Since College Decision day was on May 1st, seniors are going to start thinking about what items they are going to need or want for college. Whether you are dorming or commuting there is still a list of things you will need to buy, but hopefully you already have some of them. It’s a good idea to get started as soon as you can because the list can become long and pricey.
The items listed below are what would be needed if you are commuting.
- The first thing you will need is some sort of bag, whether it is a backpack or a messenger bag to hold your computer and books. You can use your bag from high school, but upgrading to a new bag is always nice too.
- Another thing you may need is a planner. A planner will be good to keep track of your classes and any assignments you need to do.
- Office supplies such as pens, highlighters, pencils, sticky notes, folders and maybe a notebook or two.
- You may want to purchase a new laptop or iPad; this will be an efficient way to take and keep track of your class notes
- Snacks & water bottles are good to keep on hand especially if you know you are going to have a long day on campus.
- Chargers for your phones and laptops should always be kept in your bag, you never know when your battery might run out
- Headphones for the quiet spaces
- A small umbrella is good to keep on hand in case bad weather strikes
The items listed below are what would be needed if you are going to dorm at college, plus what was already listed above. Sheets and blankets, you will need something to cover those beds. An extra set of sheets will come in handy on laundry days
- If your dorm does not come with AC you will want to bring a fan for those hot days, especially in the beginning of the year when the weather is still warm
- You will need your shower essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, soap etc. and don’t forget to get a pair of water shoes for the communal bathrooms. You will also need bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. If you have a communal bathroom a robe will also come in handy when you need to walk through the hallway after a shower.
- A small refrigerator to keep your drinks and snacks when you don’t want to walk to the dining hall.
- Hangers and under the bed storage containers, dorms rooms are small, and you will need to find space to store as much as you can
- Power strips will be good to have when you only have 1 or 2 outlets in your room and you need to plug in refrigerators, phones, laptops, tv, lamps etc.
- Desk lamp when you don’t want to use the overhead light which is not always the best lighting
These items will be a great start to your college experience. Don’t forget if you find yourself needing something or if you forgot something you may want from home you can always place an order or ask your family if they can bring it with them the next time they visit. If you have access to a car or a bus, you can always take a trip to the store yourself. Best of luck on your new journey.