Whether you’re a Spartan or a Wolverine, classes start soon. And, with every new school year comes new experiences and sometimes a few missteps no matter how much you prepare.
While you’re hyper-focused on locking in your class schedule, buying books and ensuring you’ve connected with your roommates, there are big things you definitely want to get right from the beginning of the year.
We talked informally to students about often-forgotten items that can pose big problems if overlooked. Below are their top five survival secrets you should take advantage of whether you’re moving back to the dorms or venturing off campus.
- Gather coins and supplies for laundry – Not many students are lucky enough to have in-apartment laundry units and most shared machines require coins to operate. Unless you are living on-campus and have your student ID card loaded with laundry money, it’s time to gather up the quarters. Foldable laundry baskets and detergent pods will help you maximize space. And don’t forget the fabric refresher for when you’re in a pinch or when your roommates become noseblind. (Hey, we’ve all been there).
- Sign up for reliable Internet and cable – Homework deadlines come at you fast. Your WiFi access shouldn’t require a “Game of Thrones”-style battle with your roommates. Instead, ensure you can each access Internet speeds of up to 150 Mbps with special student offers from XFINITY. When you’re done cramming, through the X1 experience you can binge-watch your favorite shows and even stream through Netflix.
“My roommates and I are into all kinds of sports, especially MSU basketball and football,” said Andy Stamm, senior engineering student as Michigan State University. “With XFINITY X1 and the X1 Voice Remote, we are able to easily view scores and switch between multiple games to see how the Spartans compare to other teams.”
- Stock the fridge and pantry – No one likes studying on an empty stomach. While meal plans are great for students on-campus, it’s important to stock up for times between meals or when the cafeteria is once again serving mystery meat. For off-campus students who don’t have the option of a cafeteria, a pantry stocked with college staples like Ramen and Kraft Easy Mac provides peace of mind and fuel for late-night gossip sessions.
- Fill out your inventory/maintenance checklist ACCURATELY – It can be tempting to dismiss inventory lists and simply check the box that declares everything is A-OK. If you don’t accurately mark the condition of facility-provided appliances or equipment, you’re likely to be billed at the end of the year. On the topic of billing, be sure to obtain an on-campus or off-campus parking pass to avoid racking up a glovebox full of costly tickets from campus police.
- Completely unpack and decorate – Whether you’re in the dorms or in luxe off-campus housing, it’s important to make your house a home. The quicker you unpack and clear the clutter, the better. Once classes start and sporting events kick-off, it’ll only get harder and harder to dedicate time to this task.
The one thing Spartans and Wolverines can agree on is that back-to-school season is an exciting but occasionally stressful time. To make campus life easier – ensuring access to high-quality Internet connectivity and great TV options – students at the University of Michigan (U-M) and Michigan State University (MSU) along with many other colleges are eligible for special XFINITY student packages this school year.
U-M Ann Arbor students who live off campus can visit one of three events to learn about products, get great premium prizes and pick up self-install kits. Events will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 through Wednesday, Sept. 6 near the Diag, the Michigan Union and the Michigan Bookstore. Can’t make it to an event? Visit XFINITY.com to order. Wolverines living in dorms can also visit an event or xfinityuofm.com to customize their streaming TV offerings.
Not wearing maize and blue or green and white this school year? Off-campus students at many other schools can visit XFINITY.com to learn about special promotions and discounts.
