1. A reusable water bottle.

Be kind to the earth, your wallet, and your body.

2. Comfortable shoes.

You will walk everywhere. So make sure your shoes do not cause blisters. Chacos, Birkenstocks, and Converse are my go to choices.

3. A small wallet that fits in your backpack.

It's awkward to carry your purse and backpack at the same time unless you need if for a medical or some other purpose.

4. A variety of common medicines.

Tylenol, cold medicine, allergy medicine, etc. The last thing that you want to do when you are sick is run to the store for medicine.

5. A travel coffee mug.

You don't always have time or money to run to Starbucks or your favorite coffee shop. My favorite mug is from Starbucks and is leak proof.

6. Quarters for laundry.

Unless your university has enabled card pay for the washing machines, you will need quarters to get clean clothes.

7. An extra phone charger to put in your backpack.

Even if you are good at remembering to switch your charger to and from your backpack, you will forget at a time when it is most important.

8. An extra set of headphones to keep one in your backpack and one in your room.

It puts a damper on your study session when you can't block out the sounds around you.

9. Shower flipflops.

Your dorm mates might be great. But don't trust the shower floors. So hit up the Old Navy sales this summer.

10. A comfortable backpack.

These can still be cute, but you are going to carry a lot for a long time. So don't screw up your back.

11. A rain coat and umbrella.

Keep the umbrella in your backpack. Thank me later.