When I was packing for college, I read so many "college essential" lists, yet many of them lacked these items. Here's a list of 12 real must-haves from one student to another.
1. Shoe Organizer
10-Shelf Hanging Shoe Storage Organizer – Gray - Room Essentials™A shoe organizer is definitely a must-have in college to maximize the space in your dorm, especially if you share your room. I bought this gray shoe organizer from Target, and I LOVE it! It came with hooks to hang on my closet rod, so it doesn't take up any space on the floor. It has 10 slots to hold shoes, which are big enough to fit two flip flops or sandals in each. I love how much space it's saved me!
2. Half ID Holder
Frosted Rigid Plastic Horizontal Half Card Holder - for Swipe Cards by Specialist ID (1 Single Item)
In college, you constantly have to present your university identification to "swipe" into places, like dining halls, dorms, and events. I was tired of pulling my ID out of my backpack, wallet, or phone case until I found this half ID holder. Basically, it's an ID holder that leaves the black strip of your card accessible, so you can swipe your ID without taking it out of the lanyard! I keep it on my lanyard, and it's saved me a lot of hassle. It's my most-used item on this list and my favorite by far.
3. Whiteboard Calendar
Ubrands MOD Frame 3 n 1 Calendar Board - 16" x 20"When my mom told me I should bring my whiteboard calendar from home, I told her that I didn't need it since I had a planner. Turns out, my mom was right. I ended up hanging my whiteboard calendar halfway through my first semester, and immediately I became a better student. I started taking 5-10 minutes every few weeks to write down all of my assignment due dates, testing days, and extracurriculars. Staying on top of my classes suddenly became easy. The best part is that I would get excited to erase an assignment on the whiteboard, so I would work ahead. Seriously, I'm not the kind of person who uses my planner (even though I try to), but this simple trick kept me organized!
4. Shower Flip Flops
Women's Star AquaFlops Shower Shoes in BlackIt's a good idea to wear shower shoes in a public bathroom to prevent athlete's foot, and what better way than flip flops! These shower shoes from Bed Bath and Beyond are non-slip and have little star-shaped openings that help them drain water and dry fast. I bought them six months ago in black and have been using them every day since, and they're still in perfect condition. The best part? The cushioning is so comfortable!
5. Long Charger
Just Wireless 6' Lightning to USB-A Cable - WhiteI didn't know what I was missing out on until I upgraded to a six foot long charger in my dorm. You won't have to worry about moving your charger whether you're studying at your desk or laying on your raised bed. In class, if you need to charge your phone, you can sit a few feet away from an outlet with no problem. Seriously, you need a long charger in your life!
6. Rolling Laundry Basket
Rolling Laundry Hamper White With Turquoise Handles - Room Essentials™Chances are you won't have a laundry machine in your dorm room. A rolling laundry basket will save you the hassle of carrying a heavy laundry basket by the handles to the laundry room. I wish I had one of these from the start!
7. Drawer Organizer
Simple Houseware Closet Underwear Organizer Drawer Divider 4 Set, Gray
I struggle to stay organized, but this drawer organizer makes it easy! It's great for organizing your socks and underwear when you finish laundry, and it makes things so much easier to find.
8. Mesh Laundry Bag
iDesign Mesh Large Mesh Wash Laundry Bag for Delicates In-Wash Cleaning, Bras, Underwear, 16" x 0.5" x 20", White
This mesh laundry bag is so cheap and versatile! I use it to wash underwear, bras, and delicate items in the washing machine. It even comes in handy when I need to wash my sneakers. Plus, it doubles as a travel bag to keep your suitcase or duffel bag organized!
9. Target Plates, Bowls, and Cups
10.5" Plastic Dinner Plate - Room Essentials™Target sells affordable plastic plates, bowls, and cups for under a dollar each! They're lightweight, durable, stackable, and microwave/dishwasher safe. Plus, they're much better for the environment than their disposable counterparts!
10. Shower Caddy
TERRA HOME Portable Shower Caddy - Large Capacity, Quick Dry, Mildew Resistant with Metal Hook - Hanging Shower Bag - Waterproof, Breathable Mesh Toiletry Shower Tote for Gym and College Dorm (Grey)
Fine, you probably already knew you needed a shower caddy, but check out this one I have! It's a mildew resistant shower caddy that comes with a strong handle and metal hook to hang in your shower. It features a front zippered pouch, two side pockets, and additional organizers inside that make it easy to store and secure all of your toiletries, even full-sized bottles. The best part is that it's quick-dry and easy to travel with.
11. BedShelfie
BedShelfie The Original Bedside Shelf - 9 Colors / 3 Sizes - AS SEEN ON Business Insider (Original Size, Bamboo in Black)
This bed shelf attaches to your bed easily (without tools!) with a strong clamp that will stay in place. It holds up to 15 pounds, allowing you to keep your laptop, water, glasses, earbuds, etc in arm's reach. It also has a little slot to place phone chargers or other cords in so they don't fall down. I love this shelf!
12. Brita Water Pitcher
Brita Metro Pitcher with 1 Filter, BPA Free, 5 Cup, White
A Brita water pitcher is definitely a college essential! This pitcher is easy to pour and refill. It filters the water to reduce chlorine, copper, mercury, zinc, and cadmium impurities found in the tap water on your college campus. The filter makes the water taste better and lasts for about two months.
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