Through my multitude of research online, my own shopping, and talking to current college students, I have created this list of 11 things to bring to college.
1. Good Pair Of Walking Shoes
Just about every every college campus in huge, and you'll probably end up having to walk multiple miles every day just to get from class to class, so you need to remember that even though looking good is nice, feeling good is even better. Bringing a nice pair of sneakers can help you in so many ways. From helping your posture to putting less impact on your joints to just not hurting your feet, sneakers are a great way to go. Plus, you can usually find really cute sneakers, especially Nike!
2. Shower Shoes
It doesn't matter if you share your shower with one person or 20 people, bring shower shoes! Real life here: you can get so many nasty diseases from showers and you don't want to have to deal with that, especially while in college.
3. Water Bottle
This is will save you so much money in the long run! Put this into perspective: you get the packs of 24 plastic water bottles for about $5, and for health reasons you should drink about 4-6 of those per day at least, so they end up lasting you a week (more or less) so each month you're spending $20 to $25 just on water. On the other hand, you can buy a reusable water bottle for a one time cost of $20 to $25 and then just refill it as many times as you need. Plus, one water bottle takes up a lot less space than 24. It just makes sense.
4. Purified Water Pitcher
This is so important because so few places have clean tap water, and you do not want to deal with being sick. This is so worth it if you are getting a water bottle (see number four) so that you don't have to track down water fountains around campus. My personal favorite is Brita because they have the mini plus and slim sizes that are perfect for mini fridges.
5. Mattress Protector
There is one word to describe college mattresses and that word is nasty! I don't know about you, but I'm not super fond of sleeping on a mattress that dozens of other people have slept on. That's why some brilliant person created mattress protectors. There are plenty of mattress items you can purchase to make your bed more comfortable, clean, or cozy, but do not forget the protector (which is the one that zips around the mattress and keeps all the germs inside). I also suggest a topper and pad to make the bed more comfortable, because even though you pay an arm and a leg to go to the school, the mattresses aren't very nice.
6. Double Closet Rod
This is by far my favorite thing I have bought for closet. It essentially is a second rod for your closet so not you have twice the space. Like c'mon, who doesn't love more closet space! You can find them just about anywhere and they range from $10 to $15 so it's totally worth it.
7. Planner
The most important thing to do in college is stay organized. If you are unorganized you will end up drowning. It is hard to manage your schoolwork, activities, work and social life, but a planner will help! I have used one since sixth grade, and it has helped me so much.
8. Study Materials
Kind of following along with the theme of No. 7, organization is important and having the proper study materials will help you stay organized. Notecards, highlighters, binders, notebooks, etc. will help you keep your life in order and kill it in all your classes.
9. Stain Remover
So picture this: you're cramming for that super hard test you have tomorrow morning and you're eating some pizza bites because that's basic college food, and all of a sudden *splat* there goes a nice big spot of sauce all over your favorite top. You're first thought is oh no what do I do? and then you remember that you were super smart and packed some stain remover! Now all you have to do is throw some stain remover on that spot and pop it in the washer. Easy as pie. Long story, short, get it.
10. A Griddle
So as 21st century college kids, we all love food and we are all super lazy, so why not get something that makes cooking easy? You can make pancakes, eggs, bacon, quesadillas, grilled cheese, steak, chicken, anything; you want it, it can cook it.
11. A Good Attitude And An Open Mind!
This is the most important thing to bring with you to college, no doubt! In order to make the most of your college years, you need to have a good attitude and an open mind. Remember to make friends, go out and network! Making mistakes in a huge part of college and that's OK; just always remember to learn from those mistakes and always move forward. College is the "best years of your life," and it can be if you always have a good attitude.
