Back-to-school Shopping for College: The Often-Forgotten (but Important) Items

Whether you're going off to college for the first time or the fourth time, chances are, you have the basics down. You've got your special comforter, shower caddy, mini fridge and Command hooks ready to go. In the midst of packing all the "important" stuff, you've likely missed a few seemingly unimportant but totally necessary items. As a rising senior, I've figured out what I really needed and what I didn't need throughout my years in college to best alter my packing list. Don't forget these items:

1. Hammer, screwdriver and scissors

The holy trinity of tools: I lumped them all together because they are all vital but easily forgotten. Whether you're cutting tags off new shirts, screwing in a screw that came loose from the back of your clock or hammering a nail into a wall to hang something, you never know when you will need any of these items. 

2. Clorox wipes and a Swiffer

Spills happen and dust happens. You probably won't have room in your dorm for a full-on cleaning set, but make do and prepare yourself for when friends come over and spill stuff on your desk or when your roommate accidentally tracks dirt into the common room. 

3. Extra hangers

You will acquire many shirts in college even if you never go out and shop for one, so be prepared with extra hangers before you leave. 

4. Laptop case

Yes, you have a laptop and maybe you already have a laptop case, but keep in mind that in college, you will be out all day studying or walking around, often bringing your backpack around with you to these various locations. This isn't high school anymore - I've seen backpacks get thrown, turned inside out and spilled on multiple times, so it's important to have a good, dependable laptop case that will protect your laptop from whatever weird circumstance may arise. 

5. Drying rack

Most girls I know are especially shocked to realize how many of their shirts are "hang dry only" when they come to college. Bras, lace or thin material can't be put in the industrial-grade dryers you'll be using at school, so invest in a drying rack to keep in your room. Even if you think you'll never wash a bra in your four years at college, if your clothes ever get wet (you get pushed into a pool, get caught in the rain, etc.), a drying rack is the perfect place to hang them up. 

6. Plastic utensils

College is where the late-night eating often begins. When you don't have access to a dining hall or silverware but are still craving ramen, cereal, etc., you can rely on a set of non-plastic utensils from home. Or bring a few packs of plastic to-go order utensil packets. 

7. An old pair of tennis shoes

Whether you find yourself attending a paint party, taking a soccer class that practices outsid, or attending a massive water balloon fight (shout-out to Rice), an old pair of tennis shoes that you don't mind getting dirty are a must. If you know you're going to a party where dirty cans or bottles will be on the floor and a lot of people will be attending, save yourself the tears when someone spills cheap wine on your white shoes and wear some old Keds or something. I have some trusted old navy Converse that have seen it all. 

8. Plastic bags (Ziploc and grocery bags)

For wet/dirty clothes, wet swimsuits, protecting your phone, carrying snacks, etc., these are easily packable but often-forgotten little items that you will be kicking yourself for not having when you need them. 

9. An umbrella and rain jacket 

Especially if you're going somewhere prone to rain, an umbrella is a must. I have found my rain jacket to be especially helpful when I'm running late to class and need a little something to keep the rain off my outfit without having to juggle my books and an umbrella in my hands. 

10. A gym bag

As a high school swimmer, it was a no-brainer for me as to whether or not I would be bringing my swim bag to college. If you're looking to keep off the Freshman 15, bringing a small gym bag to school is a good way to keep yourself accountable. Seeing it in your room will make you feel guilty if it collects dust! A small bag like this can also be used to throw some clothes in if you take a weekend trip somewhere with friends, too. 

The great thing about college is that you learn as you go. You find out what works for you and you pass on whatever general knowledge you can to others. If you have an idea of something non-obvious that is helpful to bring to college, comment below! If you have any questions about college or what to bring, feel free to also ask questions for me in the comments as well. Good luck!