Whether you’re a freshman going off to school for the first time or an upperclassman returning for another semester, packing for college can be stressful. There’s the daunting task of fitting everything you’ll need into a tiny dorm room and the fear of forgetting something important.
Being a preppy dresser, like many typical Quinnipiac girls, I’ve put together a list of 10 things every preppy girl needs for college. And, mark my words, these are 10 useful things that function beyond being fashionable and will help you have the best college experience possible!
1. Leather Sperrys
It may seem like your walks to and from class aren’t that long, which may be true, but you’d be surprised as to how much your feet can hurt at the end of a day if you’re wearing a pair of shoes that aren’t comfortable. Leather Sperry shoes have more cushioning in them than the canvas styles and have more support than Jack Rogers, heels and other shoe choices.
2. Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt
Not only are the Vineyard Vines shep shirts super cute, they’re also comfortable! I love to grab mine for chilly mornings; they’re not too bulky so they can easily fit into your backpack if the weather warms up in the afternoon. If you’re running between classes, meetings, rehearsals and other activities on campus, you’ll want to make sure you have something lightweight to throw on! Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to bring at least a lightweight jacket with you on move-in day.
3. Lilly Pulitzer Agenda
Any busy college student will agree that a good planner is a must-have for keeping track of crazy schedules! From homework assignments to quiz dates, club meetings to social events, it’s definitely super helpful to have everything organized in one convenient place!
4. Sturdy Backpack
A backpack is another essential for any college student. I used the Vera Bradley backpack with the built-in padded laptop compartment last year and found that it worked great! The brand also has a ton of different options around this time of year, so you can be sure to find one that fits your style! The laptop sleeve is great for college students because you can be assured that your laptop is protected without the added bulk of an extra case!
5. Leather Boots
Comfort is key for shoes to wear all the time around campus! In the cooler months, I wear my brown leather riding boots all the time because they can so easily coordinate with tons of different outfits. An added bonus would be a pair that can be waterproofed — you never know when you might get stuck in an unsuspected rain shower running in between classes!
6. Nice, classic dress
Although much of your college wardrobe will probably be more laid-back once you get into the chaos of the semester, having at least one nice piece in your closet can be a lifesaver! Whether you’re rushing a sorority, meeting up with friends for a fun night out, going to an internship interview or giving a presentation, a classic dress, such as a Lilly Pulitzer shift dress, is essential!
7. Rain boots with boot socks
Although most of us would like to stay in bed all day when we wake up to the sound of rain pouring outside, classes, meetings and events don’t wait for the rain to let up! You’ll still be walking outside in all kinds of weather, so it’s important to bring along good rain boots! Many girls prefer the Hunter brand because they’re versatile and also have coordinating boot socks that will keep your feet warm and dry, but I have a pair of Michael Kors ones (with the coordinating boot socks, as well) that look like riding boots, which I absolutely love! The socks are really important; I actually ended up buying them after being at school because walking outside in fall or winter without the warmth of thick socks in rain boots is not fun!
8. Carry-all tote
It’s also important to find a good carry-all tote bag, like a Longchamp. I have a Vineyard Vines canvas bag that is perfect for going to rehearsals or late-night meetings.
9. Decorations and picture frames
If you’re anything like I am, leaving my room at home was quite an adjustment when I went to college! I’ve always loved decorating my room and changing up the pictures that I have displayed, so I was a bit worried that I would never be able to make a shared dorm space look like home! I bought a bunch of coordinating frames and a clothesline to hang up my favorite prints all around my dorm! I even ordered a Lilly Pulitzer-patterned wooden monogram to hang up on my wall, which really personalized my space! I can’t wait to hang it up in my new dorm room this year!
10. Classic jewelry & accessories
I learned really quickly when I moved into my freshman dorm that I didn’t have space for the five scarves that all look pretty similar, but that are just different enough that I could justify buying all of them. This lack of space is why it’s super-important to bring only the essentials. If you bring classic and neutral accessories that can be paired with tons of different outfits, you’ll cut down drastically on the amount of stuff that needs to be stored and will still be able to put together different looks for each day! Pearl and diamond studs go with every outfit, so they’re definitely worth bringing! Pick your favorite baseball cap, the perfume you wind up using every day despite having ten on your dresser and your most functional pair of sunglasses.
