thank god for girls

First day of life up until 6th grade 

Jumped all the way to Freshman year of High School

Then I cut my hair Junior year, why did I do that

Slowly it started growing back and then….

I finally felt comfortable to express myself (the picture on the left was my debut)

At this point in my transition I am 6 months into HRT

A year on HRT

2 years since my coming out 

2 years on hrt

2.3 years on hrt

At this point I am 3 years into my Hormone Replacement Therapy. I’m thriving. 

These pictures were taken days apart and I am 3 and a half years into my medical transition (The picture on the right was also posted by Instagram on all their major social media handles attached with an interview I did with them for International Women’s Month)

During this time I was 4 years into HRT. Clearly living for it.

Oh god. Okay. Let’s see if I can remember. 

Utensils: 

Forks

Plates

Spoons

Knives

Travel coffee mugs

A few regular mugs 

A cup for water/soda/whatever

Tupperware (for sneaking stuff out of the dining common! Trust me.) 

Zip lock bags (you always need zip lock bags) 

Scissors 

Tape

Glue

Equipment:

*This is the most important. Get a little egg crate thingy for your bed so that you’re more comfortable. Get something to put over your bed so that you’re not in agony from dorm mattresses. That is so not Raven. 

Umbrella

Multiple water bottles

Those little plug extender things. The ones that give you several more outlets if you plug them into the wall? What are those called. Idk. Get multiple pluggy things. 

ALSO plug extensions. I used two or three and I loved them. 

Pillows (I literally forgot pillows and so did my roommate) 

Laundry basket (get one with handles for carrying down the hall and/or up and down the stairs.) 

Blanket (and extra) 

Large towel (for sitting outside on the grass at night during fun stuff, or for sitting on outside in the sunshine.) 

Cushion for your desk chair 

We have key hooks on our door for our IDs, so when we get home we just hang our keys there and we always know where they are

You’re gonna want a little shower caddy that has holes in it. Mine was basically a bag with netting that I brought back and forth to the bathroom. It’s gonna come into the shower with you and you don’t want to have to pour the water out.  

Towels for shower. (More than one)

You might want some cute little rugs on your floor and I would encourage this. Coordinate with the roomie. 

A big bolster pillow for your bed that you can lean against (your bed doubles as your couch.) Would also rec some decorative pillows/stuffed animals to make your bed look cooler. When I didn’t have any stuffed animals my bed looked sad. Roommate knew from the get-go that you should have little stuffed babies and her bed was always on point. 

If you have a loft bed (you might not know until you get there) I would suggest getting one of those cubes from Target that can take the lid off. That’s where I stored all my cleaning supplies, plus people could sit on it when they came over, plus I used it as a step-stool to launch myself into bed. And then you can use the space under your bed for storage!

Bring a small, easy to carry purse (I like the strappy no hands ones even though they look geeky and make your boobs look kinda weird when they sling) for the first couple of days (and weekends.) You’re gonna be wandering around campus a lot and you’re not gonna want to deal with your phone and UCard/ID in your pockets, you’ll be grateful for a purse.

We had a little basket that we threw all our food into and it was pretty helpful 

Oh a little tray to put your shoes into by the front door of your dorm room if it gets wintery where you’re going to school, so that the floor doesn’t keep getting wet

Cleaning Supplies: 

Dish soap (you won’t need a lot; a lil one will do) 

Dryer sheets (Dryers at college often don’t work super well and your clothes smell yucky afterwards) 

Color catchers (for the wash) 

CLOROX CLEANUP

Paper towels. Seriously. Paper towels. 

Fragrance thing (Seriously, trust me on this, you want stuff that makes your dorm room smells better. Your laundry is living amongst you.)

Lil cutie broom or dust buster for the sweeping 

Band aids/neosporin to clean up yourself my friend

Little garbage bags please and try to get scented ones for to stench of your buffalo wings, you winged heathen. 

Gadgets: 

If you’re picky about light, bring a second lamp for your desk. 

A whiteboard for outside of your dorm room (clear this with your roommate)

I had a whiteboard that was sunday through saturday and I wrote out my assignments on it and I really liked it. Plus I would use the pinboard bottom to stick dates for long term assignments

Bring AT LEAST two phone chargers. One to stay at your desk, one to stay at your bed. And if you have a portable phone charger, bring that too. 

FAIRY LIGHTS you want fairy lights trust me this is essential

A little reading light for if your roommate goes to sleep and you still wanna read/do stuff. 

My roommate had this little tray to stick her phone on and, like, glasses if she’d had glasses before bed. I had a blue pouch thing that stuck on the wall or behind the bed if you had those command strips things where I put my phone, my glasses, and anything else I needed to store. 

Mini fridge

Microwave (believe me, this is essential) 

MAN, if you can access a printer, bring it to school with you. Take it and run. We hated going to the library to print stuff, it was miserable. 

