I hope my little list of essentials helps you girls get ready to go back to school, and I wish everyone luck this fall semester!
1. Nike track shorts
Get them in every style and every color, because this is all you’re going to be wearing until it’s too cold to have bare legs.
2. GOOD black leggings
For the cooler days, leggings are an essential; the reason I say GOOD leggings is because I recommend investing in a few pairs that are not see-through and easily torn.
3. Sneakers
If you have a lot of walking to do on your college campus, getting a nice pair of sneakers that are not only cute, but practical, is very much worth the investment. You’ll probably be wearing these at least every other day.
4. Boots
Ugg boots, combat boots, Timberland boots, riding boots, etc.
5. Winter jacket
It hurts me to say that word when it’s nearly 80 degrees outside, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind, and a warm winter jacket is something that’s worth the investment. I recommend a long winter jacket that comes to your knees, it’ll save you when it’s below freezing.
6. Your tried and true go-to makeup
Yeah, they say that “college is a time to experiment with new things” or whatever, but NOT with your makeup. The last thing you want to do with your broke-college-student-budget is waste your money on something that you’ll end up throwing away. Stick to your basics and you’re set.
7. A big backpack with a laptop sleeve
You’re going to need a backpack that you can shove your laptop and a couple binders in without looking like you have a 50 lb. weight strapped to your back. A laptop sleeve is very important to look for so that your laptop won’t be crushed by everything else you have in your backpack.
8. A large planner
It is SO IMPORTANT to stay organized in college. You’re going to have a million things to do one day and then a million things due the other day. Writing down everything in a planner will help you keep track of your crazy new life style. I suggest getting a large planner, that way, you’ll have enough room to write down everything. The little flimsy ones the University will give you just doesn’t cut it.
9. An endless supply of pony tail holders
This one goes without saying.
10. Plain v-necks
This is probably the most basic essential that every girl should own. You can dress these down with a pair of track shorts or dress them up with a pair of leggings and an army green jacket with a scarf.
11. To go coffee cup
It’s 100% true when they say that college students run on coffee. Mentally prepare yourself for the long days you’re about to have and bring coffee with you to class.
12. GOOD head phones
You’re going to be using your headphones if you’re walking to class or when you’re studying your life away at the library. I recommend investing in a pair that will last rather than a cheap five dollar pair.
13. An endless supply of pencils/pens
Nothing has changed since high school in the writing department, this speaks for itself.
14. Laptop case
After spending a thousand dollars on your college life line, the last thing you want to do is scratch, bend, or break it.
15. ID holder
This is your other college life line. You’ll learn very quickly that you use your student ID card for basically everything and at everywhere you go on campus. There are so many cute little ID holders that you can throw in your backpack or use as a key chain on your lanyard. I personally like to use the ID holders that attach to your phone case.
16. Sunglasses
Important for protecting your eyes from the harsh sun rays, for a bad hangover, or for avoiding eye contact on your way to class.
17. Rain jacket/Rain boots
My number one regret of freshman year was not buying these before school started. I learned why there are so important the hard way. Umbrellas are nice to have and all, but on those windy rainy days, your umbrella will fly inside out the second you step outside. A rain jacket will keep you dry underneath and rain boots will keep you from being completely soaked. You will not regret buying these at all.
18. Mini hand sanitizer
Being at a campus with 20,000+ people only means that there’s 20,000+ more people to get you sick. Illnesses and virus spread so quickly in college class rooms; try and be as clean as possible. Keep a mini bottle in your backpack and a larger bottle in your dorm room, it’ll save you a trip to doctors.
19. Extra phone chargers
You’ll want one to keep in your dorm and one to keep in your backpack. There’s no worse feeling than having a dying phone in class and then realizing that you left your charger in your dorm.
20. Comfortable sweatshirts
Essential for your lazy class days or for when you’re just hanging around your dorm.
21. $5 Walmart sweatpants
I’m guilty of owning about 10 pairs of these, but it;s the best five dollars you’ll spend all semester. They’re not very cute for going to class, but they're the perfect lounge pants. I had the girls who lived on my floor last year always stealing mine. Plus, they’re FIVE FREAKING DOLLARS, so there’s no reason to not buy them.
22. Emergency interview clothes
Sometimes we’re so wrapped up in the excitement of going to college we forget that we’re going to get internships and jobs throughout the four years at university. Having staple interview clothes like a white button up and a black blazer will make you look sophisticated, even if these pieces have been stashed in the back of your closet the whole time. Don’t be “that girl” and always have to borrow from your roommates.
23. Mini perfume
Perfect for freshening up on the go. Stash one in your backpack and purse.
24. Flannels
YES. Buy them over-sized and every color and learn to love them. They’re perfect for pairing with a plain v neck and leggings; it makes you look like you tried when you really spent two minutes getting dressed. They’re even adorable tied around your waist if it’s too warm to wear them.
25. White converse
Your #1 stereotypical darty must-have and another excuse to get a new pair of cute shoes. Comfortable like a pair of sneakers, but cute enough to make you look like you put in more effort.
