Going into my freshman year there were several things that I debated packing because I didn't think I was going to get a whole lot of use out of them, but as it turned out, they were some of the things I used the most frequently. Freshmen, pack these items as if your life depends on them (because they kind of do!)
1. A Clothing Steamer
The number of times that I had 20 minutes until I was leaving for an event and my dress still had wrinkles in it was ridiculous. Chalk it up to my poor planning but being able to run across the hall to my communal bathroom and fill up my steamer, quickly get the wrinkles out of my clothes and then get on with my event was so helpful and came in handy more than a few times a week.
Pro-Tip: Buy a steamer that allows you to use any type of water (not just distilled) for easy use in your dorm.
2. Umbrella
This one kind of depends on where you go to school but in Alabama when it rains, it pours, and when it pours, you still have to walk 15 minutes across campus to your bio lab. An umbrella will keep you from being wet and cold in your class and it will prevent your laptop, notes and textbooks from being damaged by water.
3. Coffee Mugs And A Keurig
Coffee is not cheap, y'all. And even with on-campus dining plans, many people still find themselves paying out of pocket for their Starbucks. And even if you have enough money to get your Starbucks fix, you definitely won't have enough time. The coffee shops on campus will always be packed full of sleepy students. Fact. Skip the line and the $6 coffee and instead buy a Keurig and ask your parents to send you some K-Cups in your next care package.
4. A Book To Read For Fun
It's true that you won't have a lot of free time in college, but every once and a while you'll have a day off from class or an evening club meeting will be canceled and nothing is more relaxing than hammocking by the river to start that new book you've been hearing about. And come on, you have space in your dorm room for one book, right?
5. A Hanging Clothes Line
Turns out not all of your clothes can go in the dryer, or likely if you're like me, almost none of your clothes can go in the dryer. Who knew, right? Having a way to hang up your clothes in your room on laundry day makes you feel a lot less cluttered than trying to drape your dresses over your chairs, and door frames.
6. A Costume Box
I don't think a week went by my freshman year where I didn't use something from my costume box. Whether I was headed to a swap, a date party, a Halloween celebration, or just letting someone borrow something of mine, I swear I was taking it down from its shelf almost daily. Just think back to the spirit days you had in high school and pack some of your old things. You can never go wrong with a sheet (for togas), a lei and Hawaiian shirt, a jersey and something camo. What you don't have already you can add to throughout the year by shopping at Walmart and thrift stores. Trust.
