For this post, I just want to get real with you + share some of my favorite things for college. These are things I couldn’t imagine college without + things that also helped me a lot. Some of these things you may already have… others you may be on the fence about getting, but take it from me: you need these things. They will make college life so much easier + better. These aren’t things that are out of the ordinary or super unique, but they are much needed.
So if you were wondering what my college essentials are, this post is full of my best recommendations. I cannot stress enough how much these things helped + how much you need them too!
If this posts interests you, check out my post on 7 Things No One Tells You To Bring To College for more ideas on things to bring, specifically more unique things that you’re probably forgetting to bring to college.
But without further ado… My College Must Haves:
- Space saving hangers
At first I was a little hesitant to buy new hangers + wondered if they actually worked… and the truth is that they are amazing + I’m so glad I had them. At college your closet is SO small– you may even be sharing one + space is limited so anything you can get to save space is helpful. And I know for us girls, we often over pack + have a lot of clothes so definitively get your hands on at least some of these hangers to help you save space– plus they can look really cute.
I bought mine at Ross I believe, but if you wanted to buy more in bulk I would suggest Amazon. Honestly I think they all work about the same, it just depends on the quantity + the style/ coloring you want.
(I have also seen cascading closet hangers, but I have not tried it out + have no idea how they work. If you do, comment down below. Also I know some people get hanging shelf organizers (to put shoes + folded clothes in), but personally for me, I’d rather have more space for hanging clothes in my closet + use my drawers for folded things.)
- Keurig
I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but college for sure started my coffee addiction + it’s pretty bad 🙂 I went from rarely having it, to making apart of my daily routine. In college I would have a mid-afternoon slump + coffee would be the perfect solution– plus the coffee places on my campus were the best.
To try to save some money (in the end) + be able to control what goes into your coffee (because there can be a bunch of added sugars when you buy from restaurants), you need to have a coffee machine in your dorm. I prefer Keurig because it’s super easy + fast… plus you don’t have to deal with coffee grounds. Keurig even has super cute tiny coffee makers (one serving) that are pretty reasonable + space saving. Although, I have a bigger one that holds enough water for about 3 cups of coffee… maybe not the most space saving, but its convenient to not have to have water every time.
Also, you can make other things besides coffee with your Keurig. You can brew hot water for tea, oatmeal or even one of those mac + cheese cups. But a Keurig is something I highly recommend if you are into coffee at all.
- Travel Tumbler + Reusable Water Bottle
On the same topic of coffee, my travel tumbler was an absolute must. I loved taking my coffee with me where ever I went whether it was chapel, class or studying. Mine was insulated so it kept it hot for a while which was perfect. Mine is specifically from Swig, but I’m sure there are plenty of other options as well.
Another thing I used a bunch was a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is a must. And because you aren’t at school all day, you can actually go to the bathroom often (anyone else relate to not drinking a bunch of water in high school so you didn’t have to go to the bathroom every single class?? lol). If you don’t have one already, definitely invest in one. I had an insulated one which kept my drinks cold which is something to consider if you’re purchasing one. But also consider how much of a pain it is to clean. Mine has a skinny neck which is super hard to clean unfortunately.
Overall you don’t want to be wasting money + hurting the environment with disposable water bottles. Be sure to bring you’re reusable water bottle + stay hydrated.
- Umbrella
Try to keep an umbrella in your back pack at all times… especially if you go to school in Florida like me. You never know when a random shower might come + it always catches you at the worst times. You need to be prepared because you won’t want to walk all over campus in the rain… it is the worst. It could make you late to class or get you soaked. It made me so proud to bring out my umbrella + stay dry while everyone was waiting to go outside + trying to decide when to go because of the rain.
- Mattress Topper
I’ve never used a mattress topper before college, but let me just tell you that the mattresses at college are different. They are not like the ones you have at home. They are not comfy. They are pretty flat + not cushioned. You need a mattress topper if you want to sleep well (or really at all) at college. And definitely don’t buy a cheap one; Try investing in a good one. I can now say that I love my bed way more at college than at home.
- Brita
Another thing to help you stay hydrated in college is having drinking water in your dorm. You don’t want to be drinking straight from the tap + filling up your water bottle around campus is a pain. Definitely buy a water filter so you can have clean drinking water that is easy to get… although make sure you have enough room for it in your fridge because they can take up a bunch of space. I definitely wish my room mate + I did this more because we spent more money on water bottles + water gallons.
- Mini First Aid Kit + Other Medicines
Being sick or getting hurt at college is the worst. You never know what may happen so you need to be prepared for injuries or sickness. I got sick more times in college than any other year + it was really hard not having my mom around to give me exactly what I needed.
You definitely need band aids, ibuprofen, cough drops, emergen- C + allergy medicine. The rest kinda depends on what you use regularly whether its cramp medicine, decongestant for colds, vitamins, etc. I wouldn’t pack too much or go out of your way to buy a ton… because sometimes you just can’t fully prepare + will need to go to the store. But it is super convenient to have stuff already with you when you feel awful or might be getting sick.
I also found that many of my college friends already had medicine + we’re willing to help out in a pinch. We called it our communal medicine because everyone was getting sick so we were able to help each other out to get better.
- Desk supplies
If you’re taking online classes I don’t know how much of this you will need, but if you are taking in person classes, you will need your own desk supplies. This includes a stapler, a 3 hole puncher, tape, etc. Instead of having to go to the library, having your own stuff makes life so much easier. I used a hole puncher so many times + had to borrow my room mate’s a ton (thanks roomie) but if she didn’t have one, we would have been in a pinch.
These items are my college essentials: the things I think everyone needs to bring to college + the things that made the biggest difference for me. Please let me know if you try any of these out or if you thought it was helpful at all. Also, if you go to college or went to college, be sure to let me know one of your college must haves!
Talk to you soon!
-Ainsley