149 Unexpected Things to Bring to College Freshman Year
Are you wondering what are the unexpected things you should bring to college?
What are the things students forget to bring to college? What do students wish they’d had their first year of college?
As you prepare to head off to college, it’s easy to focus on the obvious necessities on your college packing list, like textbooks and bedding.
But what about the unexpected items that can make college life easier?
This blog post is about the unexpected college essentials that college students sometimes forget to bring to college, but that can make a remarkable difference in your day-to-day routine.
We’re talking about the game-changers that transform your dorm room into a cozy haven of productivity and comfort, making college life just a little bit easier.
This list of the practical gadgets, helpful tools, and personal touches will leave you thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that sooner?”
From power strips and storage solutions to portable fans and personal care items, I’ve listed lots of college must-haves that are often overlooked.
Especially if you’re a freshman heading to college, these unexpected essentials will revolutionize your college experience.
It’s so hard for a first-year college student to think of all the things a college freshman needs! This list has the best things to bring to college that you didn’t even know you’d need.
Considering if you need any of these often-forgotten college essentials will ensure you’re fully prepared for your freshman year.
I want to help you choose the best things to bring to college so you’re ready, you’re surrounded by things that make college life easier, and your dorm room feels like home!
When my oldest child went to college, there were so many things we didn’t know to buy. She had a long list of “things I wish I brought to college.”
You may read this list of unexpected things to take to college and think some items are random dorm things you won’t use.
But you’ll also discover a ton of great things college freshmen need for college that you never would have thought to bring to college on move-in day.
I’ve written this list so you know what unexpected things college students need at college. If you know now, you’ll have a shorter list of the things you regret not bringing to college!
Let’s make sure that you’re equipped with these often forgotten dorm room essentials that can truly make a difference in your college adventure.
Here are all the unexpected things you should take to college!
Unexpected Things to Bring to College for Move-In Day
The IKEA Frakta bag is absolutely essential for college move-in! These ubiquitous blue bags are a fan favorite on college move-in days everywhere!
I bought so many of these bags for my daughter because they hold everything, they zip, and they stack in the back of a car or SUV.
After unpacking, a college student can easily fold and store the bags until they’re needed again. Frakta bags are lighter and take up less space than large suitcases. They make the packing process so much easier!
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This small toolkit will help you take care of all the college move in day tasks, like assembling furniture.
This tool kit has a measuring tape, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and scissors. You will use these scissors for so many things, on move-in day and throughout the school year.
Because the tool kit is small, it’s perfect for a college student to have on hand, just in case!
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This heavy duty collapsible wagon is perfect for hauling things from the car into the dorm on move-in day. A wagon is something college students don’t thing to bring to college, but it is so important on move in day.
This holds up to 150 pounds and folds up compactly, so it won’t take up too much cargo room in the car or SUV.
Most importantly, the wagon will save your back and you carry bags, suitcases, and bins into the dorm!
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This folding step stool will give you a boost to hang posters and tapestries on move in day.
It will also come in handy for retrieving things from the top of your closet–because you’ll be using every bit of storage space you can find!
This step stool folds up, so it will take up almost no room until you need it. Also, it comes in lots of fun colors!
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Dorm rooms often have limited electrical outlets, so having a power strip and extension cords can be incredibly useful for charging multiple devices and setting up your electronics.
I love this power strip surge protector because it has 12 outlets, 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port. It also has a 5 foot extension cord!
Honestly, I recommend buying two of these so you can use them in different parts of your room.
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6. Duck Tape
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
Duck Tape is amazing for quick repairs, securing cables, and labeling storage.
It’s also handy for patching tears in backpacks, decorating notebooks, and fixing things when they break. Duck Tape is just always handy to have!
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The Command Variety Pack offers a convenient assortment of 19 adhesive hooks and Command Strips.
You can confidently hang pictures, lights, or tapestries, organize items, and decorate your space without worrying about leaving any holes or residue.
When it’s time to move out, these hooks and strips can be easily removed.
Be sure Command Strips are allowed at your university before buying.
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Blu Tack is a great choices for hanging things on your dorm walls. You won’t put holes in the walls or risk that tape will peel the paint off the walls.
Blu Tack can be used to hang photos, posters, cards, maps, and more.
Be sure Blu Tack is allowed at your university before buying.
