bear the agony of waiting two days for my books to arrive in the mail and I don’t mind using free pens I’ve collected from three years of CAB fairs (the Georgetown equivalent of a club rush), there ARE some things I absolutely must have on the first day of class.
1. Comfortable shoes
Georgetown has a good sized campus. I am thankful I don’t have to bike from class to class like my friends do at other universities. I’m also thankful the dorms are close to the academic buildings in the unfortunate case I forget something; however, they call it the HILLtop for a reason. Georgetown is hilly and has a lot of staircases. If you ever have to run from Hariri to Walsh for back to back classes, you will be thankful you chose comfort over style.
2. A reusable water bottle
Water bottles come in all shapes and sizes and much like my CAB fair pens, they will often be offered to you for free. I recommend investing in a sturdy water bottle that is easy to clean. Stay hydrated and save the environment by filling up your water bottle at open of the filling stations located around campus.
3. A good backpack!
… or any good container for your books and belongings. Whether you choose a backpack, purse, or something else to carry your things from place to place it is best to choose something that is waterproof. Make sure your new bag is comfortable, easy on your back and shoulders, and spacious.
4. Paper
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This sounds silly and basic but we are living in the age of the laptop. You would be surprised at the number of times classmates have asked to borrow a sheet of paper. Don’t get caught off guard if your professor suddenly starts a pop quiz or requests an in-class assignment.
5. Personalization
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Not to sound like your mom, but, Be Yourself! Deck out your laptop in Hello Kitty stickers. Hang a Pittsburgh Pirates keychain from your backpack. Deck out your jackets in pins from the clubs you join on campus. Whatever you do, personalization is a great way to show off your interests, strike up convos, and make friends.