I know, going off to college can be scary, exciting, and many other emotions mixed into one. One thing that is really tough about your first year is knowing what exactly to bring. For me, this is what I struggled with most. I am here to help you figure out the things that you actually really need to bring, especially those things you may not think of.
1. A lamp.
I do not know what I would have done without my desk lamp. It came in handy for getting ready in the morning and late night studying.
2. Cleaning supplies.
This is something that a lot of people do not think of even though it should be very obvious. This is so important because your room will get gross FAST. Please bring stuff to clean with or you may even catch a fine or two from your college/university.
3. A rug.
Unless you like linoleum floors (who does?), bring a rug. It will make your room feel more like home, plus it hides the ugly floors.
4. A vacuum.
My roommate and I did not bring a vacuum my freshman year. BIG mistake. Vacuums are really useful when cleaning the rug I just mentioned. Luckily, my suitemate had a vacuum that I borrowed pretty frequently, but don't count on being able to do that.
5. Toilet paper (maybe).
You NEED toilet paper. Most people think that your university supplies it, but this is NOT true. Unless you live in a dorm hall that has one of those communal bathrooms, you will need to supply your own toilet paper.
6. Paper plates.
There will be many nights when you and your roomie will order pizza, so you will need something to put your pizza on. Don't bring real plates because I promise you, you will not want to do dishes. Paper plates are so much easier.
7. Clothes for only one season.
This is probably the MOST important thing on the list. You have very little space to store your clothes, so do NOT bring your whole closet. You will not wear all your clothes, I promise. I probably only wore half of the clothes I brought, Also, you will have time to switch out your closet during breaks: fall, Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring, etc.
8. Medicine.
Bring medicine for colds, headaches, sinuses, or any other over-the-counter medicines that you think you may need. I promise you will get sick in college and you will not feel like going to the store. It is much better having any OTC medicines already in your room so you can start taking them as soon as you start to get sick.
9. Appliances.
I definitely recommend bringing a refrigerator and microwave as long as your university allows it. Being able to keep water and ice cream in my fridge saved my life. My roomie and I also ate a lot of popcorn throughout the year. A lot of dorm halls have a community kitchen with a fridge, stove, and microwave, but having it in your room is a lot more convenient.
10. A bathing suit.
You may or may not use this, but it is better to have one and not need it than to not have one and need it. There is no telling what you and your friends will get into on the weekend, so you need to have a bathing suit. A lot of colleges/universities also have pools you can use!
11. Laundry stuff.
Bring a laundry basket, detergent, and dryer sheets. You may also need quarters or have money on your university card.
12. A book bag.
I almost forgot mine, so don't be like me. Unlike high school, everybody at college carries book bags.
The most important thing is to NOT stress. If you do forget anything, you will have time to go to the store and get what you need. College is not near as scary as it seems!
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