<p>Here are a few more things you may want to consider doing before you start packing.</p>
<p>Ask for refills to be called in at your pharmacy for any prescriptions you normally take or might need such as an inhaler, allergy meds, acne meds, etc. If you know you’ll need them have them filled. If not, you can have them transferred to Tuscaloosa if you need them later.</p>
<p>Be sure you have a valid insurance card for any policies you may need such as health and dental.</p>
<p>Have your contact lens prescription renewed and buy what you need. Pack your glasses also just in case.</p>
<p>Obtain a non-driver identification from your DMV since you don’t have a driver’s license. You may need this id later.</p>
<p>Register to vote if you are 18 or will be within 6 months.
Keep a copy of your voter registration with your important papers. You may need this at some point to prove id and residency.</p>
<p>Request absentee ballots from your Voter Registration Office. You can have it mailed to a P.O. Box on campus if you rent one or to your home address if you don’t have one.</p>
<p>If you had braces and wear a retainer, have it checked and be sure to pack it. You don’t want that expense again.</p>
<p>Purchase and pack any over the counter meds you use frequently or may need. You may not be allowed to purchase some of them in Tuscaloosa due to your age.</p>
<p>Obtain and make a list of important telephone numbers and emergency contacts in your hometown. Put them in your phone, on your computer, and a hard copy with your medicines so you won’t be fumbling for them if there is a true emergency on either end and your cell phone doesn’t work.</p>
<p>If you have a hair stylist back home, you may want to schedule an appointment for Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, or Spring Break if you plan to go home. Appointments go quickly for those times and it can make you feel like a new person when you go home to have your hair done before heading back to campus.</p>
<p>Register your phone for the Guardian program on campus on MyBama. Purchase a small umbrella and flashlight for your backpack and a don’t forget to put them in it.</p>
<p>Schedule any follow up appointments for when you will be at home on break for dental cleanings, retainer checks, etc. if you will need them because those times book quickly.</p>
<p>Scan a copy of any important documents such as birth certificate, etc.</p>
<p>Copy your student ID and leave the copy and any important information your parents might need in case you run into a problem that requires their help later (such as registering for classes if your registration time happens to fall when you are in class). It happens. It wouldn’t hurt to print out a copy of your schedule to leave with them so they don’t call you when you’re in class.</p>
<p>Provide your parents with the names and numbers of at least one of your roommates and one friend for use only in an emergency in case they are unable to reach you in an emergency situation.</p>
<p>Pack the important papers and medications in your carry on bag. Be sure you have your TB test and immunization form completed and with you.</p>
<p>Give your parents kisses and hugs…they’re really going to miss you and I cannot imagine the stress for you and for them. We’ll help you any way we can.</p>
<p>Practice saying ya’ll and Roll Tide. You’ll be just fine.</p>
<p>Has anyone started a list for her? If not, I’ll be happy to compile any information ya’ll would like to share with her. Let me know through PM.</p>
Just meeting people in general is a huge help, too. As you can tell just from this thread, most people are very willing to help out others.</p>