You’re a few months into the college life and you realize a few things seem to be missing. You didn’t forget them, did you? If you did, chances are many other students did, too.  Here is a hefty list of things that new college students often forget to pack before they move into their new dorm.
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1. Nail clipper
It may not seem like a significant thing to forget, but there will definitely be at least one moment in time you’re in a class looking at your hands, or just chilling in your room and happen to look down at your feet and think, “my nails have gotten way too long!”
2. Costume/Themed Clothing
Halloween approaches and you overhear other people talking about what they want to dress up as. You realize that you don’t have much to contribute. This may resort to you creating a makeshift costume, if you have clothes that fit the look you’re going for.
3. Over-the-counter drugs
When the freshman virus creeps through your residence hall, you may find yourself having to make a quick trip to the nearest convenience store to grab some Advil or Tylenol. Even if you think you “never get sick,” there’s a high chance it will still happen to you.
4. Socks
Okay, you may not have forgotten all of your socks, but you’ve definitely underestimated how quickly they could get dirty, especially walking around the dorm floors. Therefore, your two-three pairs of your best socks won’t really help in this situation, unless you don’t mind doing a lot of laundry. Plus, there’s a good chance that a pair or two could get lost under a pile of mess in your room or in the laundry room. Either way, bring as many pairs as you can to avoid this situation.
5. Umbrella/Rain Gear
Sweater? Check. Jean jacket? Check. But what about rain gear? Sometimes it’s easy to forget that with the fall/winter season, there comes precipitation. Don’t forget to pack a good pair of rain boots and a raincoat for those dreary rainy days.
6. Important Documents
Health documents, Social Security card, personal bank account information and more are definitely things that should be brought from home on the trip to college. No one can predict when these things might be needed, but it’s always better to be on the safer side to avoid being empty handed when asked for important personal information.
7. Can Opener
It is understandable why this item may be easily overlooked, but it will definitely be useful. Unless you want to find yourself using any and every hard object to hit against the can to open it, just buy one from your local grocery store. Your hands will thank you.
8. Swimsuit
Most gyms have a pool, so why not go for a swim one day?
9. Luggage
Whether you are traveling back home for break, or just going on a weekend trip with friends. Make sure you have something big enough to place all of your belongings in. It is possible to cram everything in your school backpack, but why would you want to?
10. Batteries
Flashlights. Calculators. Remotes. The list goes on. Batteries die, so just make sure you’re prepared when they do, and not left in the dark (literally).
11. Flash Drive
It’s important to have someplace to store all of your important files such as essays, videos and presentations for school. You can find flash drives almost anywhere. They are a worthy investment and ae essential to every college student’s life.
12. Folders
Your professor may ask you to place your essay or any other important document in a folder for them to review for a grade. You then realize that you don’t have a folder. This moment is bound to happen. To prevent this, stop by the dollar store and grab a big pack of them!
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Once you realize it is the little things that matter, you’ll be on your way to a more prepared school year!