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If you are thinking that zip ties are a weird college necessity, you’d be surprised at how handy they are.
You will use zip ties to secure a headboard to the bed frame, because either there will be no way to attach it with nuts and bolts.
You’ll use zipties for securing all sorts of cables, including securing a phone cable to your bed frame or bedside table.
You’ll need smaller zip ties for securing small things and hanging things. Zip ties are one of the most incredibly versatile and useful things to have in a college dorm
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Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Dorm Storage
It’s easy to forget hangers for your clothes, but they’re essential for keeping your wardrobe organized and wrinkle-free.
These space saving hangers allow you to store more clothes in small spaces than with regular hangers.
And because they’re metal, they’re strong and durable.
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This small safe attaches to a fixed object with a cable and opens with a 4-digit code you set. The safe is designed to be water resistant.
The Master Lock personal safe is a good way to protect things like your passport, social security card, credit cards, cash, or small personal items.
In a dorm, where people are always coming and going, it’s smart to have a safe to deter theft.
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This over the door shoe organizer has 20 large pockets, so you’ll always be able to find your shoes!
Having a place to store your shoes so they’re organized and off the floor is so important in a tiny dorm room.
These pockets are mesh, not plastic, so they’re less likely to tear. You can use the pockets for other items too!
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This hanging over-the-door organizer has room for lots of things and secures to the door with hooks and velcro (so it doesn’t swing).
Use it for sweaters, towels, hats, or snacks. It will add usable space to your tiny dorm closet.
There’s never enough dorm room storage, so using this extra space in your dorm room is so important!
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This storage cart can be used for so many things and holds so much stuff!
Keep it in your bathroom for storing toiletries. Load it with a coffee maker, coffee, and snacks. Or use it for books and study supplies!
There’s a reason college students love these carts!
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This under the bed storage unit is a game changer. In small dorm rooms, every bit of living space counts, so you’ll want to maximize your under bed storage.
These sturdy boxes stack, so you can adjust your storage to the specific dimensions of your bed.
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If you wear jewelry, you ‘ll want a jewelry box at college to keep your jewelry organized and safe.
This clear acrylic jewelry box can store earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.
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The BedShelfie is the perfect bedside shelf for a dorm bed. This little tray will become one of your college dorm room essentials!
This clip-on nightstand works as a drink holder, charging station, and bedside table. You will love how it keeps your essentials at arms reach while you sleep.
Choose from seven models in different sizes and styles.
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College dorm room walls are not pretty! You’ll want some cool wall art to liven up the space.
Choose one of these six sets of colorful prints to express your personality and make your dorm room feel like home.
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You won’t appreciate how much you need a fan until you’re at college!
Woozoo fans are one of the most popular fans for college students because it’s extremely adjustable, has three speed settings, and oscillates.
Depending on the climate and the efficiency of your dorm’s air conditioning system, a portable small fan can help keep you cool during warm days or stuffy nights.
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This full length over the door mirror is perfect for a dorm room because it can fit on the back of a door, instead of taking up your limited wall space.
Having a mirror in your dorm room will let you get ready faster and see your whole look at a glance.
This one is a good pick because. it has shatter resistant glass and can be used with or without the hanging brackets
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This portable lap desk has an anti-slip wrist pad, a storage pocket, and a holder for your phone or tablet.
If you’re someone who will spend a lot of time studying in bed, this lap desk will make you more comfortable and protect you from wrist strain.
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This reading pillow is perfect for reading in bed–or watching TV, doing homework, or just hanging out.
This super cozy bed rest pillow is stuffed with shredded memory foam and comes in a 44 colors. Plus it has pockets!
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You’ll definitely want an area rug in college. Dorm room floors are usually covered in linoleum or tile, so a rug will make your room much cosier!
An area rug will also add a lot of personality to your dorm room.
Choose one with a pattern to hide any stains, and make sure you choose one that’s big enough. for your space.
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A padded headboard looks great and will provide support when you’re sitting in bed.
Dorm beds don’t usually come with headboards, so that may be something you want to add to make your room more homey.
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This bed skirt is perfect for a dorm room because it comes in Twin XL size and you can choose from a variety of drop lengths. So you can pick the bedskirt that is perfect for the height of your bed.
A bedskirt is the secret for hiding all your under bed storage and keeping your dorm room looking tidy.