A little coffee maker/hot water heater/keurig (whatever) so you don’t blow all your swipes/dining money on coffee

Hola Hola Hola. So I was working on a college packing list masterpost for you guys, but realized that I didn’t just want to make a list of obvious stuff (like of course you know you need socks???), so instead I decided to make a list of what  not-so-obvious stuff, including things I personally forgot or found I needed later on in the year. 

For items where I think a picture is useful to explain what they look like, I’ve linked you to an example of them on amazon. 

I HOPE THIS IS USEFUL  ♡

Hygiene/Toiletries/Health

A tooth brush cover/container - Because college dorms are gross and you need to protect your little mouth from all the germieesss. 

Dental Floss - If you aren’t flossing you should be, or maybe not cause of this study - idk what ever floats your boat

A big box of bandaids - To cover those boo-boos (do not apply on gpa)

Antiseptic wipes/spray - To clean those boo-boos 

Antiseptic cream (Neosporin, Polysporin etc) - To moisturize those boo-boos

Multivitamins - Ty mom made me go buy some vitamin C when I had a cold and it really helped, so I also stocked up on some general multivites. 

Tweezers - When you need them you don’t have them, so make sure you have them. 

Eye drops - Good for late-night dry-eyed study sessions. 

Nail care set (clipper, file, cuticle scissors etc) - I have to keep my nails short because I can’t stand when they’re dirty. This is just good general grooming supplies to have. 

Cotton balls - Cotton balls are useful for all sorts, I even ended up using some of mine as the snow on a poster for a competition (and I won, lmao it was all because of the cotton balls - get some). 

Cotton swabs - You’re really not supposed to put these in your ears (I still do so I’ll probably be def at 30) but they’re useful for other things too, defo good to have. 

Room/Dorm 

Reading Pillow - (like this) I actually don’t have one of these (yet!), but I saw one in my friend’s room and I realized how practical it is for when you want to study on your bed. I don’t like to lie down when I study, and I’m always fidgeting with my posture and pillows so I think this is a good solution. 

Blanket - Not your comforter/duvet, but an additional blanket. I use mine 24/7 when I’m sitting in my desk, sometimes I take it with me to breakfast, and sometimes to library! It’s so cozy and warm. 

Laptop lap desk - (like this) I also have yet to get one of these because I only recently discovered them. But it’s so that your computer stays on a hard surface, cause they aren’t really supposed to go on legs or mattress or they’ll overheat (i speak computer). 

Pictures of your family/friends - Okay this is obvious, but also kind of not because I know some people who forgot. So don’t forget!! I also took an album of my parents from when they were young, and it’s comforting to look at from time to time. 

Power strips - Make sure you get one with a longer cord, because for some reason the outlets in dorm rooms are always exactly where you don’t need them to be.

Universal plug adapter - (like this) If you’re going to school in your resident country, skip this. But if you aren’t (like me) or if you just travel a lot (like me) this is a really handy thing to have. They’re really worth the investment as they last a really long time. 

A snack container - Not like tupperware, but a large box in which you can keep snack and food in your dorm. I have a basket and store it at the foot of  my desk.  It’s packed with granola bars, fruit gummies etc. I wouldn’t recommend putting fruit or anything perishable inside though, in case you forget. 

Drawer Organizer (esp for socks and underwear) - (like this) Dumping my socks and underwear in a big tangled mess got old real quick, so I ended up investing in one of these, and would recommend that you do too! 

Hanging clothing organizer - (like this) I got a similar one to this b=from bead bath & beyond  because I thought it looked handy, and it has been! You can even fold your outfits for each day of the week in them if you like to plan ahead.

Stationery/Desk supplies 

Reading Light - (like this) One of those that you can clip onto the book you’re reading, really good if you’re a late night/in bed reader/studier like me. 

Clipboard - Also really useful if you like to study in bed. But also good for note taking in lecture on those tiny desks. 

Hole punch - 2 punch or 3 punch depending on where you live. 

All kinds of tape - Scotch, duct, masking - maybe I’m crazy, but I needed every single type at various points this year

Glue stick  - You may not use it if you’re not into making elaborate posters like me, but it’s definitely good to have. 

Super glue - Just good to have on hand. 

Thumb tacks/push pins - Most dorms have built in cork boards so make sure you can make use of them. 

Rubber Bands  - To hold your life together. But no seriously I needed these all the time (I don’t remember what I did with them tho…???).

Binder clips - I ended up needing these and had to go out and get them at the last minute. 

External hard drive - Once again I’m preaching what I don’t practice, but this is REALLY good to have in case you’re running low on storage, or just want to triple back up your files. 

Accordion File (to store old assignments and tests) - Instead of allocating valuable desk space to old assignments and tests, get an accordion file so you can file them away immediately and avoid the clutter. 

A smaller accordion file for your receipts  - (like this) I’m still learning how to manage my finances, but this has really helped. Try and get one with the months of the year in the dividers, like the one I got here. 

Permanent markers - SHARPIES IN ALL DA COLORS. Good for writing your name on stuff (write your name on everything friends)

Ethernet cable - If your room has an ethernet port, and your school’s wifi isn’t always as speedy as you’d like, this is super handy. 

