Moving away from home can be nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. You’ll have to make big adjustments but you’ll be able to meet new friends and have a change of perspective in life. Hopefully, a good list of “must-haves” for college students will help you feel more prepared and ready to take this new step in life.
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Personal & Room Essentials
1. Extension Cord
With an extension cord, you don’t have to worry when your apartment or dorm doesn’t have enough electric outlets, because by having one you have the ability to power your devices even if you’re far away from an outlet.
It can also be useful if you have a lot of devices, that instead of unplugging one item to give room for another, you can just use them at the same time with an extension cord.
2. Noise Cancelling Headphones
Invest in a good pair of Headphones and take care of them as they are an absolute necessity. It is great for studying and it increases productivity because you’ll be able to block noisy work environments. You’ll also be able to de-stress by listening and singing along with your favorite songs.
Not only that, but it is also great for traveling especially when you’re on an airplane or a train. These headphones will help you be able to alleviate your travel fatigue and will allow you to sleep more comfortably.
3. Water Filter
Having a water filler is super helpful rather than buying gallons of water per month and carrying it to your apartment or dorm. Plus, in the long run, you’ll be able to save money if you chose to buy a water filler.
4. Mini-fridge
Unlike the regular refrigerators, the mini-fridge isn’t bulky instead, it is convenient and compact. You can place it anywhere and it does not take up too much space. Not only that but by having one, you can save electricity. Compared to a regular refrigerator that consumes 8-10 times more electricity resulting in a higher amount of the electricity bill.
5. Microwave
A Microwave is a worthwhile investment for college. It is easy to use, making your life easier with making and reheating foods. With it, you can make lots of foods like Mug cake, popcorn, ramen, eggs and so much more!
6. Coffee Maker
Having one can be a huge help in helping you stay awake for your morning and night classes. You’ll also be able to make coffee whenever you need it and be able to save money rather than buying one every day from a coffee shop.
7. Full-length mirror
A full-length mirror is perfect for planning your outfits as you’ll be able to see your image from head to toe. Plus, this product is so cool you’ll be able to place your jewelry, makeup, and other important things inside. That way you can keep your things organized and it will save you so much space.
8. Desk Drawer Organizers
Having a Desk Drawer that is organized is very pleasing to the eyes and it’s easy to find the things that you are looking for. Saving you a lot of time and energy. With it, you can put your stationery items like pens, pencils, and stapler. Additionally, you can use these organizers to store your makeup.
9. Trash Liners
Don’t forget Trash Liners they are an absolute must for the trash that you’ll accumulate. With that Simplehuman offers a good quality trash liner that is durable, and will not tear to prevent the trashcan to get coated with waste material. It also has drawstrings that will help you to lift and carry the bag easier.
10. Hanging Strips
With hanging strips, you don’t need tools to hang wall arts, picture frames, wall clocks, and signs. You just have to use these strips that will strongly hold your decorations, and besides most dorms would try to keep you from making large holes into their walls.
11. Cleaning Wipes
Cleaning wipes just make cleaning super quick and easy. From cleaning your laptop, keyboard, table, doorknob, and spills. Cleaning wipes are the key and definitely, a must-have.
12. Flipflops
When it comes to flip-flops you must have two, one for the room and one for the bathroom. I recommend Havaianas they are just simple and comfortable, and available in lots of different colors.
13. Pillows
A pillow that is soft, firm, and comfy for much better sleep is a must. One of the best factors about this product is that it is dust mite, mold, and mildew resistant. Perfect for those who are suffering from asthma and allergies as they are also allergen and chemical-free.
14. Sheets
These sheets are comfortable and easy to care for. It is also available in lots of different colors and patterns.
15. Mattress Topper
All in the name of comfort. It transforms a stiff mattress and is made with 100% cotton that provides you comfort, cooling, and a good night’s sleep.
