Many of you might of already moved into college, but I wanted to share somethings that you might not of thought about needing. I am entering my Junior year at the University of Minnesota, so I know of several things that we don't think about when packing Freshman year!
1. Umbrella
Many college campuses are spread out, so there is a good chance that you will have a little ways to walk between classes. I recommend keeping an umbrella in your backpack, that way if it rains you are prepared and it keeps your things dry and you from looking like a wet dog!
2. High Quality Backpack
I love tote bags, my Longchamp goes everywhere with me. However, a tote bag just does not cut it in college. You will be carrying around many books, notes, calculators, laptop, equipment for labs etc. When shopping for a backpack look for one that is well built and has water proof fabric. You don't want it to give out on your way to class and have your books fall everywhere. Water proof is also a good idea because there is nothing worse then wet hand-written notes. North Face backpacks have always been my favorite. Mine has lasted me for years.
3. Laptop Case or Shell
A laptop case or shell is another smart idea to buy for college. It is likely that you spent over a thousand dollars on a new computer, so you should protect it! After all it is ideal that it lasts you all four years.
4. Snacks
If you are a person who likes to snack through out the day, snacks are a must. Many college dining options are not open all day or close after dinner. I am a person who eats at all hours of the day, so I always kept a basket of snacks on hand in my dorm room. I always tried to keep somewhat healthy snacks on hand like kind bars, fruit leathers, nuts etc.
5. Good Laundry Basket
Freshman year I had a small, thin laundry basket my first semester. It would fill up in only a few days and was terrible to carry down five flights of stairs to the laundry room. During Christmas break before my second semester I bought a HUGE laundry basket with sturdy handles from TJ Maxx. I still use it today.
6. Water Bottle
I feel that bringing a water bottle is on most people's packing list, but if it's not- add it! Most dorms have terrible tasting water, so a water bottle with a filter option is great. Also having a water bottle on hand will cut down on how much bottle water you will have to buy and store. I always bring my water bottle to class with me to stay hydrated. There are so many water bottle fill stations around campus as well.
7. Stationery and Stamps
Stationery and stamps are defiantly two things that we do not think about bringing to college with us. It is always nice to send a letter back to your grandma when she sends you a card. It is even fun to write to friends back home or your sorority sisters. You will find out when you start college that college students love getting mail! Of course if you are sending letters you will need stamps! You will also be surprised of how many times you need stamps to mail in a application for a job or apply to your major's program.
8. Area Rug
I did not buy an area rug for my dorm room my freshman year, but I am so glad I did my sophomore year. Fluffy area rugs make your room so much more cosy and warm and homey feeling. I have always hated the cold tile flooring in dorms, so area rugs are great to cover them up!
9. 1/3 to 1/2 Your Wardrobe
When packing your college wardrobe you really need to look at what you are going to wear. I suggest only bringing the basics and a few "dress up pieces" with. You do not need to bring 3 formal gowns with you or anything like that. Stick to bringing jeans, leggings, basic tees, vests, sweaters, riding boots, Jacks, Nike shorts, and one or two business outfits etc. Plus you will be getting so many free t-shirts and if you join a sorority, a lot of sorority letters! You can also always switch out your wardrobe for the season or pick up a "dress up piece" when you go back home for a holiday break
10. Cute PJ's
Often times we sleep in just a sports bra and a old t-shirt. I would suggest getting some cuter looking PJ's or sleep cloths, because you never know when someone will pull the fire alarm and you will have to evacuate in the middle of the night. I know most people in college do not care what others look like, but I at least want to look presentable when I get up to go to the bathroom down the hall in the middle of the night- you never know who you will run into!
What are some of your college packing musts?
Best,
RTM
