It is finally your senior year of high school, you have applied to the colleges that you have been dying to get into. You wait, checking the mail every day waiting for that letter. After getting accepted into college it starts to sink in that you need to buy everything for your room. Of course, you don’t have all the money in the world so you make a budget, you see pins, posts, and blogs (like this one) telling you that you need mini ottomans, extra sheets, and maybe even a whole new wardrobe. The truth is you don’t need (and won’t be able to fit all of it) half of what they tell you. Here is what you really need to bring to college:
- XL Bed Sheets (You really only need one set)
- Bed Comforter
- Mini blanket to study with when it’s cold
- Pillows, (more than one!)
- Phone charger/ laptop charger
- Phone/ laptop &cases
- Desk lamp
- Photo frames and pictures to decorate your room
- Masking tape or command strips to use (make sure tape is approved to use on the walls)
- Command hooks
- Bathroom caddy
- Shower Shoes*
- Shampoo/ conditioner/ body wash
- Razor/ shaving cream (if you use it)
- Hair brush
- Tampons/ pads
- Lotion
- Make-up
- Face wash/ cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Perfume
- Deodorant
- Tooth brush& 1 extra
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- 2 body towels
- Bathrobe
- Washcloth/ loofah
- Medicines* (Advil, tums, etc.)
- 1-2 hand towels
- Laundry basket/ bag
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer sheets
- Clothes hangers
- Clothes (make sure to pack by seasons- under bed storage to keep other clothes)
- Shoes (get a nice pair of tennis shoes before college, lots of walking!)
- Hair ties/ head bands
- Umbrella/ rain coat/ rain boots
- Coffee maker (if you like coffee/ tea) (I suggest a Keurig!)
- Water pitcher
- 2 Plates
- 2 bowls
- 2 mugs
- 2 cups
- Silverware
- Tumbler for on the go
- Water bottle*
- Knife
- Tupperware
- Scissors
- Storage cubes (for shelves)
- Box fan or personal fan
- Extension cords/ power strips
- Garbage bags
- Plastic Sandwich bags
- Clorox wipes
- Air freshener
- Soap
- Sponge
- Chip clips
- Push pins
- Mini sewing kit
- First-aid kit
- Paper towels
For clothes and school supplies, it is very much your preference on what you want to bring. I remember reading articles before I came into my freshman year of college saying that I needed to buy pretty much a whole new wardrobe. I was broke by the end! I realized that the only clothes that I wore were the ones that I already had before shopping. People who say you need all of this stuff like a sleeping bag or 4 XL sheets and some other crazy items. This is REALLY what you need, of course, don't let this list stop you from bringing your favorite ottoman. But also don't stray too far if you are on a budget because before you know it you could easily be spending $500 on things that you'll end up sending home due to lack of space!
