With only two weeks left to summer vacation, freshman all over will be doing last minute dorm shopping, doctors appointments, and of course, packing. While everyone may know of the basic college dorm essentials, like hangers and bedding, there are many not-so-typical essentials that every college student will need at one point or another during their freshman year. Here is a list of some things to think about packing before zipping up the final suitcase for move-in!
1. Frat shoes
For most freshmen, this is a pair of white converse that will definitely be dirty and destroyed by the end of the year. Word of advice: don't wear any shoes you actually care about to a frat... it never ends well.
2. Fans
Multiple fans are a must if you're living in a dorm with no AC. Invest now before it's too late and you're left waking up in a puddle of your own sweat. Gross, yes, but it will happen.
3. Air freshener
Nothing is worse than a smelly room, so stock up on little air fresheners to put in your room or cans of Febreze. Both get the job done and leave you with a fresh-smelling room, even during the hot summer days.
4. Phone Chargers
It's always helpful to have multiple phone chargers at school; one for your bedroom, one to keep in your backpack, and one extra in case one breaks or someone needs to borrow one. You can get them super cheap on Amazon, and I recommend one with a long cord so it can reach up to your lofted bed.
5. Emergen-C
It's inevitable that you will get sick at some point during your freshman year, but you can try to prevent this by stocking up on Emergen-C or any other vitamin C supplement. Take it if your roommate comes down with a cold or if you're going through sorority recruitment!
6. Dayquil/Nyquil
Again, it's inevitable so might as well make it as bearable as possible. Dayquil was such a game changer when I got sick freshman year and made it easier to go to class and be productive during the day while under the weather.
7. Rain Boots
Rain or snow, don't go! Just kidding, but rain boots definitely make walking to class in the rain a little easier, since staying in wet shoes all day isn't exactly pleasant.
8. Reusable water bottle
Save money and help the environment by using reusable water bottles. You can find cute Swell bottles, Hydro Flasks, or a college Camelback to always keep in your backpack.
9. Headphones
I never go anywhere without headphones and always have a pair in my backpack. These are a must when trying to focus at the library, working out at the gym, walking to class, or for watching Netflix late at night when your roommate is already asleep.
10. Booties
For those nights when you want to look a little dressier than normal, ditch the converse and wear plain black booties. They go with practically everything and amp up your look a bit.
11. Nike Shorts and Leggings
Let's be real. You aren't wearing jeans to class and you can never have too many pairs of leggings. Save some closet space by keeping most of your nice clothes home because realistically, you're wearing shorts and an over-sized t-shirt to class every day.
12. Dresses
Bring a nicer dress or two to have in case you get asked to a date function. Nothing is worse than having nothing to wear the day of the event so pack one or two along with a nice pair of heels or wedges.
13. Hawaiian shirt
There will come a time when you find yourself needing a Hawaiian shirt, camo, and '70s attire for themed parties. If you have any clothes that can fit into a theme or a decade, you might as well bring them because there will probably be a party for it.
14. Ears
Yes, that's right... ears. Mouse, cat, devil, you name it. Ears are essential for a last minute Halloween costume, so pack any that you have as well as old costumes to avoid spending money for each night of Halloweekend.
15. Good pair of sunglasses
Ray-Bans or Quay are my personal favorites, but definitely bring at least one good pair of sunglasses for walking to and from class or whenever outside.
16. Mini Steamer
Odds are you aren't folding your clothes right out of the drier or you're just stuffing them in a drawer. This means you are bound to get wrinkles in your clothes, so a steamer is the solution. The mini ones don't take up much space and are way easier to use than an iron.
17. Planner
At least try to stay on top of everything throughout the semester by using a planner to write things down. If you don't want to carry one around, you can write things down in your calendar or on stickies on your laptop.
18. Band-Aids
Never hurts to have some Band-Aids lying around, as well as some sort of makeshift First-Aid kit. Someone will always be asking for a bandage or Neosporin in your hall group chat, but you don't need to be that person.
19. Disinfecting Wipes
Dorm rooms can get messy quickly, but don't let them get dirty. Wipe down your room to get rid of dust and germs, especially when you or your roommate are sick. These also come in handy when cleaning shoes after a party or a tailgate.
20. Photos
Decorate your room with photos of family and friends from home. This helps especially if/when you're homesick and reminds you to stay in touch with them! I hung photos of some of my favorite memories from before college on the wall next to my bed, which always made me smile and remember good times from home!
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