Screw the shower caddies, mattress toppers, and everything else you can read on any ultimate college checklist site. Sure, these things may be useful, but believe it or not, there’s something that exists that is paramount to all of that. I’m going to let you in on a little college secret that the mom blogs don’t tell you about: the coveted frat box.
Whether it be a shoebox, a spare drawer, or an old beat-up Ikea bag, you definitely need one of these babies. At its roots, a frat box contains a bunch of junk that you’re probably going to send to a landfill immediately after graduation.
The concept of having a frat box revolves around necessity: you just need somewhere to put all of the themed costumes, go-to crop tops, and various trinkets–preferably in a spot that is easily accessible and super-not-well-taken-care-of. You know, shove-in-the-back-of-your-walk-in type beat.
I’m going to guide you on the right track to curate your very own frat box by telling you what I include in mine, but you’re definitely going to need to modify your box to accommodate the party culture at your university! Trust me, you’re gonna thank me for this one.
1. Costumes
In college, Halloween isn’t the only time of the year that you’re going to need to dress up. Usually, there’s at least a couple of themed parties to choose from in regards to weekend plans. Some popular themes for college parties include Schoolgirl, Pajama, 80’s in Aspen, (my least favorite, who the hell owns neon ski gear?) Cowboy, Army, Risky Business, Jungle, Rave, etcetera. And, since frat boys aren’t exactly the most creative people on this planet, these themes are definitely going to be recycled at least ten times a year.
You’re going to need a couple of animal ears, an outfit (or three) boasting some garish form of animal print, a flannel, various different hats (cowboy, fedora, military helmet, headband), a plaid skirt, a tie, and arguably the most important thing: a white long-sleeved button down. I know I said to modify your box to your liking, but having a white long-sleeved button down is a universal non-negotiable. Into the box it goes!
2. Beater Jackets
It gets cold out there! You can’t bring a nice jacket to a frat party, you’re 100% going to lose it, so it’s wise to have a few beater jackets in your arsenal that you don’t really care about losing. I usually settle for cheap, neutral-toned zip-up hoodies that I find at the thrift store.
3. Props
To go alongside the costumes, you’re going to need some props to really accentuate your look. Some items in my box include: water guns, glow sticks, a cane (yes, the kind that elderly people use), a light up pacifier, a dog toy, a purple cape, and handcuffs. I know it sounds random, but keeping these around is going to come in clutch.
My tip for this aspect of your frat box would be to save the props that you buy for your first themed party, whatever the theme may be, instead of throwing it away. You’re just not “only going to use this thing once”: rookie mistake. Keep that sh*t!
4. A flask and/or empty water bottles.
Don’t bring a fifth to a frat party–it’s going to get stolen. Additionally, we’re all adults now, we should know that drinking straight from the bottle is a one-way trip to yak city. Measure out your drinks so you don’t end up praying to the porcelain goddess the next morning. Fill a water bottle you don’t really care about with some water to hydrate you for the night — leave the overpriced hydroflash at home.
Add at your own discretion, the larger the arsenal, the better!