5 Necessary (But Forgotten) Things to Bring to College

You’ve spent more time at Bed Bath and Beyond in the last two weeks than you ever thought possible.

By Ali

Twin extra long sheets: Check.

Color coded notebooks/folders: Check

Sweatpants for every day of the week: Check

You have everything you could possibly need for college…or so you thought. Below is a list of 5 must-have items for every college student. You know; the things that you would never think of, but really can’t survive without.

Time to make one more shopping run. I know you never want to see the inside of a Target again, but suck it up; you are going to need these.

1. Rain Boots. I never wore rain boots at home because if it’s raining you just don’t go outside. Back in High School you drove to class and maybe an umbrella is all you needed. But in college you have to walk to every class and sometimes that can be quite a lot of walking. Investing in some wellies will definitely be worth it. There is nothing worse than arriving to class with water seeping through your shoes and waterlogged socks. The good news is rain boots are all the rage right now, so you can find them everywhere (and not get ridiculed for wearing them).

2. Baby Powder. I’m not sure if the rest of the world is aware of the wonders of baby powder, but I’m an avid fan. Baby powder has so many uses in college. First, you will be wearing some amazingly hot heels, which is great except your feet will get tired, sweaty and gross. But throw some baby powder in your shoes first and you won’t slip or stick. Not convinced baby powder is awesome? Let’s say you are too hung-over to shower before class, yet as you leave you notice your hair is less than attractive. Toss a small amount of baby powder in and, like magic, the grease will be gone. Bring a small thing of baby powder and you won’t regret it.

3. Tupperware. Living in a small school-run apartment I really grew to love my GladWare. I saved just about everything I cooked so, in turn, I could save time later. But even if you don’t have an apartment, Tupperware and GladWare are useful. If the cafeteria cooks something delicious, it could be a once in a life time opportunity worth reheating later! In addition to sniping and reheating caf food, it’s also worth saving restaurant food. And if you do take the time to cook something (some dorm floors have kitchens) you won’t want to throw it out.

4. A Clothes Drying Rack. You know how at home you have lots of space to hang your damp jeans and dresses? Well in your miniscule dorm room you won’t. You’re roommate probably won’t like walking in and finding your bras hanging over her desk to dry. A collapsible clothes drying rack will provide the space to dry all your stuff, so you don’t run the risk of shrinking anything in the dryer.

5. Quarters. Maybe it’s just me, but this is something I never thought of. Most dorms require you to pay to wash your clothes and it seems the change machines are on a constant vacation. Stock up on quarters before you go or get some rolls at the bank. When you have gone through every last pair of undies and are in desperate need of the washing machine you will be thankful you don’t have to waste time hunting for change. Bonus: extra quarters for playing speed quarters!