You did it, you graduated high school! Now a new challenge begins: college. Most schools will require you to live on-campus for at least one year, which means that you will likely be packing up your whole life and moving it to a cramped dorm room that you share with someone else. Packing lists can be found just about anywhere you look, and they can get confusing sometimes. One list may tell you one thing, and another may tell you something completely different. Regardless of which list you choose to follow, there are 10 essentials that should not be left behind.
1. Cool Shades
When you have an early 8 or 9 a.m. (they are inevitable), you will want to look somewhat human by hiding the dark circles under your eyes on your walk to class. Plus, you look cooler in general.
2. Baseball Hat
Haven't washed your hair in 5 days? Wear a hat. Don't have time to do anything to your hair? Wear a hat. Want to look like you actually workout? Wear a hat with athletic clothes. Hats are very multi-functional in the life of a college student.
3. Planner
If you didn't use one in high school, props to you, but you will definitely be using (or at least should be using) one now. It helps to invest in one that you actually like somewhat so you will want to write in it more.
4. Buttons
Buttons are your backpack's (or bookbag's, whichever term you prefer) best accessory. They stand out and let people know more about you. More specifically, these buttons are a way to provide information about yourself to those people who enjoy walking 2 inches behind you.
5. Stickers
Stickers are the window to your laptop's soul, or hard drive? Anyways, stickers can give your laptop a one-of-a-kind look, and they may even help to strike up a conversation with someone in class. You can learn a lot about someone by their choice in stickers.
6. Poster/Pictures/Tapestry
Unless you are for some reason channeling your inner Piper Chapman or Michael Scofield, the cinder block walls won't cut it for dorm decor. A tapestry, poster, and lots and lots of pictures can help to hide the jail cell walls. Just remember to follow fire code regulations (or not, if you want to live life on the edge).
7. Coffee Maker/Keurig
Sure, there is always coffee in the dining halls when they are open, but what about those all-nighters, or those mornings before class when you don't have the time? A Keurig (or any coffee maker you choose) is well worth the investment so you can have access to coffee at any time.
8. Headphones
Headphones are essential for walks to and from class, studying in the library, riding the bus alone, eating in the dining hall alone, getting in-the-zone for a big test, working out at the gym, etc. I personally recommend getting two or three pair and keeping them in different places so you always have some with you.
9. Phone ID Holder
Wearing a lanyard around your neck to keep track of your ID is a well-known freshman move. Sometimes you also won't remember to bring it with you everywhere you go either, but you most likely will have your phone with you everywhere you go. Check out Amazon for some great deals.
10. Water Bottle
Water is a must have and you will want to have it with you wherever you go. Plus, you can usually save money in the dining hall by bringing your own refillable bottle. So, go ahead a buy one (or two) that you really like, and remember to clean it every once-in-awhile.
Good Luck!
P.S. Also, special shout out to my friend Sam for helping me out with these pictures, you rock!
