It’s that time of year again…the Target commercials for back to school shopping are in full swing. I can’t decide if I love them or hate them…but they are catchy.

Anyway — I remember going back to college every year as being both exciting and a bit of a pain. Moving all that stuff back and forth year after year took it’s toll. But after a while I got it down to a science…as you can imagine.

I went to college at Hofstra University on Long Island to study broadcast journalism. Some of my friends at the time were headed to a different state, and looked at Alabama Education and Career Resources, but I wanted to go into journalism so I stuck to it. I was fortunate enough to be able to live on campus and also be only a half hour away from home. It was a win-win situation for sure.

I have a lot of great memories from college like meeting former President Bill Clinton. OK — I didn’t really get to meet him — but I did shake his hand. This photo always makes me laugh.

I’m glad I got to live on campus because I was able to get the full college experience. But I don’t miss moving in every fall semester. I always dreaded it. It’s a lot of stress to buy all the things you need, pack up the car and relocate your life. But the memories you get from the experience is worth it, it is an experience that stays with you for the rest of your life. You’ll make life long friendships, learn lessons that may or may not help you on the road to your career, you might meet the love of your life in college.

Being prepared will definitely make a difference as you head back to college.

If you can think of anything that isn’t on the list that should be — just drop me a note. I’m hoping this lists helps just one college kid live an easier semester. Good luck!