Chargers

This should be rather obvious.

As I said, you're obviously bringing your phone wherever you go on any given day. Most students also have their laptop, tablet, or another large electronic device with them for classroom or homework use. Even if you let these items charge overnight, they'll likely be low on energy before the day is done. It's more convenient to already have your chargers with you instead of having to borrow or go back to your room to retrieve them.

Even if you don't need your cell phone charger at a given time, someone else might need one and will need to borrow. It's always nice to help someone out.

Headphones/Earbuds

Most people in our generation have at least one pair of headphones or Air Pods. These are great for listening to music during your fifteen-minute walk across campus or while studying in the library. Moreover, many students have occasional experience where they need to watch a video for an assignment. Having headphones is helpful when you don't want to disturb others.

I am also of the firm opinion that if someone has headphones in, they don't want to be bothered. When I need to focus on my work (or don't feel like talking), I'll put my music on and ignore the world for the while.

Cash or Credit/Debit Card

I personally had no expenses during my first year of college, and I am forever grateful for that. Nonetheless, it's always smart to have some money on you. It shouldn't be an insanely large amount, but you should still have something because you never know what will happen. For example, you might be studying one day and realize you're running low on flashcards or paper in your notebook. My friend once had the batteries die in the mouse for his computer. It'll be nice to have money so you quickly duck out and get replacement materials.

On the other hand, it's nice to have money if you ever want to treat yourself. This could be a coffee from Dunkin (my favorite), or an on-campus restaurant if you get tired of the dining hall food (it always happens). You definitely shouldn't go crazy and overspend on this stuff, but it's worth it to reward yourself.

The reason I say cash and credit/debit is so that you're not limited when it's time to pay. Most stores will accept both as payment, but you may run into a scenario where you can only use one method.

Water Bottle and Reusable Coffee Cup

Refillable water bottles and coffee cups are lifesavers when you're on the go. Most dorms, cafeterias, and communal buildings will have water fountains for you to refill your bottle during the day. If you're as invested in getting your daily caffeine intake as I am, then buying a refillable plastic cup is worthwhile. If you have a Keurig/coffee machine in your dorm, you can make your coffee as you get ready. If you choose to go to the dining hall, you can fill it with coffee, tea, energy drinks, and the like. Of course, this can also double as a water "bottle" of sorts.

For easy storage, my backpack has side pockets for me to place both the water bottle and coffee cup when not in use.

Headache/Allergy Medicine

ONLY USE THESE WHEN NECESSARY!

I, like everyone else in the world, come down with the occasional headache. There are few things worse to a college student than sitting in class, trying to retain information, with a pounding headache. That's why it's worth it to buy a small bottle of headache pills before you leave for the semester.

The same goes for allergy meds. If you're like me, you get terrible seasonal allergies. One thing that might be worse than headaches is having red, teary, itchy eyes all class. It'll be worth it in the long run if you purchase a small bottle of allergy meds to take with you.

Both of these can be purchased at your local drugstore. You just need to know which brand works best for you.

Cough Drops

Growing up and going to college in New England, I know how brutal the winter months can be. A common theme during this time is that nearly everyone comes down with a cold. Stumbling to class in the cold and snow is difficult enough without dealing with a hacking cough and sore throat. That's why I went to the CVS on campus and bought a package of cough drops. Keeping these in my bag proved worthwhile so I wouldn't have a coughing fit in the middle of class.

Band Aids

These may not seem like a "need," but when you're as clumsy as I am, they're worth having with you. Nothing's worse than tripping up the stairs to the library (see, I told you I'm a klutz) and not being able to bandage your scraped up knee.