With the whirlwind excitement of moving into college, a lot of times we get so wrapped up in the excitement that we forget things. These things are typically things that seem so obvious, however, you would be surprised at how many people actually forget about them!
1. A vacuum or "dust buster"
I was the only person in my hallway who brought one and I didn't even want to bring it. You would be surprised at how many Goldfish get dropped on the floor, or even dust that collects in your room. Case in point, everyone came to me to use my vacuum and I made a lot of friends because of it.
2. Tide To Go
If you're like me, you're always on the go, whether it be to class or meetings, meaning there's no time for a mess. I can't count the amount of times that my friends saved me from an unknown toothpaste stain or even a dirt stain on the side of my white capris. It's amazing the amount of little stains one can attract from just going through the day!
3. Painter's tape and Command strips
These two items are great if you feel like adding decorations to your plain walls. Regular tape and Duct Tape can take paint of your dorm wall, which at some colleges can cost you a fine. This being said, save yourself the trouble and safely hang things.
4. Plastic utensils
Trust me on this one: bringing regular utensils is fine too, but then you have to wash them. Go with the plastic ones for those times you make ramen or someone desperately needs a spoon. That way, you don't have to worry about getting them back or washing them. Plus, I've seen kids in the dorm make friends by sharing utensils, who knew?
5. An umbrella and rain gear
You will thank me for this one later. Even though I brought a rain jacket to college, I cannot count the amount of times I used my umbrella. Sometimes umbrellas are just more convenient, and they can fit in your bag, so it takes up less space than lugging a rain jacket around. Plus, you can re-enact "singing in the rain" with your friends, which is always fun!
6. Several phone chargers
It's always good to have a back-up charger. The very first day I moved into college, the tip of my phone charger broke off, ironic right? Thank God I brought my extra, because the first few days of college are so busy that there was no way for me to get anywhere to get a new one! You can never be too prepared.
7. Flash drive
It's really good to always have a back-up hard drive other than your actual computer. That way, in case anything happens to your computer, you can still have your files. It's also a great way to print things as you walk past the library on your way to class.
8. Stapler and staples
You don't realize how handy a stapler is until midterms come and papers are flying everywhere and it's impossible to even move in the library because there's so many people.
9. Paper towels
Paper towels are just a useful thing to have in general. You can use them for cleaning your room, and of course when you have your snacks. Not only are they great for you in your own room, but sometimes the bathrooms don't actually have paper towels and they have hand dryers instead, so having them is a great way to dry your hands too.
10. Lanyard/wristlet
Bring a lanyard or a wristlet to hold your keys and student ID. Usually colleges have a fee in order to replace these, so it's important that that you keep these safe.
11. Movies and DVD players
Having your favorite movies on hand is always great for a movie night. In my dorm, there was always this one group of students who used the common room and brought a projector so they could have a huge movie night. This was a great way to make friends and to relax on a rainy day.
12. Batteries
Having spare batteries is always great because you never know when you'll need them. My friend actually bought me a batter powered light (which is allowed) for Christmas, and I was lucky I had the batteries for it. Always have batteries — you never know.
13. Travel mug
Travel mugs are a great invention, and I highly recommend them because they're so convenient. It makes it so easy for you to grab a coffee or a hot chocolate on the run across campus or to practice.
14. Cards Against Humanity and board games
Small card and board games are great ways to get to know your hall-mates and to make friends throughout the buildings. Who doesn't love a good, fun game where you can just relax? Cards Against Humanity became a trend with my friends and I once a month. Everyone loves a good laugh!
Like I said before, these are all common things that we think about bringing, but sometimes forget to bring. These items made a huge difference bringing them to college, I highly recommend you guys do the same!
