Going to college can be really stressful. It's easy to overpack because you constantly think, "but what if I need this?" or "you never know when you are going to need this useless item that I haven't touched in years."
If you are going to be a college freshman this fall here are 20 things you will definitely want to put on your checklist:
1. Pillows
Throw pillows are overrated and inconvenient. You need 2 tops — the rest are just wasted space.
2. Extra phone chargers
You never know when one is gonna break or someone is going to "borrow" one and never return it.
3. Winter clothes
If you are going somewhere cold, you need to be bundled. Hats, scarves, fuzzy socks and gloves. Don't think you look stupid — everyone does.
4. Extra headphones
You definitely need an extra pair of headphones to keep in your bag or pockets at all time. There are going to be moments you want to plug in your headphones and ignore everyone around you when walking to class.
5. Extra toothbrushes
If one of those drops on the college bathroom floor, it's done.
6. Water
...Cases and cases of water to keep in your room. The worst is when it's too late to go to the market and grab a water bottle, and you are too lazy to go downstairs to the vending machine.
7. Spare shoes
A pair of comfortable yet cute booties to get ruined at parties. You are probably going to step in weird liquids or in mud at one point - so don't be too upset when they are gross at the end of the night.
8. Your own medicine cabinet
If you are ever not feeling well, you will not want to get out of bed to grab Tylenol or Advil at the store.
9. A little vacuum
There will be hair all over your dorm floor and it's disgusting. Clorox wipes and Lysol are also great.
10. Old sweatshirts you won't care about leaving at parties
When it gets cold and you are walking around at night in your going out outfit, you are going to want an old sweatshirt to throw on that you won't mind loosing forever.
11. Not too many pairs of jeans
Go light on the jeans because you will probably never wear them to class and you will wear the same pair over and over again when you go out.
12. Tons and tons of makeup remover.
Late nights aren't worth breakouts from leaving your makeup on all night.
13. Extra chapstick
You really should have a chapstick one very jacket or every bag you carry with you.
14. Shower/bathroom shoes
Please. Just do it.
15. Hand sanitizer
You'll want to keep some your room and in your bag at all times.
16. An Uber/Uber eats account
Believe me, it will be a life savor.
17. Microwavable food/meals
Frozen foods, microwave popcorn, Cup of Noodles, mac and cheese — all of them are crucial when you don't feel like spending money on food and are sick of the dining hall options.
18. Extra cash
Always have extra cash with you for vending machines that don't take cards or for off-campus food excursions.
19. Dry shampoo
You'll need dry shampoo/baby powder for your hair. If you go out you are not going to feel like showering after. Dry shampoo will help you mask any weird scents on you.
20. Storage bins
You will want to get lots of storage cases for your dorm. Ottomans are great and shelves and plastic drawers are all perfect to have.
