I'm entering as a freshman this fall semester like a lot of other people. Thankfully, I've already survived a trial semester and have some tips for the freshies out there.
1. Laundry hamper
I feel like this shouldn't really need to be said but I'm sure there are people out there who forget that laundry is a fact of life anywhere. Don't be the person to carry your laundry every time you have to wash. Also, don't forget the laundry detergent.
2. White noise machine
I know this doesn't come in someone's mind when they think of college supplies but it is such an essential! I had very thin walls in my dorm and I could hear EVERYTHING. Don't let the people above you keep you up with their gross sex.
3. Mattress topper/mattress pad
You could probably use either but I personally have a mattress topper for my dorm bed. You'll realize how much you need one once you sleep on a dorm bed by itself once. If you have back problems, like myself, it's really a need not a want.
4. Water bottle
Yes, something this simple is very needed on campus. If you have a large campus, you're going to need a travel bottle for your favorite beverage. It's also a good item to take to lectures.
5. Dry-erase board
I'm sure a lot of girls will bring this for their dorm but I want to stress it's importance. College can get very hectic and you really need to write out your schedule and mark down important dates. I know a planner is an option but if you're like me and can't remember to write them down in a planner then a dry-erase board will work beautifully. Plus it's usually right where you can see it so you won't forget any of the things that are planned.
6. Index cards
Yes, those things you used religiously in high school are back. It's a known fact that college requires a ton of studying. Index cards are usually the way people study before a big test. See where I'm going with this? Just make sure you have some on hand.
7. Citation style manuals
I know this is a boring supply but it really is needed if you're going to be writing a lot of papers while in college. Trust me, it'll be handy.
8. Poo-pourri
We're about to get real here. Humans poop. And you will most likely have a roommate. Who will share a bathroom with you. Be polite. Don't kill them with the doo-doo smell, thanks.
9. Bean bag chair
Okay any seating will work but this one is more fun. You will have your friends over to your dorm at some point in the semester and you don't really wanna make them sit on the floor every time. There's very limited space to sit in a dorm so investing in an extra seat is a good idea.
10. Tylenol
This is a real savior. Tylenol cures like 99% of all ailments, I promise. It's especially handy if you drink too much like every other college kid and end up with a hangover. Drink responsibly, and make sure you have like 50 bottles of this.
The real message I want to push with this is that you don't have to buy everything name brand or from expensive stores. I hate spending money so I'm with you if you buy things from Dollar Tree.
