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Student Life

10 College Essentials For The First-Generation Student

I have officially survived college for 3 weeks and it's all thanks to these 10 things.

Maggie Atkins

Sep 14, 2020

Pennsylvania State University

Woman laughing while standing beside Gatorade bottles.

Photo by Arren Mills on Unsplash

Brita water filter

A Brita is a game changer.

https://tidymom.net/brita-filtered-water-pitcher/

Let's be real: college water is nasty. You truly need a Brita unless if you want to drink grey water which no one does. And it is a really cheap ($20). It also will fit in your mini fridge in your dorm room!

Mattress topper

A mattress topper is the key to getting a good nights sleep in college.

https://www.amazon.com/HOFISH-Inches-Infused-Mattress-Topper-Twin/dp/B072C4S2NH

I'm not going to lie, I was a little lenient to spend my money on a mattress topper. I ended up getting mine on Amazon and let met tell you it was worth every penny. Whenever someone comes in my room and sits on my bed one of the first things they mention is how comfortable it is.

Drying rack

Especially if you are a girl and have clothes that do not go in the dryer a drying rack is the way to go.

Photo by Joes Valentine on Unsplash

My roommate found the greatest foldable drying rack that she keeps under her bed and pulls out every week when we do laundry and it has been amazing. College dryers are not very forgiving with clothes so if you have anything that you don't want to shrink I highly recommend investing in a good drying rack that you and your roommate(s) can share.

Reusable water bottle

blue and red sports bottle on green grass near body of water during daytime

Hydro flasks are the best water bottles!

Photo by Shrey Gupta on Unsplash

I will say this once and only once you need a Hydro Flask. They are truly the best reusable water bottles that can keep anything cold or hot for multiple days. They also come with a lifetime guarantee.

Fan

Desk fans are life savers.

Photo by Toshi Kuji on Unsplash

Since I live in an un-airconditioned room a fan is a must. I have a box fan and a personal desk fan and they are the only things that get me trough the gross summer heat.

AirPods

AirPods are so important to have in a zoom dominated

images.google.com

I was a little uneasy to spend a large amount of money on some headphones but they have been so worth it. I use them every single day for at least 5 hours. I have gotten my money out of them and have only had them for 3 months. Also, Apple has a deal where if you buy a Mac you get AirPods for free so make it happen!

Restaurant gift cards

Gift cards are truly getting me through the disgusting dining hall food.

Olive Garden Restaurant Gift Card, 1/2015, by Mike Mozart … | Flickr

Having restaurant gift cards is so important. The dining hall food is already horrible and now with Covid causing things to be shut down and have less choices you get tired of eating gross food fast. So, having some gift cards or extra cash to treat yourself to some good food is really nice.

Chair cushion

gray and white throw pillow on black leather armchair

A seat cushion makes sitting in a chair for a long time bearable.

Photo by Juan Burgos on Unsplash

With the amount of time you will be sitting in your dorm room chair a seat cushion is truly a necessity. And, you can find them pretty cheap anywhere.

Bathrobe

Also something I never thought I would rely so much on: a bathrobe

images.google.com

A bathrobe is one of my must haves. I would die without this. I wear it every night to and from the communal showers and it saves me from accidentally dropping clothes or flashing someone. It is truly a life changer. Once you have one you can never go back.

ALL of the snacks

Sometimes you just need some candy.

images.google.com

Never underestimate the power of a good snack. It can be healthy or not. And it makes you feel good!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

10 College Essentials For The First-Generation Student

I have officially survived college for 3 weeks and it's all thanks to these 10 things.

In This Article:

Brita water filter

Mattress topper

Drying rack

Reusable water bottle

Fan

AirPods

Restaurant gift cards

Chair cushion

Bathrobe

ALL of the snacks

Subscribe to our Newsletter

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

1. It's just the basics.

2. Just an easy tip.

3. As a college student, I get it.

4. Time to be real.

5. Shower right after.

6. Another get real moment.

7. Take home your clothes.

8. Be nice!

9. Disinfect!

10. Just keep up with yourself.

What would I do without my mom?

1. “Good luck today! I believe in you and always will.”

2. “Everything will be OK.”

3. “Do you want to come home for the weekend?”

4. “Don’t stress! Stress causes pimples and we don’t want that!”

5. “Look out for a care package coming in the mail.”

6. “You are so bright; I know you can get through this."

7. “Take a break and relax for a little, you’ve been working so hard.”

8. “Go out with your friends, have some fun. Use your card, I will refill it.”

9. “Take a deep breath.”

10. “Everything will work out the way it's supposed to.”

11. "I love you."

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

1. Doctor.

2. Nutritionist.

3. Personal trainer.

4. Tutor.

5. Stylist.

6. Babysitter.

7. Therapist.

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

1. Don’t buy Textbooks the first week of class.

2. Ratemyprofessor.com! PLEASE use it!

3. Don’t wear your lanyard or ID around your neck, it makes it obvious for everyone to know you’re a freshman.

4. Always bring a charger or headphones wherever you go.

5. Don’t miss out on the free food on campus.

6. You don’t always need to dress up…Trust Me!

7. Get More Involved!

8. Don’t feel pressured to hook-up with anyone.

9. The Freshman 15 is REAL! Don’t brush it off!

10. It’s OK to say NO!

11. Drinking / Partying doesn’t equal popularity.

12. Try to spend less time in your dorm.

13. It’s OK to change your major!

14. Always take an Uber or Lyft!

15. Never go to a party alone!

16. Start your resume early.

17. Keep your door open when in your room.

18. Get to know your professors.

19. You don’t really need an unlimited meal plan.

20. Procrastinate = LATE!

21. If you need to…sleep!

22. It’s also OK to say ‘no’ to going out all the time!

23. Take advantage of the free stuff on campus!

24. Not everyone in college drinks.

25. Community bathrooms aren’t THAT bad.

26. Please get along with your roommate.

27. Spotify/Apple Music Playlists!

28. Please clean your room frequently!

29. Please Go to Class….You’re paying for it!

30. Do the extra credit!

31. DON’T Pick 8 am Classes!

32. Use the resources on campus.

33. Eat at Dining Halls to save meals or even cook your own food.

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