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The perfect solution for bad dorm lighting, these fairy string lights also have 50 photo clips so you can hang pictures, cards, or ticket stubs.
These lights looks great on a dorm room or college apartment bedroom wall. Hang them over your bed or desk. They are powered by a USB port.
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Everyone knows dorm room lighting is never great. College students need a desk lamp to avoid eye strain when working or reading.
This LED desk lamp comes with a USB port (for charging your phone at the same time).
You can choose from three levels of brightness. The lamp looks sleek and modern and comes in six different colors.
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This amazing air purifier provides fresh air in minutes. It will easily clean a dorm room, removing dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
There’s a quiet sleep mode so it won’t keep you up at night . (It might actually be just enough white noise to help you sleep.)
There are filters for wildfire smoke, pet fur, or unpleasant odors.
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29 & 30. Dehumidifier or Humidifier
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ✅ Buy the Humidifier!
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ✅ Buy the Dehumidifier!
Depending on where you go to college you will probably need either a humidifier or a dehumidifier.
If you go to college in New England or the Southwest, you will probably need a humidifier. It will help you deal with:
- dry skin
- radiator heat
- dry climate
If you go to college in the South or pacific Northwest, you’ll probably want a dehumidifier. This small dehumidifer is perfect for a dorm room. It will help you deal with:
- muggy weather
- constant humidity
- a bathroom without a fan
🤩 Buy Now–Humidifier or Dehumidifier!
These vibrantly colored plush throw pillows will add a pop of color to your dorm room and cozy up your bed!
You’ll be surprised how many extra pillows you want for lounging in bed or sitting on the floor with your friends.
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This sleek desk organizer can be a lifesaver. This desk organizer has 8 compartments, so you have plenty of rooms for pens, notepads, sticky notes, and other small supplies.
Keeping your desk area tidy and organized can help improve productivity and let you find what you need quickly.
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Even though you have a ton of photos on your phone, you won’t believe how nice it is to have printed photos to look at everyday.
I love this fun macrame wall hanging photo display. It even has remote controlled fairy lights.
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Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Eating and Drinking
This countertop microwave has six one-touch buttons, including popcorn or pizza, to make it easier to fix a quick bite to eat between studying sessions.
Having a microwave in your dorm room will let you make quick breakfasts (possibly the most important meal of the day) or late-night snacks (perhaps just as important).
A microwave is definitely one of those things that makes college life more convenient.
Before buying one, be sure that your college will let you have a microwave in your room.
🤩 Buy Now!
Even if you’re on a meal plan, you’ll want a fridge in your dorm room! A mini fridge is a great way to store snack and keep drinks cold.
I love this minifridge model because it also has a freezer! Perfect for ice, ice packs and ice cream!
Not all college campuses allow dorm fridges, so check with your school website before buying one.
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38. Hydro Flask
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
In the chaos of packing for college, don’t forget about a reusable water bottle!
This HydroFlask reusable water bottle is perfect because it keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours.
Staying hydrated is important, and having a reusable water bottle can save you money and help avoid using plastic water bottles.
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If your class schedule requires early mornings, a coffee maker is a great investment for college students.
The Keurig K-Elite coffee maker is just want you need to make coffee in the dorm. You can also make tea or hot chocolate if you’re not a coffee lover, or you can get hot water on demand.
You can make a 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz drink, and there’s an iced setting. The large reservoir means you can brew up to 8 cups before having to refill it.
Save time and money by making coffee in your dorm room!
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Did you know a traditional coffee maker with a hot plate and glass carafe is considered a fire hazard in a dorm room and not allowed? Here’s the tea on all your safe options for making coffee in your dorm?
40. Hot water Kettle
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
This electric kettle is perfect for anyone who wants to make tea, hot chocolate, soup, or noodles in their dorm room.
There’s an automatic shutoff, so it won’t boil dry or turn on when it’s empty.
You may not be thinking about hot drinks and soups when it’s move-in day, but as the days get colder, you’ll love having this kettle.
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These ceramic mugs have a 13 oz capacity, so they’re large enough for a substantial cup of coffee.
The different colors mean you and your roommates will always know whose cup is whose!
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To take your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on the go, you’ll want a great travel mug like this Yeti tumbler.
The 30 oz capacity holds more than enough coffee to get you through your first morning class! The coating won’t fade or peel. Your hot drinks stay hot, and your cold drinks stay cold!
