10 Things You Should Definitely Bring To College

1) Stationery/Office Supplies

You’ll be writing a ton of papers in college. Invest in a stapler, 3 hole puncher, pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, paper clips, binder clips, and any other stationary supplies that will help you throughout the semester.

2) A First Aid Kit

Always always always make sure you keep a first aid kit handy. I can’t stress this enough. My biggest mistake freshman year was never having a first aid kit and always having to use my friend’s. They come equipped with band-aids, ointment, gloves, pain relievers, and other necessities to help you if you become injured.

3) Stain Removing Spray

I personally believe that everyone should carry a Tide-to-go stick in their purse or bookbag for messy moments, but you should also always have a strong stain removing spray that you keep with your detergent and fabric softener for bigger spots. I have a tendency to eat in my bed a lot which of course leads to spills and stains but two quick sprays of my stain remover and a wash later and my sheets or blankets are good as new again.

4) Command Hooks

If you plan on hanging picture frames, canvases, or stringing lights around your dorm, command hooks will be your best friend. They come in different shapes and sizes and do such an amazing job of keeping your decorations in place.

5) A Combination Lock

Typically, the rec center will have lockers that don’t have locks on them. Not only is this inconvenient most of the time, but it is also an issue because you never know who is around and could touch your valuables. It’s key to invest in a combination lock that only you know the code for so you can work out in peace, knowing that your valuables are safe.

6) A Planner

Although a lot of us use their gmail calendar or iphone apps, I still like keeping track of things in my planner specifically for homework. Agenda books are the first item I buy every year before school starts. I try to always find one that will last me the entire year so I can easily keep track of everything I have to do for the next two semesters. Agenda books are becoming much more versatile than they used to be. They aren’t boring black and white ones anymore; now they come in different shapes and sizes, colors, and brands, all great for organizing.

7) Protection

This is a catch all term.  But seriously, it is a topic to discuss.  Evaluate what will happen if you are a victim of theft; if you become sick; or become so ill or if an injury impacts your ability to complete the term.  There are affordable insurance alternatives for students.  Just know your options and be sure to have a plan in case the unexpected happens.

8) Shower Stuff & Caddy

If you’re living in a traditional dorm, you’re most likely going to have to share a bathroom with what feels like 100 people so obviously you can’t keep your toiletries in there. Make sure you buy a shower caddy that you can bring back and forth with you when you go shower. I would suggest buying two for the year because these tend to get moldy by the end of the first semester so you want to make sure you have a new one for the second chance. Remember, fresh beginnings for the spring!

9) Spackling Paste

The last thing someone usually thinks of as something bring to college. If you plan on putting anything on your walls, the best thing you can do for yourself is buy some spackle. Since most of the dorms you’ll encounter typically have white/cream colored walls, this product is amazing because it goes on pink at first but dries as a nice, white color. It can be used to cover up any patches, holes, ripped off paint, and any scrapes on the wall.

10) A Fan

ALWAYS invest in a fan for your room. Even if you’ll be living in an air conditioned unit, you never know if the air will feel cool enough for you. If you live in a traditional dorm, a fan will be your best friend, especially if there’s no air conditioning in your building.