If you’re reading this, chances are you’re off to college for the first time in a few weeks! Congratulations! You’re about to start a huge new journey and you’ll want to be prepared. Whether you’re a senior or a freshman, these 11 things are absolute must haves.

1. A heating pad

I read over 100 articles on what to bring to college going into Freshman year and this item was on NONE of them! I found myself using this at least once a month. It has so many purposes aside from the standard use: treating cramps. You can use this to warm up small foods - hello warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies! You can also use it to warm up in your cold, drafty dorm room. There’s nothing like climbing into bed at the end of the day and have a nice heating pad to warm you up.

2. Water bottle

Before college I drank maybe a glass of water each day. Once I started walking 5+ miles all over campus EVERY DAY, I started guzzling water like nobody’s business. It can be a pain to constantly buy new plastic water bottles. Plus a reusable one is better for the environment. #GoEarth

3. Cardholder

You know, the ones that stick to the back of your phone that hold cards? I wouldn’t suggest buying one, they hand them out for free like candy. The second you see someone giving them away, nab as many as you can get. You’re going to need you student ID for just about everything - entering buildings, your meal plan, buying things on campus, exams, etc. It is a pain to have to pull it out and put it away every 30 minutes. Having your student ID on the back of your phone will make your life a million times easier.

4. Extension cord

The dorm people will tell you not to bring one, but do it anyway. Sometimes you’re going to want to watch Netflix on your bed and it’s a pain if your computer is almost dead. An extension cord will make your life a million times easier.

5. Key ring

This seems so simple, but so many people forget it. Your dorm key won’t come on a key ring. If you don’t have a key ring to put it on you will easily lose it in your book bag.

6. Pocket sized hand sanitizer

There’s something about living in a dorm and eating in a cafeteria that causes the common cold to spread faster than wildfire. If you have a pocket sized hand sanitizer, you’re always able to wash your hands before you eat and help mitigate the risk of developing sickness. Trust me, it seems like a small thing. But when exams are right around the corner, it’s freezing outside, and everyone is walking around with the plague you’ll do anything to keep yourself feeling 100%.

7. Rain gear

In college, you’re walking from building to building all day every day. You don’t want to walk around outside in a monsoon only to sit through a 90 minute lecture soaking wet. Invest in a good pair of rain boots and a rain jacket.

8. One good pair of shoes

Your walking shoes will go with you everywhere. Make sure you have a great pair of tennis shoes to get you through the year.

9. One nice, fancy outfit

You never know if you’ll land a job interview or decide to go to the job fair (GO TO THE JOB FAIR EVEN IF YOU’RE A FRESHMAN!). You’re going to want to have a nice outfit to go to these professional occasions.

10. Seating

Your dorm room will consist of a bed and a desk chair. Sometimes you’ll want to sit somewhere else. It’s worth it to spend money on a futon or some type of chair for your room. You can find used seating for cheap and you can resell it at the end of the year. Trust me, it’s worth it!

11. An open mind

College is a whole new world. You’ll meet all walks of life. Have an open mind when listening to new ideas - you never know what you may learn.