16. Blanket/ Comforter
A super-soft comforter that will provide you comfort and warmth is a must. This comforter is also effortless care and you can just put the whole thing in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
17. Towel
This 6 piece set consists of two bath towels, two hand towels, and 2 washcloths. It is made with 100% cotton and is fade-resistant that will still look good throughout the year. It is lightweight and available in a few different colors for you to choose from.
18. Shower Caddy
Having a shower candy is super convenient, that you don’t have to bring your bath products one by one to the bathroom. Instead, you can just bring your shower candy in one go, and it also keeps your products organized.
19. Sleep Mask
When you have a roommate, there are a lot of adjustments to be made. Like when your roommate is an all-nighter and having the lights on prevents you from sleeping peacefully.
With a Sleep Mask that can be solved. The best thing is, this sleep mask is lightweight and is made of 100% silk that will help you and your eyes relax for better sleep.
20. Rug
A rug can liven up the room and it can cover imperfections in your dorm like cracked titles, stains, and tripping hazards in floors. Having one can also make cleaning less hassle because all you need is your vacuum to clean the rug.
21. Backpack
You’ll need a good bag for college, one that is durable and stylish at the same time. This backpack has a compartment that could fit a 15.6-inch laptop and pockets where you could put your umbrella and drink bottle.
22. Calendar
You’ll need a big calendar that you could place on your wall or at your desk. For you to be able to track due dates and be able to know what school works need to be completed and when. You’ll also be able to plan for study time and be able to see your availability quickly.
23. Desk lamp
As much as possible, don’t study with bad lighting, it will only harm your eyes. Instead, before studying make sure that you have proper illumination. To improve your work quality and productiveness.
24. Lapdesk
Having a Lapdesk is very useful if you want to relax a bit and use your laptop on the bed or the sofa. You can even adjust the height and angle of this Lapdesk that will match your body and will make you comfortable.
25. Power Bank
If you’re on your phone 24/7, usually your smartphone will drain easier. It is a good thing to always bring a power bank with you to be able to charge your phone anywhere and it will become handy in case of emergencies.
26. Fan
Some dorms don’t have an A/C, which is why you’ll need a fan for air circulation and cooling. Plus, this fan takes up less space due to its small size.
27. Batteries
You’ll need extra batteries for almost everything. Some of them include flashlights, clocks, and remotes.
28. Mini Tool Kit
In college, you’ll need to be independent, which means you have to fix things on your own. Plus, it’s better to have a tool kit prepared especially when you suddenly need to fix an important object, or when you need to assemble something.
29. Laundry Hamper
Have a laundry hamper for your dirty clothes to have proper storage. Probably get a hamper with a lid like this product, which will seclude the smell of dirty clothes and will keep them out of sight.
30. Storage Bins
Storage bins would help you keep things organized in your room and be able to help you save space. With this storage bin, you can put anything like your towels, office supplies, and other random stuff. Plus, it is collapsible if not in use.
31. Hanger
A hanger will help you in keeping your clothes organized and in retaining their original shape.
32. Water Bottle
Always bring a water bottle and stay hydrated. I recommend Takeya’s water bottle as it is 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, BPA- Free, leakproof and, keeps your drink cold or hot. It is also available with lots of different colors to choose from.
33. Mug
Who doesn’t want a mug that can keep your coffee, tea, oatmeal hot every morning?
34. Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers are a must, they are airtight containers to be able to ensure hygiene, and prevent contamination. It will also help you in keeping all your food supplies organized and are microwaveable for easy reheating.
35. Flashlight
This flashlight is super handy due to its small size. You can bring it with you everywhere and is useful in case of an emergency happens like a power outage, where you would want to preserve your phone battery.
36. Disinfectant Spray
With this, you can always make sure that your room will always smell fresh and clean. Most importantly, it kills viruses, bacteria, and prevents mold and mildew.
37. Umbrella
Rain or shine always bring an umbrella. It is designed to protect you from the harmful effect of the sun and a rainstorm. Plus, you don’t want to be stranded for hours just because you don’t have an umbrella, and a non-waterproof bag with your laptop and other valuables inside.
