Hey, I also just graduated from high school. I'll be commuting to Miami University: Oxford as a music education major.
From what people tell me, I suggest taking very good care of your vehicle. Keep up with oil changes, check your tire pressures often, wash it often, and add fuel injector into every few full tanks of gas. I use regular STP and it actually helps save gas, which is a good thing because of these rediculous gas prices. Bottom line, if you take care of your car, your car will take care of you!
As far as everything else goes, things you need are very limited. A laptop really does help. Some colleges have programs where you can purchase one through the college and save some moola.
GOOD LUCK!!!