It’s that time of year again, folks. You might be freaking out over what you need to go back to school or college, wondering where you last left that bag of everything you used last year, or you might be realizing that your son is not as prepared as he should be. Either way, Male Standard wants to ensure that guys across the nation have all their bases covered with this simple three step plan to getting back to school. We’ll break down what you need, where to spend extra special attention to make a fantastic first impression, so you can feel confident and prepared. Even if you do find that dusty old bag from last year, chances are the items inside it will have exceeded their best by date, so fix and up look sharp. You won’t be getting away that easy, but we hope that these simple steps will make a huge difference in how you feel. What might seem daunting now is simply the door opening to your next big adventure.
Step 1: Go Back to Basics
Going back to school, especially when starting your first year of college, can be a really exciting time. It’s a time of freedom, responsibility, and yes, even dating. You get to catch up with friends who you haven’t had a chance to see over summer, make new ones along the way — maybe even that new girl everyone has their eye on, — and you’re finally one step ahead in the league of who’s boss, but that doesn’t mean you should let your excitement take the wheel. One of the biggest offenders gracing a mall near you are guys heading out with cash in their pockets looking to buy up the shop in the hopes of making a great impression. Trust us when we say, you’ll need to save that for later. Instead, look at creating a list of staple items you’ll need to use each day, and avoid everything else that will be long forgotten once you get into the classroom. When you know what you need, and what’s trash you’ll quickly forget, you’ll learn an important life lesson, how to be successful. And, you’ll save a ton of time and cash doing it too! Below are our top picks on the essential items you need and nothing more. At the end of the day, you can always pick up what you need after the crowds have gone, but these will keep you in check!
- Note taking: Find out what your laptop/touch pad potential is, and if you can use that instead of traditional binders, folders, and pens. This will drop the need to invest in dozens of stationary items, saving you tons of time and money, and you’ll have peace of mind everything you jot down will be backed up.
- There’s an App for that: Your iPhone or Android is not just a useful way to check your social media, it’s also a powerful tool that you can use to organize, schedule, and plan every inch of your student life without having to add more paper to your day. Look up Apps for time management, note taking, and make sure you still have your calculator installed!
- Essentials: Beyond food and clothing, the only other essentials you really need to consider are prescription medications, allergy tablets etc., and maybe some painkillers. Going back to school is exciting, but can be stressful. Pack a mini SOS kit to help rescue you on those late nights and early mornings.
- Food & Clothing: For the most part, the best of your closet and some kitchen essentials are all that you need. Avoid the urge to go out and blow all your money on food that won’t keep, and instead set up a system where you can split the costs with dorm buddies, especially if you don’t know the campus or opportunities that await.
- The Fun Stuff: If we really have to talk you through your gadgets and gizmos, then maybe you aren’t man enough for college! This step is simple, make sure all your valuables are stored safely, and that you do one last scout about the house before you go. You don’t need us to tell you what you’ll want to take!
Step 2: Make a Good Impression
Shaving is one of the areas that we know investing in is essential, but none more so than when going back to school. Without the correct tools, you won’t be at your best. It doesn’t matter if you can grow a beard or bum fluff. Making a good impression starts with a close, smooth and clean shave that doesn’t irritate your skin. If you are planning on taking the stuff in the bathroom, then ask if that’s going to cut the mustard or if you’re holding onto last years baggage. Chances are, if you are new to shaving, you might be borrowing someone else’s stuff, and it’s time to man up and get prepared. A starter kit will have everything you need, and is already packed and ready to go. Simply add it to your inventory, knowing that the Art of Shaving have your back. This revolutionary lightweight shaving regimen has everything you need for a comfortable without any ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and irritation – Pre-Shave Gel, Shaving Cream, Badger Hair Shaving Brush, and After-Shave Lotion. The kit comes in 5 different scents: unscented, sandalwood, lemon, lavender and ocean kelp that will leave your skin invigorated, clean and hydrated post shaving.
THE 4 Elements of the PERFECT SHAVE™ with a Pure Badger Brush retails for $115 and is available at The Art of Shaving boutiques and online at theartofshaving.com.
Step 3: Raise the Bar
If you want to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons, then investing in a quality cologne will help you cut the grade. Choosing a fragrance that can take you from day to night is a simple way to make this one of your best investments, and when she’s asking for a study date, we know you will agree. Our top pick goes to Lactose, you can read the full review here, but we also wanted to give a shout out to the Blanc and Noir fragrances which are especially prefect for transitioning from the study hall to after hours. Eau de LACOSTE L.12.12 Noir captures Basil, Lavender and Verbena that features a patented time release technology that will have any guy smelling great all night long. This amazing fragrance duo can take you from the busy classes during the day to movies with friends at night, and will look perfect in any dorm room.
Eau de LACOSTE L.12.12 Blanc & Noir are available for $65 MDT/100mL at bloomingdales.com
Good luck to all our students heading back to the classroom, try not to get into too much trouble for us, OK!
