Hola Hola Hola. So I was working on a college packing list masterpost for you guys, but realized that I didn’t just want to make a list of obvious stuff (like of course you know you need socks???), so instead I decided to make a list of what not-so-obvious stuff, including things I personally forgot or found I needed later on in the year.
For items where I think a picture is useful to explain what they look like, I’ve linked you to an example of them on amazon.
Hygiene/Toiletries/Health
A tooth brush cover/container - Because college dorms are gross and you need to protect your little mouth from all the germieesss.
Dental Floss - If you aren’t flossing you should be, or maybe not cause of this study - idk what ever floats your boat
A big box of bandaids - To cover those boo-boos (do not apply on gpa)
Antiseptic wipes/spray - To clean those boo-boos
Antiseptic cream (Neosporin, Polysporin etc) - To moisturize those boo-boos
Multivitamins - Ty mom made me go buy some vitamin C when I had a cold and it really helped, so I also stocked up on some general multivites.
Tweezers - When you need them you don’t have them, so make sure you have them.
Eye drops - Good for late-night dry-eyed study sessions.
Nail care set (clipper, file, cuticle scissors etc) - I have to keep my nails short because I can’t stand when they’re dirty. This is just good general grooming supplies to have.
Cotton balls - Cotton balls are useful for all sorts, I even ended up using some of mine as the snow on a poster for a competition (and I won, lmao it was all because of the cotton balls - get some).
Cotton swabs - You’re really not supposed to put these in your ears (I still do so I’ll probably be def at 30) but they’re useful for other things too, defo good to have.
Reading Pillow - (like this) I actually don’t have one of these (yet!), but I saw one in my friend’s room and I realized how practical it is for when you want to study on your bed. I don’t like to lie down when I study, and I’m always fidgeting with my posture and pillows so I think this is a good solution.
Blanket - Not your comforter/duvet, but an additional blanket. I use mine 24/7 when I’m sitting in my desk, sometimes I take it with me to breakfast, and sometimes to library! It’s so cozy and warm.
Laptop lap desk - (like this) I also have yet to get one of these because I only recently discovered them. But it’s so that your computer stays on a hard surface, cause they aren’t really supposed to go on legs or mattress or they’ll overheat (i speak computer).
Pictures of your family/friends - Okay this is obvious, but also kind of not because I know some people who forgot. So don’t forget!! I also took an album of my parents from when they were young, and it’s comforting to look at from time to time.
Power strips - Make sure you get one with a longer cord, because for some reason the outlets in dorm rooms are always exactly where you don’t need them to be.
Universal plug adapter - (like this) If you’re going to school in your resident country, skip this. But if you aren’t (like me) or if you just travel a lot (like me) this is a really handy thing to have. They’re really worth the investment as they last a really long time.
A snack container - Not like tupperware, but a large box in which you can keep snack and food in your dorm. I have a basket and store it at the foot of my desk. It’s packed with granola bars, fruit gummies etc. I wouldn’t recommend putting fruit or anything perishable inside though, in case you forget.
Drawer Organizer (esp for socks and underwear) - (like this) Dumping my socks and underwear in a big tangled mess got old real quick, so I ended up investing in one of these, and would recommend that you do too!
Hanging clothing organizer - (like this) I got a similar one to this b=from bead bath & beyond because I thought it looked handy, and it has been! You can even fold your outfits for each day of the week in them if you like to plan ahead.
Reading Light - (like this) One of those that you can clip onto the book you’re reading, really good if you’re a late night/in bed reader/studier like me.
Clipboard - Also really useful if you like to study in bed. But also good for note taking in lecture on those tiny desks.
Hole punch - 2 punch or 3 punch depending on where you live.
All kinds of tape - Scotch, duct, masking - maybe I’m crazy, but I needed every single type at various points this year
Glue stick - You may not use it if you’re not into making elaborate posters like me, but it’s definitely good to have.
Super glue - Just good to have on hand.
Thumb tacks/push pins - Most dorms have built in cork boards so make sure you can make use of them.
Rubber Bands - To hold your life together. But no seriously I needed these all the time (I don’t remember what I did with them tho…???).
Binder clips - I ended up needing these and had to go out and get them at the last minute.
External hard drive - Once again I’m preaching what I don’t practice, but this is REALLY good to have in case you’re running low on storage, or just want to triple back up your files.
Accordion File (to store old assignments and tests) - Instead of allocating valuable desk space to old assignments and tests, get an accordion file so you can file them away immediately and avoid the clutter.
A smaller accordion file for your receipts - (like this) I’m still learning how to manage my finances, but this has really helped. Try and get one with the months of the year in the dividers, like the one I got here.
Permanent markers - SHARPIES IN ALL DA COLORS. Good for writing your name on stuff (write your name on everything friends)
Ethernet cable - If your room has an ethernet port, and your school’s wifi isn’t always as speedy as you’d like, this is super handy.
Ziplock bags - Good to put snacks in for class! I like to fill mine with carrots from the cafeteria, and then be a bunny during lecture when I’m hungry.
Disinfectant wipes (clorox, lysol etc) - If you’re a germophobe (like me) these are essential. Make sure you disinfect your desk/working area every once in a while!
Reusable water bottle - Carry it with you everywhere you go. I like camelbacks so I got me one.
Travel mug - I don’t like coffee or tea, but if you do this is handy. Alternatively you can get a tumbler, like this one.
Padlock - Needed one, didn’t have one, had to get one. I also recommend (if you can) that you invest in a quality lock, like not one from the dollar store because those are easy to break in to.
Lint remover/brush - Needed one, didn’t have one, stole my roommate’s. Get one of your own.
AA batteries - Lmao my alarm clock died in the middle of the year and I had no batteries, so now I’ve stocked up and won’t have to risk missing a days worth of classes because my alarm clock was dead.
Flashlight - Good to have.
Ear plugs - If you have trouble sleeping with noise (college dorm walls are notoriously super thin) this might be for you!
Eye mask - If you have a roommate and can’t sleep unless it’s pitch dark, this is super practical.
Quarters (or whatever your laundry currency is) - Get a roll of them if you can, that way you don’t have to faff about for coins before you do laundry.
Black garbage bags - So much you can do with a black garbage bag.
And that’s all folks! I hope this was useful. And for those of you going off to school soon, have a fantastic year! As always, message me if you have any questions or comments and I’ll try my best to get back to you! Toodles for now!
