Packing for college is CRAZY (to say the least.) Despite feeling like it will never end or that you won't have enough space for everything, here are a few items that every college student should have to make life easier!
1. Planner
Whether you plan to be super involved on campus or not, a planner is a necessity. Having a workload from being a full-time student can become overwhelming, but it helps to have everything that is due or you need to study for in one place!!
For all the girls reading this, click here for some CUTE (and not too expensive) planners!!
2. Rain Jacket / Umbrella
Trust me, when it's a DOWNPOUR and you still have class, you are going to want a rain jacket and/ or an umbrella to keep you from looking like this when you walk into class.
3. Rain Boots
I made the mistake of wearing Birkenstocks on a day that there was a small percentage of rain... never again. I'm not the biggest fan of rain boots, but after struggling to walk across campus in nearly ruined sandals, I wear rain boots any time there is the slightest chance of it raining.
4. Winter Coat
Okay... you don't have to be THIS extra, but you are going to want a winter coat to keep you somewhat warm as you trek across campus from class to class.
5. Portable Charger
Yes, you are at college to learn, but we all also know that you are going to be on your phone probably more than you should throughout the day. Do yourself a favor and invest in a portable charger so you don't have to depend on finding an open outlet.
6. Backpack
I would hope it's common sense that you'd need a backpack when coming to college. But here's my advice, make sure it has a pocket for your laptop!! When you've got a few notebooks, a planner, and pens, it helps to have a separate spot in the backpack for your laptop.
7. Reusable Water Bottle
Using the money on your student ID to buy a drink will get really old really fast, trust me. My college campus has water refill stations all over campus, so having a reusable water bottle really helped me save money by staying away from the vending machines.
8. First-Aid Kit & Over The Counter Medicines
Don't wait until you need a Band-Aid for a cut on your leg or some Tylenol for your headache before you decide having these things is important. Start out the school year with a first-aid kit and some of the most basic over the counter medicines to make your life easier in the long run.
9. Flash Drive
I use Google when it comes to my school work: Google Docs, Google Drive, etc. However, it seems like there's always that ONE professor that says you have to bring in your presentation on a flash drive rather than emailing it. Do yourself a favor and just start the year with at least one flash drive.
10. Cleaning Supplies
No matter how much you think you aren't going to need to clean your room... you're wrong. Bring some essentials to help you clean every now and then: Clorox wipes, Pledge wipes, glass cleaner, paper towels, small broom, etc. You'll thank yourself in the long run.
11. Pictures From Home
Hannah Williamson
College is a whole new world where you will make new friends and kinda start a new life, but having little pieces of home is always a good idea too.