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This Brita water filter pitcher is so good to have in a dorm.
The Brita water pitcher filter reduces lead, chlorine, other metals, and micro plastics in. As it does so, it makes your tap water taste so much better!
It fits in most fridges and it’s easy to refill.
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These are perfect for storing snacks, like chips and cookies, or leftovers. You may even use them to store foods you grabbed at the dining hall to eat later!
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You might be surprised at how many snacks you eat at college!
You’ll need to have plenty of chip clips on hand to keep your chips, popcorn, or cookies fresh!
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If you want to have meals and snacks in your dorm room, you’ll need something to eat from. This unbreakable wheat straw dinnerware is perfect.
You’l love these reusable and microwave-safe dishes. They come in a variety of colors. And the set includes the all -important utensils!
Also remember the dish soap, so you can wash your dishes!
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Stock up on mints and gum, or this minty gum, to keep your breath fresh between classes. Stash a pack in all your backpacks, your gym bag, and your desk.
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Take your favorite snacks to college with you!
You don’t want to spend time or money shopping when you get to college. Plus having your favorite snacks on hand can help with any homesickness you might experience.
🤩 Buy Now!
A can opener is yet another little thing you might not think you’ll need at college.
But it’s necessary for opening cans of soup or sauces. This one also has a bottle opener.
🤩 Buy Now!
For the college student who always has a cup full of ice, this ice machine is for you!
If it’s hard to leave your ice maker behind, then don’t! You’ll be especially glad to have this if you just absolutely love ice or if you’re going to school in the South or Southwest.
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This thin cutting board comes with a knife, so it’s perfect for cutting fruit or cheese for a quick snack in your dorm room.
The cutting board is easy to clean, flexible, and antibacterial.
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Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Sleeping
The ViscoSoft 4 inch pillow top memory foam mattress topper is just want you need for your Twin XL dorm room bed.
Dorm room mattresses are usually think and uncomfortable. You will be so glad to have a mattress topper to make you bed more comfortable.
Nothing is more valuable in college than a good night’s sleep!
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Why do you need a mattress topper for college?
55. Mattress Cover
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
This mattress protector encases your mattress and mattress topper (and/or your mattress pad). It completely protects the topper and mattress from spills and stains. And it protects you from any dust or bed bugs in the dorm mattress.
If you have allergies you will definitely want a mattress encasement!
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Okay this might seem like a totally uncool college dorm essential. But hear me out.
Falling out of a lofted dorm bed can cause serious harm or even death. If you fall from a lofted dorm bed, you could face significant recovery time, delays to your education, and potentially lifelong challenges.
Using a bedrail on a lofted bed is just a smart thing to do. Once it’s in place, you won’t even noitice it.
If you’re going to loft your bed at college, please consider buying a bedrail to stay safe.
Also, if your dorm has bunk beds, the person on the top bunk should use a bed rail.
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You can use these bed risers to raise you bed 3, 5, or 8 inches higher.
In a dorm room, space is at a premium. Raising your bed just a little will give you some useful under-bed storage.
🤩 Buy Now!
Pool noodles might seem like a weird thing to bring to college. You’ll need one for wedging between your bed and the wall to keep your cell phone, cables, glasses, or whatever else from falling behind your bed.
If you loft your bed, you might need to split one (or two, depending on length) and use the noodles to create a bumper so you don’t hit your head going under the lofted desk.
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You will be so happy to have earplugs at college.
Dorms are noisy. Roommates snore. If you go to college in a city, you will be surprised how early garbage collectors start work.
You will be desperate for sleep, and using ear plugs will help you sleep through all the noise! (Just hopefully not your alarm!)
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Blackout curtains keep the light out so you can sleep.
This set comes in various colors so you can match your dorm decor.
Be sure to check the dimensions of your dorm room windows to see what size you need. This info is usually posted by residential life.
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You’re going to need a curtain rod to hang those black out curtains!
Most colleges will not let you drill holes to hang a curtain rod, so your best bet is a tension rod.
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You’ll need two sets of sheets for college. Ideally, you’d wash your sheets every week, but every two weeks would be great!
While one set is in the wash, you can make your bed with the other set!
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If you’re going to college in a cold climate, you might want an electric blanket.
This one has an auto off setting, which is super important. And it comes in several colors, so you can pick your favorite.
