As if there’s not enough lists of things to pack for college, am I right? This list is a unique one. There’s no shower caddy or Twin XL sheets common sense business on here–no, these are the weird things you’ll forget to pack for college. These are things you haven’t even thought of (probably).
These are mostly things that I did not realize I needed until the second half of freshman year–hopefully this list can help you get these key items beforehand. Don’t forget to back these things you’ll forget to pack for college!
1. Board/Card Games
Cards Against Humanity is a college favorite. It’s also the perfect way to socialize. Start a game in the lounge or invite people over—no one says no to a CAH game. Monopoly is also a great one. They also make sweet versions of Monopoly—I own Pugopoly heheheh. Board games are a great way to spend a lazy night in with friends, it’s always a good time.
2.Microwave Popcorn (AND A BIG BOWL)
Popcorn is the actual easiest and quickest snack to make that feeds multiple friends. If you’re a socializer, microwave popcorn is a staple dorm item. If you like movies, this is a staple. This is just a staple for everything and everyone. Plus, most dorms have microwaves somewhere. The thing most people forget is a big bowl. No one wants to reach their hands into a popcorn bag and get that wrist-deep butter look. Yuck.
3. Sunglasses
MAYBE this one is a little bit common sense. MAYBE I’m just a dumb ass who forgot sunglasses and had to scrummage around the mall for a pair after tolerating too much sun-in-the-eyes business. Regardless, pack your sunglasses! And make sure you keep them safe in a case. The pictured ones are from Forever 21, BTW. They’re no longer for sale, but they have so many cute and inexpensive pairs.
4. External Hard Drive
I actually had to buy this for a course and I’m SO glad I did. Back up your papers, your assignments and all of the photos you take during the college year onto a hard drive. Yes, they can be expensive but it will be so worth it. You have a backup and also by moving some older and less important files to your hard drive, your computer will run quicker and have more free space, yay!
5. Markers/Colored Pencils
You’re going to want to make cute birthday cards for friends. You’re probably going to have some project or poster board that involves being crafty. Perhaps you want to just color in a grown-up coloring book. I promise you, you will thank me. Even if you have no plans to be crafty or artsy during your time in college, just dish out the literal $2 and get some markers. Colored pencils and markers were a staple in Kindergarten and (Spoiler Alert!) they still are now.
6. A Miniature Stapler
Keep this in your bag at all times. My freshman year high school English teacher told us to buy one of these and I still have mine. Can I tell you how many times this has saved my life? Sometimes you forget to staple your papers and SO MANY professors take off points or don’t even accept an unstapled paper. Plus, you’ll be a hero when you have a stapler and the kids around you are freaking out about how to attach their paper before the deadline in two minutes. The above-pictured Swingline one is perfect.
7. Measuring Cups & Spoons
I bought these about halfway through freshman year and have used them so many times. When it comes to baking or cooking in the dorms (which you’ll likely want to do), this is a staple. Baking is a great way to socialize and most dorms have communal kitchens somewhere in the building. These are just handy to have. (The pictured ones are Cuisipro, but you could literally get them at a dollar store.)
8. MULTIPLE phone chargers
Your phone chargers will break. They will break multiple times. You do not want to be the person who’s always borrowing other people’s phone chargers. We all know how much iPhone chargers suck. Your friends will ask to borrow chargers. You will want a charger with you AT ALL TIMES. Have an extra one, I can’t think of one person who hasn’t needed a new charger or had to borrow one. I like to keep one in my bag and one constantly in my dorm.
9. Off-Season Clothes
It might be really hot when you move into dorms. You might feel inclined to only pack shorts and sandals, but pack at least one pair of boots. I know space is limited, but just a few items won’t kill you. Pack a few jeans and a few sweaters. The weather can be unpredictable and you’re going to be glad you’re prepared when suddenly the temperature drops or rises and you have a few garments for the occasion. (The above-pictured coat is North Face)
10. Painter’s Tape
I don’t know about you, but I went through about two rolls of this by the end of Freshman year. Since you can’t damage dorm walls, you have to use either Command Strips or painter’s tape to hang things up. This is also handy for taping things on friend’s doors, hanging fliers, etc. It’s a good thing to have, trust me. SIDE NOTE: Invest in good Painter’s Tape. Scotch will hold your stuff up, my cheap $1 Painter’s Tape totally sucked.
11. More Underwear Than You Think You Need
You are not going to do laundry as often as you think you are. Repeat that in your head. Pack way more underwear than you think you’ll need. You will thank me. You will be able to get away with skipping laundry for a little bit longer. ‘Nuff said. (Pictured ones are from Aerie.)
12. Tide-to-Go Pen
This has saved my life a million times. I’m not even a clumsy person who always spills things, but I probably used this pen at least ten times. When you get pizza on your pillow, iced tea on your bedding, a stain on your sweater…This is perfect for getting small stains out of almost any fabric. You’re not going to want to (or be able to) always throw everything in the laundry. Sometimes you just gotta clean one spot.
There’s more of these items and even more tips in The Incoming Freshman’s Ultimate Guide To The First Year Of College; I definitely suggest checking it out!
What are some oddball items you packed/plan to pack?
Rain coat and rain boots are essentials!! I forgot them my first semester and it was (naturally) a very rainy first few weeks..I got myself to the mall and bought a coat and boots ASAP!
-Liz
http://www.TheCleanEatingCouple.com
My rain coat has definitely come in handy, thanks for sharing your essentials! 😀
such a fun post! totally agree with the popcorn! xx, kenz
http://sincerelykenz.com
Thanks, Kenz! Pop corn is seriously the best, especially the microwavable super unhealthy movie theater butter ones!
Great post! These are all so important. Especially measuring cups – most of my roommates didn’t bring them, even though we had a full kitchen and all cooked for ourselves. It really would have made things a lot smoother if they did!
Thanks, Emily! Measuring cups were such a savior when it came to cooking. Everyone loves a home cooked meal! ;D
I 100% agree with the mini stapler and multiple phone chargers! I somehow managed to forget my phone charger AND my toothbrush when I left for college…two things that a person definitely can’t live without! I would also recommend bringing a raincoat, rain boots, and a NICE umbrella since you’ll likely be walking across campus every day for class without the luxury of keeping dry in your car! 🙂 Awesome post!
-Jessica
http://www.sweetnessandsolitude.com
Oh man, that sounds like a nightmare. Luckily it seems like every campus bookstore has all of the commonly forgot essentials, haha. That umbrella one is so true, I finally bought a pricier umbrella and it hasn’t flipped inside out or broken ever (thank goodness)! Glad you enjoyed my post! 🙂
Having a mini stapler is such a good idea and I have no clue how I haven’t bought one yet! It’s so true that people are always asking if you have a stapler and you would be a hero if you actually had one. I bought downy wrinkle release my freshman year and it was a lifesaver. You spray it on wrinkled clothes and it takes the wrinkles out. It’s perfect because no one in college actually has time (or wants) to iron.
That wrinkle release product sounds AMAZING–I can’t even iron–I totally need to look into that spray!
Love this post! I’m going to need that spot cleaning pen on my person at all times! I am so gosh damn clumsy! Haha
X
Anjelique
http://www.anjelique.com.au
The spot cleaning pen has saved my life on many occasions, haha,
Great tips! A external hard drive is a MUST!
Thanks Monica! I totally agree 🙂
thank you. i will enjoy picture under eatch of them.
Super useful list, and you are so right about the MULTIPLE phone chargers!!