Happy Monday! This week on A college series Shannon and I are talking about the 5 things everyone says you need for college that you never use even though people tell you that you need them. These items will end up still in their original boxes in May when it comes time to move out. As for the other 5 items on our list we found that we use them all the time!
5 Things you Do Not Need:
Iron:
People will say you need an Iron for college, since no one likes wrinkly clothes but if you bring an Iron you need an Ironing board. In a dorm there is never room for more then you need and you never want to waste the little space you have with something that you are going to use once a semester. To fix the wrinkly clothes problem I found that bring a steamer is great alternative. It takes up less space and is so much easier to use. (I have this one)
To many clothes/Off Season clothes:
I will be the first to admit that I bring my entire wardrobe to and from school each semester, and it drives my father crazy. I like to say I am personally attached to all my clothes and I can not leave any behind. The truth being freshman year I brought way to many summer clothes that I never ended up wearing. Between the time it gets cold there is a good chance you will have gone home or had your parents come for parents weekend allowing you to switch out some clothes as the seasons are changing.
More then 2 decorative Pillow:
Decorative pillows make you bed look picture perfect but at college having to many just get in the way. All you need is the ones you sleep with, a sham pillow, one for decor and maybe one to make your desk chair more comfortable. Besides that you do not need more to spruce up the decor. They will become more annoying than necessary. Personally the past few years I had 3-5 decorative Pillows and they ended up on the floor more often then not because I got to lazy to make the bed. I would still recommend a husband pillow! (I have this one)
Bed Risers:
My school did not allow bed risers, we were allowed to loft the beds using the dresser and the pieces of furniture in the room. I know other schools beds have a track on them allowing the students to raise the beds if the furniture doesn’t hold it up. So before buying bed Risers check with your school to see what they allow before buying them.
Excess School Supplies:
I often forgot that there are stores in Pennsylvania and I did not need to pack enough pens and pencils to last the entire school year. Bring a pack of your favorite pens and pencils and that should get you to thanksgiving or even finals and restock prior to going back for the spring semester.
5 Needs for College:
Umbrella and Rain Boots
In College you have to walk around campus to get pretty much any where. So going outside is nearly impossible. A good umbrella and rain boots are one of the most important things everyone told me I need when I went to college. Last fall I forgot my rain boots every time I went back to school and I realized how badly I need them. I have a pair of hunter rain boots and I love them. They come up to my knee and come in so many fun colors. My favorite umbrella is this bubble umbrella from amazon.
Mattress Topper
Dorm mattress are old and never comfortable on their own. I recumbent getting a mattress topper and a bed bug protecter. The bed bug protector will keep from any of your belongs from touching the mattress. The mattress topper then goes on top of that and makes the bed so much more comfortable. I had a 4 inch one and it was amazing. (linked is the one I had)
Shower Shoes
When using a communal shower, shower shoes are a must. At first the thought of wearing shoes in the shower was so weird to me. Once I got to school and started using them I no longer found it strange. This pair with holes in it is perfect since the water can still drain through them as you shower.
Reusable Water Bottle
Having a reusable water bottle is a must in college, don’t bring more then 2-3. I use mine everyday bring water to class or the the library. They will keep your drink hot or cold and they take up a lot less space than cases of water in your room. I keep a Brita in the fridge and fill my water as needed.
Personal First aid kit:
When I went to college my mom made me a fist aid kit with everything I could have needed. She included Tylenol, allergy medicine, hand sanitizer, band aids, and Neosporin. Having this kit allowed me to know that I have everything I need if I start feeling sick or cut my hand. Working with your parent on this takes the guesswork out of what over the counter medications you typically take. This year I will make sure my first aid kit includes a few masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers just to be safe.
Packing for college can be so stressful even as a senior in college the thought of packing all my stuff up to go back already has me stressing out. I alway worry I am going to forget something. Hopefully this list and the other post in A College Series can easy your stress as you pack up to go to college for the first time or even the last time. Be sure to head over to Shannon’s page for her lists.
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