Packing for college can be a pretty overwhelming task, especially if you’re an incoming freshman. You’ll find a list of everything you need on your college’s website, home goods stores, and even Pinterest. However, working as a camp counselor the summer before I moved into Regis, I found out about some items that were forgotten on move-in day that ended up being vital to my co-workers’ college experience that weren’t on those setlists. Aside from the usual suspects (bed risers, shower shoes, fridge, etc.), here is a handy checklist of the top eight things you wouldn’t think to bring to college.

1. A Safe

This may sound a bit over the top, but you would be surprised. Any of your valuables—wallet, cash, jewelry—would be safely stored away from others. This is especially true with snacks. My freshman year, I used to have people over and they were always hankering for something to eat. Before I knew it, I would be out $15 worth of snacks. There’s only so much you can give out. Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if your roommate invites people over when you aren’t around. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. So, lock it up.

2. First Aid Kit

Having this is such a life saver! It doesn’t matter if you aren’t accident prone, at some point, you will need the surprisingly helpful contents of a first aid kit. Keep it in your closet or somewhere easily accessible. I’ve had a few caught fingers in my dresser drawers, where I needed a quick patch-up. College life has a way of being very unpredictable, so it is better to have one of these on hand.

3. Business Attire

Now that you’re in college and on your way to achieving your career goals, you’ll need to start thinking about your future. With that being said, there will be quite a few events (career fairs, interviews, banquets) that will be hosted by your college or university that you will need to dress-up for. This is particularly true if you are accepted into the honors program or claim a leadership position within a prominent group on campus (student government, tour guide, etc.), so don’t be caught off-guard. Ann Taylor and H&M will have some cute pieces for a decent price that you can keep in your closet for when the occasion arises.

4. A Power Strip

There are only so many outlets in a college dorm. You will need to plug in your lamp, cell phone, laptop, fridge, television, and your iPad (Note: Regis gives one to all students). Having a power strip is worth the investment and will spare you the headache of having to unplug your television or cell phone charger to flat-iron your hair or free-up a plug for a friend visiting your room. I have a headache just thinking about it. Give yourself some piece of mind and put a power strip on your college checklist.

5. Extra Set of Sheets

Personally, I have two backup sets of sheets, but you only really need one extra set. This is something crucial to your college experience. You are going to have weeks where you are probably going to skip out on laundry to study for exams or complete a research paper. This is where your extra set of sheets comes in, especially since changing them once-a-week is a must. So, save yourself the stress of skipping out on laundry day and invest in an extra set of sheets. You won’t be sorry.

6. A Bedside Table

Wow, I messed up with this one. On move-in day, I didn’t think I would need one and boy, was I wrong. Having somewhere you can put items like glasses, water bottles, and tissues that can be reached from your bed is a necessity. I bought one the next day and have been using it for the past three and a half years. Just imagine having to get out of bed to grab a water bottle or tissue when you’re sick. Don’t let that be you. Make it easier on yourself and put a bedside table on your list; it doesn’t have to be fancy, just something to keep easily-accessible items nearby.

7. A Fan

Your dorm room has been closed for three months and counting during the summer. There probably hasn’t been much air circulating through the room and on move-in day, you’ll sweat through your clothes. It is majorly hot! A fan will be your best friend and keep you cool. It was even more important for me at night, when, as a freshman, I went to bed before quiet hours (11 a.m.) because of my early 8 a.m. classes. Having a fan is like falling asleep with an air-condition on; it blocks out all the other noises. So, sleep soundly and stay cool. Put a fan on your list.

8. An Open Mind

This is something you cannot physically bring in a box, but is important to have when stepping foot onto your college campus or university on that first day of classes. College is going to be a completely new experience. You’ll get to meet different people, live with someone else in a small space, make decisions independent of your parents, and begin to make your mark as an adult. It will be one of the most exciting, trying times of your life. I know many people that went into college with a fixed mindset on what they wanted to do with their life and completely changed come time to declare a major by the end of their sophomore year.

So, with that being said, keep an open mind as these four years will fly by before you know it. Make the most of them by trying new things, joining a club, completing an internship, and taking the good with the bad as a learning experience. Most importantly, have fun. You only get to have the college experience once, so make the most of it!