Many students are at a loss when it comes to deciding what to bring to college as a freshman. The result is some landing in college with huge suitcases and things that they will never need, and some who arrive without the most essential items, requiring them to spend the first few days of college running around to buy them.
To save yourself of such hassles, the best thing would be to get in touch with some of the students already in the college and ask them for a list of things you will need. Or to make things easier, you may refer to the checklist given below.
List of Things to Bring to College
For the Kitchen
You might be eating at the college cafeteria or outside, but you do need to keep some snacks handy in your dormitory in case of emergencies. So carry some containers with you for storing snacks. Certain kitchen utensils such as a large bowl, spoon, fork, knife, six drinking cups, a coffee mug, salt and pepper shakers, dishes, a bottle opener, and a water filter are must-haves. You could also keep a refrigerator or a microwave in your dorm, however, you need to check with your college authorities first before going in for either of them.
For the Room
You will need to carry lot of stuff to make your room more comfortable and livable. Here is a complete list of
dorm room essentials.
- Bed linen, mattress, bedspreads, an electric blanket, and pillows
- Clothes hangers and a drying rack
- Stacking baskets
- Storage cubes for laundry
- Alarm clock, fan, and a lamp
- Sewing kit, tool kit, safety pins, and scissors
- Adhesive hooks, mounting tape, poster putty, and tacky adhesive
- Message/bulletin board for your door and room
- Trash can
- Mirror
- Vacuum Cleaner
For the Bathroom
At college you will be sharing your bathroom with other students. Carry things like soap, shampoo, bathrobe, towels, toilet paper, shaving cream, and razors.
For Laundry
You will be sharing the laundry facilities with other students. To do the laundry you will need things like laundry detergent, laundry bag, dryer sheets, dishwasher detergent, portable iron, and an ironing board.
For Health
Carrying a first aid kit is extremely important as you need to be well prepared for any emergency. Also, keep band aids, aspirin, and some fever medicines handy.
For Entertainment
There will be a common TV area where you can entertain yourself. If you want something more private you can take a TV and a DVD player. You may keep an MP3 Player, video game system, stereo, or an iPod too. Also, do not forget to carry headphones.
For Clothing
When deciding on the clothes to wear in your college, your decision will depend upon the climate of the place where your college is located. In addition, another factor for college clothes and shoes is that they should be comfortable. You should take with you clothes for every day wear, gym clothes and shoes, two formal outfits and matching shoes, a bathing suit, rainy wear, slippers to wear in your room, woolen clothes, a hat, a light jacket, and a heavy coat.
For Studies
You may carry some things like a dictionary, calculator, a day planner, writing instruments, laptop, personal computer, papers, notebooks and some blank CDs, which will help you in your studies at college. Although, these things can be purchased once you have reached the college campus.
For Emergency
Staying in the college dorm might present you with many emergency situations and you need to be prepared to handle them. There are some things that you should carry along which will help you in facing these emergencies such as a cell phone with charger, phone cards, a credit card, extension cords, quarters, extra batteries, a flashlight, a backpack, and an umbrella.
Start packing for college a week before. This will ensure that you do not forget any of the essential items mentioned above.
