5

Wait to buy your textbooks

There are so many expenses that come along with college. Don’t add any useless items to the bills. Don’t be too eager to waste hundreds of dollars purchasing textbooks before professors state the requirement. Wait until the second week to know what’s actually going to be used, and what it is supplemental. Visit Richmond’s libraries or VCU’s own to check if the book is available before buying. That money could go towards a morning coffee from your local coffee shop!

Take some time for self care

Everyone is busy during the first week of classes, whether it’s lectures, internships, jobs or all the above. Make it a priority to put time aside for self care — both mentally and physically. This can look like yoga, meditation or even a long and intricate night routine. My favorite form of self care is completely disconnecting from my phone and laptop. No social media. No messaging. No emails.