Textbooks, notepads, pens, pencils, scantrons and... a bridal gown?
It may not be what every student has on their "to-get" list during their college years.
But for Melody Reaves and Cory Alverson it is. Between attending classes, studying at the library and taking tests, the pair became engaged.
"I will be in the middle of doing homework for something, and then I'm thinking about going onto the Internet and looking at dresses I want," said Reaves, junior in English education.
Reaves and her fiance are planning their wedding now, but her father told Alverson they weren't getting married until they both graduate college in June 2013. They were both content with that stipulation.
Alverson said that they wanted to get married earlier, if possible.
However, the couple decided to wait two years before heading to the altar because of financial situations, Reaves said.
As all students know, college tends to suck your bank account dry. Imagine topping that off with planning a wedding.
"You have to go ahead and start thinking about the money situation," Reaves said, "Especially coming right out of college."
Reaves and Alverson also had time management to keep on their minds. For Reaves and Alverson to have the wedding they truly want, they have to take that into consideration.
"I'm one of those people that likes to plan ahead of time," Reaves said. "For my wedding, I want to have it close to perfect."
Jennifer Thompson, assistant manager for The Clothes Rack, an Auburn bridal boutique, said 60 percent of her clients are students.
Thompson said she doesn't see much difference in attitudes between students and other couples, and if they are feeling any pressure from finanical matters, they don't show it.
"Most at that age, their parents are helping," she said.
Thompson said that usually anything goes when it comes to picking the gown.
"They seem to be more concerned with the tuxedo prices than they do with the wedding gown," she said.
Having the perfect gown seems to trump a stressful financial situation for most women, especially since the image of the beautiful, blushing bride has become so ingrained in our culture.
"We have plenty of customers that come in and will be like, 'I don't want to spend more than $500,' and they will end up spending eight or nine on a dress because they find the one they want," Thompson said.
Thompson said a lot of couples get married right after they graduate, just like Reaves and Alverson.
"We just had a couple a couple of weeks ago. They both graduated like the Monday before and got married the Saturday afterward," Thompson said. "We've got two major life-changing events right there together."
Despite the difficulties that go along with planning a wedding, Reaves remains positive.
"When you find the right person it's ok. You can manage all of that," Reaves said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
