10 Essentials - The Packing List for College
Ready to leave for college? Congratulations! We understand how daunting it can be to figure out what to bring to college. Apart from your books and writing materials, there are other essentials that'll make college life easier. Are you wondering what to bring? Here's a guide reviewing the essential packing list for college.
Umbrella
While packing college essentials, an umbrella should be among the first things you'll add. You don't have control over the weather and cannot predict if there will be a downpour during lecture hours. So, you will want to pack an umbrella, especially when it's the rainy season.
Shower Caddy
You're leaving home, and that means leaving your many bathroom items behind. You don't know how the bathroom in your dorm will look. You want to keep your shower items as organized as possible, and a shower caddy will help you do this. When shopping for a shower caddy, pick one that's mesh or plastic, as it dries easily and keeps your belongings intact and in one place.
College Planner
College is an entirely different adventure compared to high school. As expected, you won't have much free time, which is why careful time management is a must for you. One of the best ways to adequately manage your time is with a college planner. So, while packing, a college planner is a must because it helps you mark out the details of how you'll spend your day, week, and month. You can also download a college planner app to help you plan your day's activities on the go.
Bedside Lamp
A bedside lamp is essential for your dorm room, depending on how you like to sleep and organize your study time. In college, you will likely share a room with other students, and some might not like to sleep with the light on. There are bedside lamps with adjustable angles and intensity to help you study without disturbing your roommates.
Portable Charger
A portable charger should be one of your top five college essentials, as it is vital for charging your phone and other devices on the go. College activities are typically very hectic, so you may often miss charging your phones. You can always put a portable charger in your bag and bring it out wherever there's access to electricity.
Portable Laundry Hamper
Unless you want your laundry mixed with every other student's, you should own a laundry hamper. A portable laundry hamper helps keep your laundry organized until you are ready for it. It also works for keeping your clean clothes safe until you are ready to fold and arrange them where they belong.
First Aid
A first aid box or kit should be on your list of essentials for college. Depending on what works for you, you should have first aid essentials like pain relief medicines, band-aids, cotton wool, etc., in your first aid kit. These essentials are especially important if you have allergies that pop up occasionally. However, remember never to administer medications without a medical prescription.
Portable/Rechargeable Fan
Your portable fan will come in very handy to save you from the heat and keep you from being dehydrated, especially on a hot day. They are typically small and can fit into your small handbag/backpack.
Blanket
Regular dorm room essentials may consist of blankets, but those might not be to your liking. Going off to college comes with a lot of stress, but you can ease the stress by making yourself as comfortable as possible. A blanket provides the warmth you'll need for cold winter nights. It can also transform the ambiance of your space, especially if it's your favorite childhood blanky.
Foldable Wardrobe
We shouldn't even say this, but since we must, please include a foldable wardrobe in your college packing list. College dormitories are usually not as big as your room, so you may be forced to do a lot of space management. You can stand a foldable wardrobe in one corner of your room and arrange your clothes in it. The great thing about it is that you can fold it up and take it home after college. Since it's foldable, it can easily fit in your bag while packing.
Conclusion
There you have it, a look at some of the essential items to add to your college packing list. NSHSS offers you information on several other helpful topics to make your first college day as seamless as possible. Become a member of the community to learn about scholarships and other benefits that can see you through college life.