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Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Dorm Bathroom
65. Toilet paper
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
If you’ll be sharing a hall bathroom with the whole dorm floor, you won’t need this. But if you have a bathroom you share with a roommate or suite mates, you’ll have to provide your own toilet paper.
This is definitely something you don’t want to for get to take to college!
Mom pro tip: Sign up for Amazon Subscribe and Save to have toilet paper (and other college dorm necessities) delivered automatically, so you never run out!
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You’ll need a shower caddy for hauling all your stuff to the bathroom. If you’re able to leave toiletries in your shared bathroom, this caddy will help corral everything so they don’t take up too much space.
This mesh bag will dry quickly. The many pockets will give you room for all your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, and more.
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Again not something you’ll need if your dorm has one bathroom for the whole floor. But if you share a bathroom with your roommates or suite mates, you’ll have to bring your own hand soap.
This is definitely one of the things not to forget to take to college (especially if you have sensitive skin)! And also a good option for Amazon’s Subscribe and Save.
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When you live in a college dorm, a bathrobe is an important item to have. Whether you use communal showers or share a bath with roommates, you really do need a bathrobe.
This one is 100% cotton, soft, and absorbent. It’s also machine washable and has pockets!
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If you have long hair, you’ll really appreciate having this microfiber drying hair wrap at college.
It absorbs water from your hair so it takes less time to dry. You’ll never have enough time in college, so you’ll love this towel!
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Shower shoes are essential for communal bathrooms and showers in dorms. They provide a hygienic barrier to protect your feet from potential infections.
These Havaianas flip flops are the perfect shower shoe. You can easily wash your feet, and your feet stay protected! There are dozens of other color options to choose from.
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You’ll want cozy bedroom slippers for your dorm room. These have memory foam for comfort.
They are breathable, anti-skid, and machine washable!
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Whatever your personal favorite toiletries are, bring them to campus!
Remember shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face soap, makeup, hair products, lotion, and anything else you use regularly!
Don’t forget to bring your favorite things to college!
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Dorm lighting is notoriously bad and you’ll be waiting your turn for the bathroom mirror.
You’ll want this LED makeup mirror to fix your make up or check your eyebrows.
🤩 Buy Now!
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
If you’re sharing a bathroom with roommates, you’ll need to provide a shower curtain, shower curtain liner, and hooks. The dorm usually provides the shower curtain rod.
This is one of several things to coordinate with roommates, because you’ll only need one of each item.
🤩 Buy Now!
Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Health and Safety
She’s Birdie is a personal safety alarm with a very loud siren and flashing stobe light.
The idea is to distract an attacker and attract attention from others.The batteries are replaceable and the alarm can be used multiple times.
I made sure my daughter had a Birdie before sending her off to college, because I worried about her safety on campus.
🤩 Buy Now!
This pepper gel spray is meant to be used against an attacker to discourage the attack. There’s less blowback with pepper gel than with traditional pepper sprays.
This pepper spray has a flip top for quick use, and it can be used multiple times.
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The NightCap cup cover lets you stretch it over almost all cups or classes to make it difficult for anyone to spike your drink.
The NightCap comes in a scrunchie with a pocket–just unzip the scrunchie and pull out the NightCap. The cover is reusable and machine washable.
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Having a basic first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and cold medicine can be helpful for minor ailments and injuries.
This might be something you don’t think to pack for college, because you’re used to having everything you need a t home. But you will absolutely want your own first aid kit at college.
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Whatever you normally take when you have a headache, upset stomach, or fever, pack that medicine for college. Tums, Rolaids, Lactaid, Gas-X, cough drops, Tylenol or Advil. Also, don’t forget vitamins!
When you feel bad, you won’t want to have to trek across campus to buy whatever it is you need.
I’m not a doctor. This is not medical advice. I’m not telling you what to take, just suggesting you stock up on the medications you usually take.
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Remember to take your prescription medications to school! Pack the prescriptions you take everyday, but also things you only take when you need them. It’s easy forget medications that you don’t regularly use. .
You can also fill prescriptions through Amazon Health.
Liquid IV is an electrolyte powder that’s perfect for anyone who’s dehydrated. It’s great for college students who:
- aren’t used to a hot climate
- had a hard workout
- drank too much
- have a fever
- are having diarrhea
Liquid IV can make you feel better and may even save you a trip to health services.
