It's never too early to think about college even if you're are a senior getting ready for college in the fall or a soon to be freshman in high school, going away to college is very exciting yet challenging.
This is a chance to get away from your parents and live an independent life.
With all this comes responsibility.
The parties and hanging is great but you also have to focus more on your college work and take it seriously.
You are not in high school anymore.
Instead you are about to step into the real world with no mommy or daddy to go to parent teacher conference.
Believe it or not, unlike your high school or middle school teachers, the Professors in college are more laid back.
They don't push you to get an A in that class or motivate you like your high school teacher use to.
One of the most important things to do when looking at colleges is visiting the campus.
You can go during the summer, spring break, winter & mid-winter break or any other times you are free.
Make sure you check with the college website to see visitation information.
Some colleges offer special weekends for prospective students.
Seeing the college face to face is way different from what you see in books and websites.
It is better to go and see the environment for yourself.
Also talk to students to get a sense of the community.
Freshman students always tend to pack the less valuable things when attending college.
Here is a list of things to keep in mind when packing.

• Get yourself a nice laptop.
  
• iPod
• USB flash drive you'll be using a lot of computers
• Voice recorder [for note taking - who said you had to listen to those boring lectures when you can just record them]
• Slippers for that shower and for walking around the hallways and rooms
• Curling, flatting iron and blow dryer
• Night light [you don't have to disturb others while studying for that test late night&&your roommate will love you for that]
• Mini fridge [check with roommate first to avoid doubling]
• Microwave [check with roommate first to avoid doubling]
• White board for notes and messages.
  
• Bulletin board & push pins
• Bottle or can opener
• Stapler [don't expect an assignment that's not more than one page long]
• Alarm clock
• Extra plugs for computer, phone, curling iron, fridge, radio.
  etc
• 3 bed sheets and 3 pillow cases [you won't have time to do laundry a lot]
• Iron [who want to walk around the campus with wrinkled clothes?]
• Calendar
• Planner keep track of parties dates homework assignments etc
• Bathrobe
• Shower cap
• A basket for your dirty laundry
• 4 towels 2 for your bath and 2 for your face
• Spill proof travel mug.
  [There is nothing like a cup of coffee between classes and early in the morning.
  
• Especially when you are in a rush]
• Plastic containers to heat or store leftover food in the fridge.
  
• Mini tool kit
• A lots of hangers
• First aid kit
• Waste basket
• 2 blankets
• Brush & underwear