As you get ready to go to college, you need to decide what to pack. Many things you need can be simple reminders of Christ.

One of the decisions you need to make after you've picked out a college is what to pack. There are the obvious things like your toothbrush or anything else you use on a daily basis, but then there are other items you might not think of at first. Many of these things can also be simple reminders of Christ.

A Bible is the number one necessary thing to have to help you stay in your faith through college. Don't let it sit at home collecting dust. For the first time, you may be the one in charge of your faith; your parents won't be around to make sure you get to church. But the cool part is that our God is with us everywhere. He's there when you're nervous right before you give your first big presentation, and he's there if you have a friend or professor who challenges the authenticity of the Bible. You can go to him in prayer at any time. Your relationship with God is the number one thing that you cannot afford to leave behind.

Also, take along Luther's Catechism. It can help you both as a simple devotional and if a friend asks you a tough question.

It is especially important to bring a positive Christian attitude. College is going to be a new experience for you, but coming into it with a positive attitude can really help in getting through the first couple of weeks.

Power strips come in handy, not only to give you more outlets but also to give you more flexibility when arranging your room. Just as you would hate to forget to recharge your cell phone, don't forget to recharge your faith and plug back into the Word.

Quarters are needed for laundry at most colleges, and you'll need to have your own laundry detergent as well. While it will cost to wash your laundry, just think of how Jesus paid the cost on the cross to scrub us clean of all our sins.

A calendar, planner, or some sort of organizational system that works for you is also important. You will be taking several classes, and most professors will expect you to be on top of things without reminders. Also, make sure when you are looking at your calendar that you make time for Christ.

As far as clothes go, think ahead because you probably will have limited closet space. If you are going to college not too far from your parents' house and you'll be returning before winter, you can always bring home some of your summer and fall clothes and swap them out for your winter clothes. It's a good idea to have at least one dressy outfit and one outfit you don't mind getting ruined. Just like Jesus is ready to go with you for any occasion, he has a place at fancy banquet dinners and at late night pizza breaks.