Welcome to August aka: the month of back to school commercials. Even though it's likely that you have nearly 3 weeks of summer vacation left, the weather is at its hottest, and you finally get to enjoy summer between internships and school really starting, the commercial industry thinks now is the *perfect* time to bum us all out with back to school commercials. Supplies, clothes, dorm furnishings, even random things that use back to school themes- NOTHING is safe. If you can't tell, I'm a little against being reminded that my season of relaxation and warm weather enjoyment is being cut short by constant reminders that it is, in fact, ending. However, I also remember the excitement of shopping for dorm decorations like new bedding, new posters, new bathroom supplies, and every other frivolous thing I bought but probably didn't actually need. It's fun, but it can get really overwhelming really quickly. And no matter how much you shop or how prepared you think you are, you are definitely going to forget something. I guarantee it. To help you out, here is a list of 5 things that most people don't think about buying for college, but definitely wish they had:

1. A Blanket and/or Hammock.

https://creativewriterphd.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/a-day-in-the-life-study-plan/

Studying outside is a MUST for me. Give me anything close to nice weather, and I will sit out and read for hours. When I came to college, I had to take a towel out to sit on the grass or wait for a table to open up. The first thing I brought from home after move-in was an old blanket so that I could make my own study space in the great outdoors. A hammock works too, but an old blanket is a cost-effective solution. You MUST save money at all times once you hit the college scene.

2. An Umbrella.

https://www.target.com/p/shedrain-bubble-umbrella/-/A-52989206

I go to school in Indianapolis. It rains. A lot. And campus floods. A lot. Do not get caught in the rain, unless you want to be sopping wet and trying to focus in class. It's hard to focus when you're wondering if your wet jeans are seeping dye into your legs. I would suggest both a small umbrella to keep in your bag at all times (for those out of nowhere storms) plus a big golf or bubble umbrella for when you *know* it's going to pour.

3. A Rug.

https://koeckritzrugs.com/college-dorm-rugs/

Dorm floors are gross. In the best-case scenario, the floors are old tile with questionable stains and several cracks and chips. Some schools will let you buy custom-sized rugs to fit your dorm room at move in. This is an excellent idea, especially if the company is nice enough to put it in the room for you. If you don't want to go this route (it can be expensive) at least get a small area rug to put by your bed, or in any place you think you might have to be sitting on the ground.

4. Sealable Bins.

https://www.amazon.com/Piece-Glass-Food-Storage-Container/dp/B01IU416YG

Even if you have a dining plan, you're going to want some snacks for your dorm room for late night snacks or food when the dining hall food stinks. Most people realize this, and remember to bring food, drinks, and mini-fridges. However, just putting your food in an open bin or drawer leaves it open to bugs. Especially if you're on the first floor of your dorm, being able to seal in your food will save you from finding ants all over your favorite snack.

5. Cleaning Supplies.

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/180988478749560915/

People's parents tell them they need this, but let's be honest: most of us ignore them and think it can't possibly get that bad. I am here to tell you, multiple people on the run constantly to get ready and get to class can make one heck of a mess. I would suggest getting some Clorox or some other type of disinfecting wipes, a small vacuum (so you don't have to borrow the dorm's and carry it to your room every time you have a spill), some Windex, trash bags, paper towels, and if you have a bathroom- toilet and shower cleaner. Sure, you can get some of these things from the dorm, or you might even have a service that cleans your rooms for you if you're really lucky, but it's vital to have some of these supplies for messes that you can clean on the fly so your room doesn't become a waste dump.

You can choose whether or not you take me up on my suggestions, although I will tell you from personal experience you WILL be out to buy all of these things before the end of September. Either way, enjoy your school year!