I brought every single thing I could possibly need Freshman year. Surprisingly, I didn't need it all. But now I know what you need for college and what you don't need. I made this handy-dandy list to make shopping for your first (or second or third etc) year of college easy. Most of it is hyperlinked, as advertised, but I can pick everything for you--like your sheets and towels.
1. Downey’s Wrinkle Release Spray
This has to be first because so many people don't know about it. It eliminates your need for a steamer or an iron in most cases. Let's face it—you aren't going to iron a t-shirt, but its college so everything is wrinkled. This spray will fix it up in minutes easily. Find it here.
2. Clorox wipes
You'll use this on every possible surface. I even use it on my Adidas after they get dirty. Find them here.
3. Febreze
This really is the only air freshener you'll need. I bought other air fresheners freshman year, and this was the best solution I found. Find it here.
4. Drying rack
Trust me, you will need this more often than you think for any leggings or delicate clothes. Find the best one here.
5. Tide pods
Both for washing your clothes and making jokes during finals season. They're linked here.
7. Laundry basket with structure
I had a laundry bag at first, but found the basket more helpful for transporting clothes to and from the laundry room, so I ended up just using the basket. One I like is linked here.
8. Baskets (large and small) with structure
It makes everything easier to organize and transport if it's in a basket. Ones with a strong structure are better because they will last longer. I like these.
9. Stackable Storage bins
Good for anything you could put away and it will make transporting to and from school much easier. Linked here!
10. Hangers (extras too)
I end up losing and breaking more hangers than I thought—it's important to have extras! Good hangers linked here.
11. Under-the-bed drawers
Trunks aren't really worth it. I use mine, but have found it is much easier to bring nicer looking drawers to stay under your bed. You can store everything from clothes to food in the drawers without it looking chaotic. Here is a link to good drawers.
12. Keep boxes from anything (lights, tv, etc) to make going home easier
Here is some general advice: You can store these behind the drawers. Yes, it takes up space, but it means that when you're moving home at the end of the year, you can pack everything before actually moving out. It also means you can keep any information and instructions in the box so you know where it is, instead of lost in your desk.
13. Air mattress (if you can fit it, it’s worth it)
I didn't bring one until sophomore year, and when I did, it made guests easier. If you plan on having anyone visit from home or high school, its handy for you or at least one of your friends to have one. One is linked here.
14. Desk organizers
It's worth it—at least for one drawer—to have a nice place to put your pencils. Linked here!
15. Desk lamp
College lighting is rarely as good as you need it to be. Plus, lamps now come with USB ports to make charging easier. One is linked here.
16. Scissors, stapler, staple remover
All of these are a must have, and keep them handy! Scissors linked here, stapler and remover set linked here.
17. Extra light
I use Christmas lights as softer lighting for my room, because low-watt institutional lighting is harsh. String lights are linked here.
18. Sewing kit
Really, I have only used my sewing kit three or four times, but it was useful to have and doesn't take up much space. I recommend the Real Simple one. My favorite is linked here.
19. Batteries
You will never know when you need batteries and it is very good to have them on hand. You can store them in a drawer you don't open often, but knowing you have them when needed is very good.
20. Command hooks with extra strips
Get every size—from the largest, heavy duty to the smallest for lights. A link is here.
22. A good, long-lasting planner
I personally recommend Kate Spade or Lilly Pulitzer, as I have found they are both cute and durable. Emphasis on durable—this planner will go through a lot.
23. Backpack
I always use my backpack for class!
24. Large and small totes
If you're going to school in the Northeast, Longchamps are your new best friend. They're multi-purpose, durable, and fashionable.
25. Cross-body bag that you don’t care about
I had one from TJ Max, which I recommend as I used it often and didn't have a problem throwing it out when it was completely ruined.
26. Decorations that are ready to go
I did a lot of DIY and brought stuff to do during school. I never did most of them, and if I did it was maybe using my coloring books once or twice. My best advice is if you're going to DIY, do it before school starts.
Second, make sure anything going on your wall takes up space. Tapestries, posters, photo boards, etc. Walls are bigger than you think, so get something to cover it as nicely as possible.
27. Polaroid or photo printer
These are small so they go on my bulletin board nicely. It also means pictures from yesterday are ready and printed—without waiting at CVS or Walgreens. My printer is linked here.
28. Printer
This is a big one. I didn't think I would splurge on this until I panicked and bought one right before I left for school. And it might be my best investment. It is so convenient to have it in my room and always accessible. My printer is linked here.
29. Flash Drive
Get one with a lot of space—this way you'll only need one for all four years.
30. Duvet Cover and Comforter
My recommendation for this is to get one that is easy to clean.
31. At least 2 sets of sheets
I bring three, which I think makes laundry easier because I can last more weeks between loads. I recommend bringing at least two so which one is in the wash, you have another set.
32. Mattress pad
You can't wrong with a mattress pad, but trust me you'll want it. No dorm mattress is comfortable.
33. Throw pillows
I've been adding to my throw pillows since freshman year, and brought a big blanket for the winter, and they continue to make my bed more comfy and harder to leave in the morning.
34. 2-3 towels
I recommend three so there isn't pressure to do laundry all the time. Especially with towels, which you should wash more often than most college kids do.
35. Shower caddy and shower shoes
If you have a communal bathroom situation, having these are a must. With a shower caddy, any one is fine, but I recommend plastic over a flimsy fabric one. Linked here.
36. Robe
Again, with communal bathroom have a robe or a towel with Velcro is very helpful.
37. Dry erase board
My roommate and I use a dry erase board to write notes for each other and to plan for the week. One is linked here.
38. Multiple extension cords
Buy extension cords for reaching the few outlets you'll have in your room. It also helps to make the most of them by having power strips! I recommend this one and this one!
39. Portable speakers and chargers
These are both helpful for days when you don't have time to go to your room: a speaker for sitting on the quad with friends and a charger to keep your phone alive through the day. Charger linked here.
40. Headphones
Helpful in so many situations that it's hard to count them all: the library, your room, walking to class. Make sure you don't forget them, and maybe invest in a good pair.
41. Dry shampoo
If you're ever in a pinch or just having a bad hair day, dry shampoo is a good, quick fix! Find one here.
43. At least one set of silverware and plastic bowls/plates
This comes in handy with any dorm food, including take-out!
44. Vacuum
I think this is one of the things that people don't think you would need, but I found it is the easiest way to clean quickly. The one I have is linked here.
45. Fan
Even if you have air conditioning, it's nice to have a small fan available just in case it gets hot.
46. Mirror
My freshman dorm didn't have mirrors, so it was great that I brought an over the door mirror for my room. Just make sure it doesn't bend when transporting it! One is linked here.
48. Medication
I started off with Advil and Tylenol. As the year progresses, I added Mucinex, DayQuil, NyQuil, and Melatonin. I recommend having all of these going in because you will get sick freshman year.
49. Favorite snacks
I eat peanut butter when I'm homesick or need to get through a night of studying. Bring a couple snacks to start off when you go to school, or even go to the grocery story with your parents before they leave.
50. Brita Filter
Filtering water is very important and can help you keep from getting sick. Linked here.
51. Step Stool
Finally, this is necessary if you have a raised bed and you are short. Both of which apply to me. Link is here.
That's the end of the list. Now purchase away and enjoy college!
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