This is my list of things to pack for college. By no means is it a complete list, but I'd like to think it has plenty of random helpful tips scattered throughout. =) I'm back to college in all of two days, and I absolutely cannot wait! I'm actually going to use this list as a guide since, you know, I made it... Ahem... Moving on!
To the list!
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TOILETRIES:
o
I suggest you take an entire week and write down
everything that you used. You’d be surprised how many products you use! Most people can’t get away with just shampoo,
body wash, and deodorant!
o
Shower caddy
o
Shower flip flops – buy new ones at the dollar
store. You’re only going to shower in these, so they don’t have to be fancy.
o
Toothbrush travel cover – just an extra
precaution in case you drop it or anything.
I like to keep my toothbrush in my caddy, so it’s nice to have it covered.
o
Towels and robe (if desired) – if you get a
bathrobe, make sure you’re comfortable enough with the length to walk to and
from the bathroom.
o
If you’re living in an apartment or a
suite-style dorm where you have a private bathroom, you might need to provide
your own hand soap.
o
Kleenex
o
Sunscreen – You might take for granted just how
much time you’ll spend in the sun walking around campus. Be careful! (I
recommend SPF 30 or higher, with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. BOOM!)
·
CLEANING SUPPLIES:
o
Clorox wipes, Pledge
o
Dish soap, sponges
o
Laundry detergent, dryer sheets or fabric
softener
o
Clorox Color Catcher sheets
o
Vacuum (little Dirt Devil for $15!)
o
Paper towels
·
AROUND THE ROOM:
o
Small (ish) futon or chairs make a living space homey.
If you get a circle or butterfly chair, they are easy to stow away so you can
save space.
o
Big oscillating fan – VITAL if you are going to
be in a dorm without air conditioning! And even if you do have AC, dorms get stuffy so
it’s nice to keep the air moving.
o
Small personal fan – great to have close to your
bed so you don’t get hot at night. Added bonus: serve as white noise so you can
block out some of the typical sounds around the dorm (elevators, chatty
neighbors, etc).
o
Rug – if your room is not carpeted, it will be
very cold in the winter. It might be a good idea to leave the rug at home for
the warm months, but when winter rolls around you’ll be sick of the cold tile
on your tootsies!
o
Desk lamp and light bulbs – It doesn’t have to
go at your desk, but rather anywhere that you need a little extra light. Most of the lamps they target to college
students have bendable stands. I hope you know what I’m talking about. These
are very good! Much more convenient than stationery lamps.
o
TV dinner folding tables – so many times I
wished I had one of these in my dorm. They’re easy to stow away so they don’t
take up much space, and it’s nice to have an actual table to set your food on
instead of eating off your lap.
o
Storage – taking advantage of vertical space is
KEY in dorms. I like milk crates or towers of drawers.
·
FOOD TIME:
o
Reusable water bottle – I cannot emphasize this
enough. Living on campus, you’re probably walking around all day. You’ll get
thirsty. Don’t be a noob and buy disposable plastic water bottles. You’re
killing the earth, yo. I highly recommend the Camelbak bottles – the top is
like a straw so it’s easy to drink out of and it’s convenient to carry
around. You can find them at Target (and
probably at Walmart). If they sell them at your school’s bookstore with your
college’s name on it, don’t buy it. They’ll charge you ten more dollars for
having their name on it. Pfft.
o
Microwave
o
Mini-fridge
o
Toaster (if desired)
o
Plates and bowls
o
Silverware (at least 2-3 of each)
o
Cups/glasses
o
One big coffee mug – hot cocoa or some instant
soups live in this guy. Or coffee, if you’re gross like that.
o
Peanut butter – It will save you again and
again. Trust me. Throw some jelly in the fridge, and you’re golden.
o
Ramen – cheap. Enough said.
o
Food mostly depends on personal preferences, but
these are some basics to get you started. When it’s late and the dining halls
are all closed, you’ll want something to snack on that you can prepare/microwave
easily.
o
Ice tray – if you’re someone who always wants
ice with your drinks, then you will save so much money by making your own ice
instead of paying for a bag.
·
BED TIME:
o
Your bed is your home away from home, your
escape from (initially) scary college life.
Make it express who you are; make it a place where you want to go each
night. That being said, make it comfy and cool looking.
o
Mattress pad – this is VITAL. Dorm mattresses
aren’t always the most forgiving, and the funky looking foam pads make a world
of difference.
o
Extra-long twin sheets – I suggest a lighter
color because they tend to look better.
o
Comforter – Again, get one that you like to look
at. Whether it’s just a fun pattern or it reminds you of home, it will make it
more inviting when you go to sleep at night.
o
Pillows and pillow cases – obviously. As many as
you want to make it yours.
o
Stuffed animals – but don’t overdo it. Take one
or two (or none!) of your favorites. I took a bright blue teddy bear and two
small matching sheep. (Sounds like Darcy, right?)
o
Extra blanket – sometimes when it gets cold it’s
nice to have an extra just in case.
So that's that. Right. Not blogging much. I love how my awkwardness is coming through the text. RIGHT ON SISTA. Or BROTHA. We don't discriminate here, nope.
Alright. That's enough of that.
Anyone who is going off to college for the first time... You're going to have a blast. Smile and hang in there - none of the other freshmen know what they're doing either. =)