College is scary for some and horrifying for others. Some people are in their element at school and others take a while to get comfortable. Regardless of which kind of college student you are here is the list of essentials that can help ANY college student. Besides the packing list that every website everywhere has, here is a list of things I wish I knew before moving into school for the first time.

1. You cannot go wrong with reusable bags from Tj-maxx, Marshalls, or Homegoods.

Avoid bringing tons of bins and boxes. Odds are they will just get in the way and you will want to send them home anyways. Tj-maxx, Marshalls, and Homegoods all sell amazing reusable bags for 99 cents. They're cute, affordable, and you can fit SO MUCH in them. Avoid the bins and boxes... just fold up the bags when you're done and put them in the back of your closet until it is time to move out. Some of my personal favorites:

2. Communicate with your roommates.

Who's bringing what and how many are they bringing? You really don't need three spatulas and two microwaves.

Also, when talking to roommates as what time they are moving in. Highly recommend avoiding same time move in or you'll want to curb stomp the other before the first night even starts.

3. Do not bring an entourage with you on move in day.

I'm sorry, you do not need your best friend, your parents, you siblings and your significant other there with you on move in day. Everyone will be so annoyed if they not only have to dodge you but the whole rest of the gang as well. Bring one, maybe two people with you. You will have less input to fight off on how you should decorate and you will take up less space for everyone else. Move in day is for everyone, it would be a lot less hectic if we all made it easier for one another. Say goodbye, and leave them at home.

4. Utilize the ability of trash bags.

Forget taking all the clothes hangers and putting them separate from your clothes forcing you to rehang all your clothes when you get to school. Take a big trash bag along with a section of your clothes and put them in there. Rip a hole in the end of the trash bag and stick the hangers through, this way you can hang up all your clothes when you get to school and then just rip the trash bag off. Voila! They're perfectly hung :)

5. Pick colors that are easy to match.

If you want everything in your room to match do not pick and impossible shade of whatever color it is you love to try and base the room off of. Pick basic colors and find other more complicated colors as accents. I picked navy and white, basic, I know, but everything matches!!

Now, besides moving in there are plenty more hacks that we as college students need to capitalize on.

6. Find a meal you like and that has plenty of variations.

I'll tell you guys mine: I buy 5 things, hamburg, an onion, a green pepper, cheese, and potatoes. These are my essentials to a meal that you can make 100 different ways. With what you hopefully already have at your place you can make a sandwich, a sloppy joe, meat sauce for pasta, a taco, a burrito, an omelet, or a burger. As for the potatoes, you can easily make mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, potato salad, even attempt hash browns!! Who says we are only gonna eat mac and cheese??

7. Use some sort of calendar/ organization tool

I highly recommend using the calendar on your laptop. Many schedules you can download into your calendar by following simple directions involving ical... I know I make it so whenever I unlock my laptop my calendar opens right up. But regardless of if you're more an an agenda person it is very important to keep all your activities, classes, and jobs organized. Find what works best for you and try out different things. To-do lists help as long as you keep them updated but just remember you are on your own now and nobody is going to be kicking your ass to get your homework done. My todo list is right on my new tab page of google chrome, it is a great reminder and always keeps me updated. (As shown below) Any who, as I said if my way doesn't work for you just be sure to find your own...your education and your life is on you now so take it seriously. You will be a much calmer person if you are prepared for deadlines, ready to move forward, and aware of what is happening in your day.

8. It is easy to keep your dorm smelling nice!

Dryer sheets are your friend. Stick them under things if there is a certain source.. ie. keep them by your running shoes. If the entire room is the problem simply stick them to a back of a fan and let the air freshen itself

9. Simply refuse to take 8 a.m.s, or at least avoid them at all costs.

I don't care if you're a morning person, you can't do it. Don't do it. I repeat, don't do it.

10. Crocs make the best shower shoes.

No more slipping and sliding in Old Navy Flip Flops. Crocs work great and they're easy to clean. People may judge you but I promise it is worth it.

11. Bring a blanket to school that you do not mind bringing outside.

I sincerely regret not bringing an outdoor blanket my first semester. Studying on the lawn would have been more comfortable and star gazing would have been a more likely date than hitting the dining halls. Sincerely and highly recommend to bring a blanket for outside. 10/10

Last but certainly not least,

12. Find your classes the day before.

College campuses are confusing, go out with a friend and try to find your classes the day before you actually have the class. This saves time and stress in the morning and it allows you to not look ridiculous the first day of classes.