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It’s a good idea to take a thermometer to college.
If you feel sick, you’ll need to know if you have a fever. Knowing exactly how high it is can let you know if you need to see a doctor.
🤩 Buy Now!
Sunscreen might be the last thing you think to take to college. But if you are going to college in the South or Southwest, expect to wear sunscreen pretty much year round.
You need sunscreen when you’re outside walking across campus (which will be pretty much every day). And don’t forget sunscreen for football games and outdoor physical education classes.
🤩 Buy Now!
A heating pad is really useful for alleviating pain from cramps or sore muscles.
This one has a moist heat and dry heat option, plus an auto off switch. If you use a heating pad at home, think about taking one to college too.
🤩 Buy Now!
Carbon monoxide can be deadly. Having a carbon monoxide detector in this guy‘s dorm room ultimately saved 250 people!
Taking a carbon monoxide detector to college will provide peace of mind.
🤩 Buy Now!
Obviously everyone is sick of wearing face masks. (No pun intended.)
However, it’s good to have them on hand. You might need to wear a face mask because you’re sick or because of wildfire smoke. I think these 3M N95 face masks are the most comfortable of all the masks I’ve worn.
🤩 Buy Now!
A portable charger power bank is essential for life on a college campus.
There will be days when you leave your dorm room early for your first class and don’t make it back until bedtime. In between, you’ll need to recharge your phone and laptop, and you might not be able to find an outlet to plug in your charging cables.
This portable power bank will be like your best friend, coming to your rescue. It might be the most useful thing you take to college.
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USB flash drives are useful for backing up important files, transferring data between computers, or storing large files that may exceed your online storage limits.
You’ll probably need to use one when giving a presentation or printing at a computer lab. You can also use one to archive each semester’s assignments.
🤩 Buy Now!
91. HDMI Cables
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
If you need to attach a gaming computer or a laptop to a television, you’ll need HDMI cables.
🤩 Buy Now!
You’ll need 10 foot charging cables at college. For such a small space, your dorm room will have very few outlets and they’ll all be inconveniently placed.
It’s a great idea to have a few extra charging cables in case you lose them or friends borrow them. You will definitely want to have extra phone chargers in your room and backpack!
🤩 Buy Now!
Yes, your dorm will have WiFi. But if you want faster, more reliable internet, use an ethernet cable to connect your laptop to the ethernet port. Get a 20 foot cable so it will be long enough.
Dome dorms are known for their bad WiFi, so try to find out if your dorm is has good or bad WiFi before you go.
🤩 Buy Now!
Protect your laptop with a laptop sleeve. No one wants to crack their laptop screen or dent a corner!
This one comes a dozens of colors and sizes and has a zippered pocket.
🤩 Buy Now!
If you have trouble concentrating in noisy spaces, wearing these noise cancelling headphones is an easy way to get back work.
These headphones reduce ambient noises by up to 90%. You can also use noise-cancelling headphones to listen to music, podcasts, or white noise.
🤩 Buy Now!
Keep your laptop from being stolen by using a laptop lock.
This laptock lock attaches to your laptop with industrial grade adhesive anchors. It has 6 foot a galvanized steel cable. It can also be used for a tablet or phone.
🤩 Buy Now!
It’s hard to keep up with all the stuff you need in college. Use Apple AirTags to help you find your things.
Put one in your backpack, one in your wallet, and one on your key ring or wristlet. Use another in your suitcase when you fly home or on vacation.
These AirTag holders make them easy to attach.
🤩 Buy Now!
Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Clothing and Accessories
Show your school spirit with some college sweatshirts and T-shirts!
If you can’t get to the campus bookstore before move-in day, order college gear online!
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Bring an outfit to college that would be appropriate to wear for a job interview. You definently need this if you plan to work in business, finance, law, or other profession where dressing up every day is expected.
If you don’t have an interview outfit, check with your college’s student services office. Some colleges have a campus closet with interview-appropriate attire.
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Don’t forget to pack a formal dress (or a few) or a suit.
Depending on where you go to college, you may hve weekly or occasional opportunites to dress up for a formal. Be sure to have something you can wear!
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Bring a clear purse or stadium bag to get through stadium security on game day.
You’ll need a clear bag at football games, basketball games, and concerts. Save money by bringing one with you to college instead of buying on eat the bookstore!