Miscellaneous 

Ziplock bags - Good to put snacks in for class! I like to fill mine with carrots from the cafeteria, and then be a bunny during lecture when I’m hungry. 

Disinfectant wipes (clorox, lysol etc) - If you’re a germophobe (like me) these are essential. Make sure you disinfect your desk/working area every once in a while! 

Reusable water bottle - Carry it with you everywhere you go. I like camelbacks so I got me one. 

Travel mug - I don’t like coffee or tea, but if you do this is handy. Alternatively you can get a tumbler, like this one. 

Padlock - Needed one, didn’t have one, had to get one. I also recommend  (if you can) that you invest in a quality lock, like not one from the dollar store because those are easy to break in to. 

Lint remover/brush - Needed one, didn’t have one, stole my roommate’s. Get one of your own. 

AA batteries - Lmao my alarm clock died in the middle of the year and I had no batteries, so now I’ve stocked up and won’t have to risk missing a days worth of classes because my alarm clock was dead. 

Flashlight - Good to have. 

Ear plugs - If you have trouble sleeping with noise (college dorm walls are notoriously super thin) this might be for you!

Eye mask - If you have a roommate and can’t sleep unless it’s pitch dark, this is super practical. 

Quarters (or whatever your laundry currency is) - Get a roll of them if you can, that way you don’t have to faff about for coins before you do laundry. 

Black garbage bags - So much you can do with a black garbage bag. 

many of which are poisonous and have been shown to cause cancer. youre not even supposed to sniff it, because that can get spores into your lungs. like if you look up the health and safety guidelines for mold they barely stop short of telling you to put on a hazmat suit. 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/molds-on-food-are-they-dangerous_/ct_index

and there’s a lot of ‘whose doing this!?!??’ in comments

the answer is, unsurprisingly, poor people. poor people, and people who fear poverty, honestly

it’s horrible what that will do, how people will endanger themselves because of it, of fear of food scarcity

Planets: Life

Mercury: What’s your full name? 

Venus: What’s your first language? 

Earth: Where’s your home? 

Mars: What’s your sexuality? 

Jupiter: Do you have any siblings? 

Saturn: Any pets? 

Uranus: What’s your hobby? 

Neptune: When’s your birthday? 

Pluto: What time is it right now where you are? 

Moon: What are you currently studying/hope to study? 

Stars: Experiences

Sun: Have you ever had alcohol? 

Sirius: Have you ever failed a class? 

Rigel: Have you ever gone on a rollercoaster? 

Deneb: Have you ever been out of your home country? 

Arcturus: Have you cried out of something other than sadness? 

Betelgeuse: What’s something you can never forget about? 

Aldebaran: What’s something you care desperately about? 

Canopus: Have you ever broken a bone? 

Bellatrix: Have you ever been forced to lie/keep a secret? 

Alphard: Have you ever lost a friend?

Vega: What’s something you’ve done that you wish you hadn’t? 

Constellations: Favourites

Centaurus: Favourite holiday?

Orion: Favourite month?

Cassiopeia: Favourite book?

Delphinus: Favourite study?

Hercules: Favourite instrument?

Gemini: Favourite song?

Pegasus: Favourite place to be?

Libra: Favourite colour? 

Phoenix: Favourite thing to wear?

Aries: Favourite movie? 

Cygnus: Favourite weather? 

Hydra: Favourite sound? 

Galaxies: Love/Friends  

Milky Way: Who’s your oldest friend?  

Andromeda: Do you consider yourself social? 

Black Eye Galaxy: Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Cartwheel Galaxy: When was your first kiss? 

Cigar Galaxy: How’s your flirting skills? 

Comet Galaxy: Have you ever had to leave a relationship because someone changed too much? 

Pinwheel Galaxy: Would you date the last person you talked to? 

Sombrero Galaxy: Do you have a crush right now? 

Bode’s Galaxy: Have you ever had a secret admirer? 

Sunflower Galaxy: Would you date/make friends with someone out of pity? 

Tadpole Galaxy: Would you deny a relationship/friendship? 

Whirlpool Galaxy: Have you ever cried over a breakup? 

Other stuff: Wishes 

Comet: What’s your big dream? 

Asteroid: What does your dream life look like? 

Meteor: What’s something you wish you could tell, but can’t? 

Nebula: If you could undo one thing in your life, what would it be? 

Shooting Star: If you could bring back one thing, what would it be? 

Pulsar: What do you hope to do in the next 10 years? 

Supernova: What’s one thing you want to do before you die? 

Quasar: If you could spend the rest of your life with only one person, who would it be? 

Wormhole: What’s something you wish would happen, but know won’t? 

January - what’s your favorite season? February - who do you want to talk to right now? March - what’s your best subject in school? April - describe your favorite pair of shoes. may - what culture of food is your favorite? June - what are you most afraid of? July - how many pillows do you sleep with? August - who’s the last person you kissed? September - if you had a week to live, what are some things you’d do? October - favorite holiday? November - what are you best at cooking/baking from scratch? December - what’s your favorite song this week?