Packing for my freshman year was crazy and there were so many different articles on what to bring. Despite these lists, I left some key essentials at home even though they seemed to be no-brainers. Here are ten things I left at home and wished I had brought.
1. Fan and blankets
Depending on where you’re going to college, you could need both, or just a fan, or just blankets or neither. College dorms don’t have the best A/C and sometimes it can be freezing or blazing. So, don’t forget to pack some cozy throws and a fan!
2. Umbrella, rain jacket and rain boots
This again depends on where you’re going to college, but it’s most likely going to rain at some point. No one likes soaked shoes and clothes, so don’t forget to pack appropriately.
3. Vacuum and a broom
You never realize how much you need a vacuum and a broom until you accidentally step on a Fruit Loop or start seeing dirt and hair collecting on your floor. You don’t want your room to look disgusting when you have cute boys come and visit!
4. Lysol wipes, febreze, and an air freshener
Like number three listed above, it’s important to keep your living space clean and fresh. It’s very easy for it to become smelly and bacterial when living in such close quarters. Don’t forget to bring these to wipe down during flu season and spray when you’ve had too many beans.
5. Extra seating
College is about making new friends and part of that is inviting people over to hang out, eat and watch TV. Not only is main seating (futon and chairs) important, but also so is extra seating for when guests come to visit. My personal favorites are ottomans because they not only serve as storage, but also as seating.
6. Command hooks/strips
If you want to hang anything up in a dorm room, you need command hooks. Most colleges or universities don’t allow nails/push pins so you have to get creative when hanging things up. Command hooks/strips can also be used for lots of other things as well (see my other article to learn more). Don’t forget to stock up on these babies.
7. Storage containers
You never realize how much stuff you have until you move into a dorm room. It’s important to have places to store all of those things. Whether it’s a rolling cart or an under-the-sink shelf, it’s important not to forget about where to store the little things. You can also use these storage containers to transport all of your things from home to your new dorm room.
8. Door decorations
This is one thing that never came to mind when packing for my freshman year. When you get to school, you realize your door looks the same as everyone else’s. BORING. So, I found some cheap door decorations at target (painted our names, banner, lights) and gave our door some pizazz! Stand out and make it easy for friends to find your room.
9. Lap desk
Although most dorms have some kind of study room, sometimes you want to do work in the comfort of your bed or couch. A lap desk makes it easy to work while wrapped up like a burrito in blankets, or maybe just use it to eat in bed.
10. Bedside storage
Good majorities of freshmen don’t have their beds lofted at home, so you’re most likely going to be used to having a bedside table next to you. If you’re on the ground, it’s not too much of a hassle to go get something. When you’re lofted high, or even a little, it’s tedious to get out of bed to get little things like water or chapstick. You can get one that goes under the mattress, is connected in the sheets, or connects to the bed. Whichever you chose, it’s great to have a little extra storage for the necessities in bed.