This one has a ton of color and strap choices!
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These zippered scrunchies are perfect for when you need a pocket!
Better still, the pocket in these scrunchies is hidden, so no one would ever think that you’re hiding small items, like keys or money, in your hair!
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Don’t let a rainy day ruin your backpack and everything in it! Protect your belongings, including your laptop, from the rain with this backpack rain cover.
It fits securely to your backpack with straps that buckle. The cover has a storage pouch, so it’s easy to keep in your back pack until you need it.
And it has a high-visibility reflective strip in case you’re walking or biking home at night in the rain.
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A great rain jacket is an essential part of the rain gear you need at college!
These Columbia jackets are lightweight, waterproof, comfortable, and machine washable.
The come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you’ll be ready for wet weather.
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These waterproof boots for men and women have a sole designed to grip wet surfaces. The thicker insole is designed to keep your feel comfortable, even during a long day of standing or walking.
Keeping your feet dry during a rainy day on campus is so important. And it’s hard to think ahead to the rainy time of year when you’re packing up for college during the summer!
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You’ll be glad to have an umbrella for those stormy days. And be real. Everyone loses umbrellas!
Bring two or three so you aren’t stuck without one on the other side of campus and have to walk home in the rain!
This umbrella is incredibly compact and comes in loads of colors.
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It will be fall before you know it! You’ll want a warm, lightweight jacket to see you through chilly evenings and fun autumn days with friends.
Depending on where you go to college, you might also need a heavy coat, but a warm jacket will be enough at first.
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Bring plenty of extra sweatshirts to stay cozy on days you don’t quite need a jacket. Or if jackets just aren’t your thing.
Pack lots, because sweatshirts have a way of getting lost or borrowed at college!
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Snow boots are one of those things you need to have before the first time it snows. If you’re going to college in a snowy climate, definitely take snow boots with you so you’re prepared.
These snow boots have a grippy sole, they’re insulated for warmth, and they’re waterproof!
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You’ll want extra layers and all the warm accessories when the weather turns cold.
This hat, scarf, and gloves set will help keep you cozy as the weather gets colder. The gloves have touch screen-friendly fingertips!
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This lanyard and ID case will hold your ID, credit cards, and cash. The anti-RFID blocking material will help protect your personal information and credit card number from theft.
This comes in a ton of colors!
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This simple card holder is perfect for dropping into a backpack. It has a rink that you can attach to a key hook in your backpack or purse, or to your key ring.
It has RFID blocking and can hold up to 8 cards. It comes in brown and black, plus dozens of fun colors.
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If you have some great costumes (like this awesome Ken costume!)or holiday outfits at home, pack them for college.
Student-run clubs and fraternities are sure to have some awesome dress-up parties through out the year. Be prepared!
Plan ahead for Halloween, Thanksgiving, winter holidays, Valentine’s day and St. Patrick’s day.
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Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Laundry and Cleaning
Accidents happen, and having a small sewing kit can help you repair clothing or fix minor tears and loose buttons.
This super cute kit contains needles, 16 differnt colors of thread, scissors, a thimble, and a needle threading tool.
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College can be messy. The Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen is your friend.
Keep a Tide pen in your backpack and instantly remove stains when they happen, before they set permanently.
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Dirty clothes are part of college life! This laundry bag holds 2 to 3 loads of laundry. It hs backpack straps, so it’s perfect for carrying to laundry room. (Laundry bags without backpack straps are much harder to carry!
Also, if you didn’t do your own laundry in high school, be sure to get a lesson in how to wash clothes before you leave home!
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College clothes dryers might not be the best for delicates or sportswear.
This folding drying rack will let you air dry your delicate fabrics and help your clothes last longer. It folds for compact storage.
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Having a portable clothes steamer can help you quickly smooth out wrinkles in your clothes.
Depending on where you go to college, this may or may not be a priority.
A steamer can be really handy to have for getting wrinkles out of formal wear, interview outfits, or any cotton or linen fabrics.
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If steaming your your clothes sounds like too much work, try a wrinkle releaser spray.
It removes most wrinkles and is also eliminates odors.
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College washing machines are designed to get clothes clean. They aren’t designed for delicates.
Unless your colleges provides unlimited free laundry, you’re not going to want to take a whole cycle to wash delicates even if the machines would let you.
