Every year, college freshman scour the Internet for college essentials lists that include any and everything one could need for the first year of college. However, something that escaped my packing list freshman year was apparent the first day it was not 90º.
I forgot to pack for the rain.
So if it’s your first semester or your last, this is a reminder to prepare before we experience our first downpour of the semester which makes us wish we didn’t have to trek to class.
Rain Jacket
An obvious choice, but you’d be surprised how much use you will get out of it. I’d suggest investing in two quality raincoats. They’ll come in handy for that week where it literally doesn’t stop raining.
Rain Boots
I did not invest in a good pair of rain boots my freshman year – I don’t think I even brought a pair until the second month of school. Well, you remember the Notre Dame game? The one that happened in the middle of a hurricane? Yep, those rain boots ripped in the middle of College Gameday on Bowman Field. Whoops! You can bet I invested in a good pair after that!
Rain Poncho
They’re tacky. They’re hideous. But, that all goes out the window when it’s pouring outside. Rain ponchos are great backups when you leave the house at 7:30 AM without a cloud in the sky and without a thought of rain. A poncho is a great item to throw in the bottom of your backpack just in case!
Plastic Bag(s)
School is stressful. You do not need to subject your laptop to rain (and therefore potential water damage!) when you’re walking back from class. Keep a couple of plastic bags in your backpack to wrap your computer in if a rainstorm surprises you.
Umbrella
Keeps you, your backpack, and your hair out of the rain. Enough said.