Stationary
38. Notebooks
According to studies, writing by hand helps you process information better compared to typing, and it improves your penmanship and spelling. Besides, you don’t have to worry about a notebook running out of batteries
39. Planner
I know how overwhelming College can be, with endless requirements that you need to submit day by day. However, with a planner, things can feel manageable as you’ll be able to list down all your tasks list and see your priorities. Resulting in a much more organized and productive day.
40. Lined notepads
Be able to jot down an important list, memos, and notes that can be stashed anywhere due to its small size.
41. Pencil Case
This pencil case is not only cute but it is also very useful due to its large capacity. You can even put most of your stationery items in the pencil case and it will all fit.
42. Pencils/ Mechanical Pencils
What’s great about the mechanical pencil is that you no longer have a need to sharpen it and the line stays consistent. But if you want the regular one, for sketching or just for writing, my suggestion would be Ticonderoga.
43. Pens
Brighten up your notes and make them colorful with Paper Mate Ink Joy or keep it simple with a smooth writing Muji pen.
44. Eraser/ Correction Tape
The one thing that is always on the rescue whenever we make mistakes, and a No.1 must-have during exams where you must make neat erasures.
45. Scissors
Scissors are a must-have as they are multipurpose. It is great for sewing, arts & crafts, and regular household task.
46. Ruler
Be able to measure and draw lines accurately with a ruler. Which is perfect for all school and crafts-related projects.
47. Highlighter
This product comes in 15 assorted colors, from neon to pastels. Perfect for highlighting all the important details in your textbooks and notes. If you’re a highlighter lover like me, then this is perfect for you.
48. Folders and Binders
A must-have, as it will help you organize your important files and be able to locate them easily.
49. Index Tabs
Be able to mark all the important topics in your textbooks, notebooks, binder, and folders by simply writing a label on the tab and sticking it securely in one of the pages.
50. Post-it
With Post-it, you can write down important reminders and be able to stick them anywhere.
51. Stapler
The efficient and reliable way to ensure that your documents stay together.
52. Tape Dispenser
Having a tape dispenser is so much better because without it you have to spend so much time looking for the ends of the tape, and it can be frustrating if you can’t find it. You also have to cut it piece by piece when you’re going to use it.
53. Laptop
Super expensive but worth the investment. Having your own laptop is so important for completing your assignments and for communication with your family as well. I highly suggest the Macbook Pro, as it is super-fast and just the best for me. But, if your focus is for just academic purposes and you want something light, then the Macbook Air is perfect for you.
54. Flash Drive
This flash drive is a 2-in-1, for USB Type C and a type-A connector. It is best for transferring your files between devices., and is useful whenever you have class presentations. You can put it in your pencil case or you can attach a small string to it and attach it to your ID. That way wherever you go, the flash drive is ready to use whenever you need it.
55. Calculator
This calculator is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it does its job in being a great and functional calculator. It makes me think that If only I had this pink calculator back in high school, I might enjoy math a little bit better.
56. Hard Drive
A Hard drive is a must if you have lots of large files like games, editing files, and movies. Plus, with a hard drive, you’re sure that your important files like photos and videos have a backup. In case you accidentally deleted them or something happened to your device.
Decorations
57. Picture Frame
A picture frame for your favorite photos of your family or friends, or even for wall arts.
58. Fairy Lights
Fairy lights can give off this huge magical effect that can brighten up your room. They are also incredibly versatile, as you can use them as a string picture display, wall accent, lighted words, and so much more.
59. Wall Art
Wall art is that extra little touch to inject your personality into your room and can make it feel more complete. If you want to find more, you can go to Etsy, they offer lots of amazing designs that might suit your taste.
60. Bulletin Board
Display photos, cards, to-dos, and motivational words on your bulletin board, that way you’ll be always reminded of it.
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