10 Things You Didn't Know You Needed For College

There are several things you need for college. I found that after I was already at school that there were things I did not ever think about that I needed for my dorm room. I never realized or thought about that I would have ever needed these things. Here are 10 things I found necessary for college that I did not know I needed until I moved in.

1. Cold and pain medicine.

College = living in close quarters with a bunch of other people, most of whom will become sick at some point during the year. Protect yourself by equipping yourself early on with some health supplements and cold medication. Pain medicine like Advil also come in handy more than you realize. It was soon after I was into my first semester that I ended up having a headache and I had to run to the store for medicine because I did not realize I needed it.

2. Command strips.

These come in handy so much. You do not really know how you will decorate your room until you get there and see it, but command strips are always a great way to hang posters, picture frames, and etc.

3. Batteries.

I had no idea I would totally need batteries when I started college. Those are those things you totally take advantage of when you are home and your parents automatically buy them and keep them in a drawer. Batteries are expensive. Get the rechargeable batteries (yes, they are slightly more expensive but they are worth it in the long run).

4. A personal planner.

I was never one to keep a good planner throughout high school. However, as soon as I went to college, homework, rehearsals and events all piled up, and I found myself incredibly overwhelmed. So I did the adult thing and bought a planner and now I never leave home without it. It keeps my work schedule, homework, notes, birthdays and rehearsals all organized without even taking up room!

5. Oven mitts.

This is another thing you tend to take advantage of at home. Nothing is worse than taking a hot bowl of ramen noodles or mac and cheese out of the microwave and burning your hand. Plus, they are also good for killing flies or other bugs that may fly through a window. It is almost like a two for one type of deal.

6. Pods.

Your laundry detergent is a given for college. However, pods of any sort are incredibly convenient. They make it very easy to throw in your basket and take to the laundry room! Much better than taking a huge thing of detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets with you.

7. Power strips/extension cords.

The plugs around dorm rooms are very few and far. My roommate and I freshman year had extension cords and power strips throughout our room, and it was super convenient to have available plugs and have them reach around the room.

8. Snacks.

You may not think you need snacks in your room. But after long days of classes sometimes chips and chocolate just seem like a right choice for when you are doing homework. Healthy snacks are also a very great choice which can help you not gain the Freshman 15, which is a totally real thing.

9. An umbrella/rain gear.

It is seriously the worst when you come out of class and it is pouring down rain. It is great to have a small umbrella that you can throw in your backpack or purse for when you come out of class so you do not have to walk in the rain.

10. Additional storage.

Sometimes there is just not enough room for your things. It is also a great idea to raise your bed enough to use that as storage. Bins are great to keep things organized and safely packed away. If you do not want to have the bin part be clearm spray painting them your favorite color is a great option!

These are the things I did not know I needed in college and were a great investments for my college dorm room!