1. A Quality Laptop

Netflix and funny YouTube videos are a very necessary part of every student’s life, as well as term papers and research, of course. You will be spending many hours a day on this little machine, so you should really save up the money to make sure it’s a good one. Trust me, nothing is worse than your computer shutting down on your unsaved 10 page essay.

2. Ear Buds

Living in a dorm or apartment can be quite noisy. From parties, to the TV blasting, to one of your suite mates pre-gaming, it may be hard to be able to sleep. Investing in some quality ear buds is the way to go.

3. Microwavable Meals

Keeping three to five Stouffer’s meals is the key to surviving midnight cravings. When the dining halls are closed or if you just don’t want to brave the cold, these pre-packaged meals will save you from starvation.

4. Spotify Premium

There are many things worth being frugal with, but music is not one of them. After many shuttle rides, gym sessions, and long nights studying, the free shuffle mode on Spotify can be aggravating, when you really just want to listen to “Uptown Funk” for the hundredth time.

5. Dry Shampoo

No matter how much we try to avoid it, college students just don’t shower as much as we used to. This may result in oilier hair, which is exactly what dry shampoo targets. Massage it into your roots and your classmates will never know about your lack of hygiene. Baby power also works if you’re on a budget.

6. Small Clutch/Crossbody

Every new college girl should own some sort of small bag she can just the essentials around in. Lugging around a big tote bag on campus is a pain. And you really don’t want to be that girl at the party that’s bumping into everyone with her giant Michael Kors.

7. Planner

Although electronic planners are cool now, old-fashioned spiral bound agendas are still a great place to write down all your assignments, tests and group projects. Writing things down, as opposed to typing them on your phone, is proven to make you remember them better.

8. Netflix And Hulu Subscriptions

In college you will have a lot more down time between classes or sometimes even during classes, depending on how boring of a lecture it is. Netflix, Hulu and other entertainment accounts will save you from doing anything productive that day. After all, you’re not a real college student until you can binge watch 12 hours straight.