During my first year in college I realized that when moving into my dorm I forgot to bring a LOT of things with me that I didn't know I needed until it was too late. Learn from my mistakes and be prepared for anything and everything that college can throw at you!
1. Craft Supplies
You never know what you will need for a class, some professors want you to create beautiful artwork so be prepared. Bring that glue gun and glitter so you don't have to take three buses to find a Michaels store.
2. An Umbrella
Mother Nature can be cruel and unyielding. To me it was perfectly acceptable that I wouldn't need an umbrella in western Pennsylvania. The thought never even crossed my mind that rain was a thing. After all, when I was moving in, it was bright and sunny. Always be prepared kids. Always.
3. A Checking/Savings Account
If you don't have an account with a bank, I would highly suggest getting one. Its very convenient to pay with a card instead of fumbling around with crumbled dollar bills. Also, things get misplaced and you don't want to loose your money because every penny can be precious. A checking/savings account can let you keep track of your expenses and it can make life a lot easier.
4. A Checkbook
If you get a checking account, I would also recommend getting some checks. When joining an on campus organization, you may have to pay dues and instead of giving your treasurer a stack of bills, a check with your name on it can make everyones lives easier. Or if an on campus group is having a fundraiser, a check is a great way to pay for a large order of cookies that are definitely for your "whole floor."
5. Posters
Hanging posters in your dorm room can give a homey feeling to it, and they can show visitors who you are. They can depict your interests, favorite TV shows, motivational sayings or more. However, if you have a roommate don't put up anything too obscure without their OK.
6. Holiday Decorations
Whether they are seasonal or for a certain holiday, bring decorations! Sometimes looking at the same room for an entire year can get a little bland if you don't shake things up, and holiday decorations can be a great excuse to do so! It doesn't matter if you go all out or just tape up a printed leaf for fall, anything can help.
7. Video Games
When you're not busy studying, going to class, or totally writing that paper a week before it's due and not an hour before, you might get really bored. Relive that boredom with some video games! It doesn't have to be on a huge gaming system, but just a little handheld device can do wonders to cure boredom and relive pent up stress and tension from classes. Or if you're super competitive like me, it might make you even more stressed and want to throw your device across the cafeteria. Hopefully, the former happens for you.
8. SNACKS
Even though the prices of a meal plan can make you want to break down into a puddle of tears and you might think "I have to eat ALL THE FOOD to get my money's worth," sometimes cafeteria food pales in comparison to a good bag of Doritos, or a huge container of Cheeseballs. Bring some of these with you and you can eat them while studying or even during a class if your professor is cool with that. It can be nice to not have to eat the same things over and over again.
9. Dish Soap
Those coffee mugs and water bottles aren't going to wash themselves so you better get to scrubbing.
10. A Mini Vacuum
Accidents happen, they're unavoidable. So maybe you(I) spilled an entire jar of sugar and you(I) freaked out and tried to rake it out of the carpet with your(my) fingers. Long story short, that didn't work. Buy a vacuum.
11. Extra Of Everything
"Oh, I should only need one pack of pens. I won't loose them all," yes you will. Don't buy two, get seven or heck even seventy. If you have extra at the end of the year, then thats one less thing you have to buy the next time around.
12. A Good Attitude
This might not be something you can physically buy or pack, but if you bring this with you, it will make your experience 110% better. Put a smile on and think positively because college, very similarly to life, is what you make it. So try and make it a good one!
Remember, kids: bring a vacuum and a smile to have the best year possible.
