Although those Bed, Bath & Beyond lists are quite helpful when doing your bulk shopping for back to school, they can sometimes be so overwhelming with every little thing included that it is hard to tell what is essential, and sometimes little things can get overlooked. After precisely one year of college, I now consider myself practically an expert in back to school shopping. So after some brainstorming and soul searching I think I narrowed down the ten most underrated things that I could not have lived without my first year at school.
1. Water bottle.
Seriously, a refillable water bottle will save you mad guap that you would drop on bottled water and will save you from depleting your meal plan with unnecessary drinks. I found it quite easy to refill my trusty water bottle with Brita filter pitcher that I kept in my fridge or just fill it up at any dining hall.
2. Baseball hat.
Another really useful thing. You can never have too many hats. They're perfect for those days when you really don't feel like doing your hair (every day -- am I right?). Or they're great for when you have a jolly time out one night, but you still have to rally for your 8:30 class in the morning. Why waste time getting ready when you can just cover your gross hair with a baseball hat.
3. Rain gear.
Whether it's a slicker, windbreaker, rain boots or umbrella at least have something handy for when the foul weather comes your way because it will definitely happen.
4. Deck of cards.
Cards are one of the most entertaining things and they take up relatively no space. You can play any type of card game: war, spit, go fish, kings or maybe you're more into building houses of cards. Either way, you have hours of fun at your fingertips.
5. Velcro towel.
A Velcro towel has definitely changed my life. It's great for when you hop out of the shower and you don't have to worry about your towel slipping off, and you can use your regular towel to dry your hair. It's a win-win.
6. Ping pong balls.
Of course, you are going to have to sharpen your party game skills with countless hours of water pong and slap cup practice. Champions aren't born, they're made. So commence training immediately.
7. Mad Libs.
If you happen to have spare time on your hands, or you just enjoy procrastinating work like me, gather all of your pals for some seriously silly rounds of Mad Libs. You can bring the old school paper pads, or download the new free app. Either way, hours of fun.
8. Fracket (frat jacket).
Bring a sweatshirt or coat that you could give rats rump if you ever lost. It could be that old sweatshirt that belonged to your sister's friend's cousin that somehow landed in your possession, or maybe it's a hoodie that belonged to an ex that you will never return. Regardless, as long as you are not worried about ever seeing it again, it makes the perfect fracket.
9. Knowledge of lyrics to hip songs.
I always feel like such a baller when I can jam hard to whatever songs are playing when I go out. So, brushing up on the hip and current songs and learning the lyrics can be an excellent tool for when you're partying away.
10. Swag.
Always bring your winning personality and college is sure to go swimmingly. So don't sweat it, and always pack your swag.
