Many students are leaving for college soon, and if you’re anything like me, you just want to pack your entire room up and not leave a single thing behind (even those shoes you never wear but SWEAR you’ll wear them at least once at college). Here are some things that you’ll never regret taking with you:
1. Pictures.
I cannot stress this enough. My freshman dorm room was covered in pictures of my friends, boyfriend, parents, and even my dog. Not only was it for decoration, but it helped soothe the homesickness that snuck up on me — a lot.
2. Blankets.
There is no such thing as having too many blankets or pillows on your bed. The feeling of your bed at college is nothing like your bed at home, so taking blankets from your house makes you one step closer to feeling like you’re at home.
3. Slippers.
If you’re living in a dorm hall, these are a must. I went out to Walmart two weeks into college and bought myself some, just because I didn’t want to walk down to the bathroom at 2 a.m. in my wet shower shoes.
4. Way too many pairs of socks.
I made the mistake of forgetting socks my freshman year (don’t ask me how) and it was awful. So pack all of your fuzzy socks, your workout socks, everything.
5. At LEAST two towels.
I know the struggle of throwing a towel in the laundry and then wanting to take a shower right after. That, and you’ll probably spill one million things on your floor the first semester, so having back up towels is never a bad thing.
6. Books.
Most of mine were used for decoration, but if you’re anything like me, you get the urge to re-read books all the time, and what’s a better way to spend your time? (Actually, studying is probably a better way to spend your time, but throw some fun in there.)
7. FOOD.
Yes, freshman will have a meal plan. I, as a sophomore, will also have a meal plan. There’s nothing like those midnight cravings that leave you wanting peanut butter more than anything, but sadly, nothing’s open on campus. Bring backup, always.
8. Medicine.
It’s a wakeup call living by yourself for the first time, and there are always the small things you never think about while living at home. Have a headache? Mom always bought ibuprofen, and you didn’t think to bring any. It’s not a bad thing to have more than enough medicine handy, just in case.
9. Also, Band-Aids.
I couldn’t tell you how often I needed a band aid during my first semester, and I never had any. They are also one of those small things you never thought about.
10. A pack of cards.
College is all about meeting new people, and learning something new. I learned that most gatherings you go to will involve drinking games with cards. Even if you don’t drink, having some on hand means there’s always something to do.
11. Plenty of pens.
Yes, your university store will probably sell some really cool ones, but they’re way overpriced and not worth it. Bring your own, or go buy some cheap ones from Target (but don’t buy anything else, I know the sorcery of Target).
12. Detergent and dryer sheets.
For many of you, this will be a major thing you’ll forget. Since you’ll have to do your own laundry every once in a while (instead of taking it home to mom every weekend), these will come in handy. Don’t be that kid that asks to borrow from someone every time they do laundry.
13. Every type of clothing known to man.
Swimsuits, just in case you want to swim at the gym. Rain boots, because it will rain. Tank top, because it will get hot. Jacket, because you’ll need something to cover yourself up in the cold classrooms. Gloves. Hats. Especially if you’re pretty far from home, bring one thing of every type of season — because you never know.
14. An umbrella.
You don’t know how many students I’ve seen using their backpacks to cover their heads, then remembering their laptop is in their non-waterproof backpack (me).
15. A good attitude.
Yes I know, corny. But one thing I learned from freshman year is, if you go into college unhappy and not excited, your year will be exactly as you imagined it. Make the most of it, you are paying way too much money for it anyway.