With these mesh bags, you can include your delicates with yoru regular laundry cycle, with out damaging delicate clothes. No more tangled bra straps!
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Keep a lint roller on hand to pick up lint, hair, and what ever else from your clothes and bedding.
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This fresh-smelling all-purpose cleaner removes dirt from all nonporous surfaces, Use it on floors, kitchens, countertops, and bathrooms.
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This Swiffer 2-in-1 mop can be used to sweep and mop your floor.
You’ll definitely want the wet Swiffer Pads to clean your dorm room floor (and your bathroom).
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These Lysol disinfecting wipes kill viruses, remove allergens, and clean up messes. Theres’s no doubt you need these in your dorm room.
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You need a new planner for a new academic year. If you made it through high school without a planner, you may be surprised to find how much you need one in college.
The Clever Fox planner lets you plan your year, weeks, and days. It’s undated, so you can start using it any time. There’s plenty of space to write your tasks and goals.
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Here are the best planners for students with ADHD.
A wall calendar can be useful for jotting down reminders to yourself or your roommate. It can help you organize your schedule for the week.
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Choose your own favorite school supplies. Or save time by orderinging this school supply kit.
It contains notebooks, markers, pens, pencils, highlighters, tabbed dividers, sheet protectors, paper, index cards, and more.
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Use an expanding file folder at college to keep up with all the papers , exams, and other documents you receive in college.
This file folder comes in several colors to make filing a little more fun!
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College students love Jansport backpacks. This one has ergonomic shoulder straps, a front pocket, and two large main compartments.
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If your college campus is bike-friendly, having a bicycle can be a convenient mode of transportation and help you get around quickly.
So if you bring a bike to campus, don’t forget to bring a sturdy bike lock to secure it.
This bike lock is made of manganese steel, features a pick resistant lock cylinder, and comes with two keys.
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You’ll be glad to have acrylic paints and brushes at college. You might use them to paint a cooler for a fraternity weekend, make posters for clubs, or just paint for stress relief.
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Take several board games to college and start epic game nights with your dorm mates. Cards again Humanity is a college classic, but take your favorite games!
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Playing cards take up almost no space, but you can play so many fun games with them. Start a game of Poker, Hearts, or War!
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Take a sleeping bag with you to college so when friends from high school come to see you, they won’t freeze sleeping on your floor!
And you can take it with you when you go visit those same friends at their colleges.
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If you really want your friends to be comfy when they come to see you, an air mattress is a great thing to take to college. It’s so much better than a dorm room floor!
With a built-in electric pump, this air mattress inflates in minutes, for no-hassle set-up.
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Host a movie night for your friends with this mini projector.
This movei projector is compatible with a smartphone or laptop and has WiFi speakers.
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Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Important documents
144. Driver’s license
Bring your drivers’ license even if you don’t have a car on campus. It’s a great ID and you’ll need it if you have to drive someone else’s car in an emergency.
145. Passport
If you have a passport, consider taking it with you to college. It works as form of ID if you want to hired for a campus (or off-campus) job.
146 & 147. Birth certificate and Social Security card
If you don’t have a passport, you’ll need to show an original birth certificate and social security card when you complete an I-9 to get hired.
148. Health Insurance Card
Even if you have the campus health plan, take your regular health insurance card with you, in case of emergency or if something happens while you’re not on campus.
149. Emergency Contact Info
Have a list of emergency contact numbers, including your parents, other emergency contacts, and campus security. Keep the list in your dorm room, in case your phone and laptop are stolen or lost.
Final thoughts on unexpected things to bring to college
In the whirlwind of preparing for college, it’s easy for fresh high school graduates to overlook some unexpected but essential items for college dorm rooms. These college necessities can make your college experience easier, safer, and more fun.
From practical gadgets to personal comforts, these often-forgotten things for college can make a significant difference in your day-to-day life on campus.
By considering what you might need while you’re away at college, you can create a more comfortable and customized dorm room.
So, as you prepare to embark on your college journey, take a moment to consider these things college students wish they’d brought to college.
Discuss your dorm room must-haves with your roommate and decide what you both want to contribute.
Being equipped with these practical and comforting items will ensure that you’re ready to tackle the challenges of college and fully embrace the opportunities that college life has to offer — from your first day on campus through the late nights of finals week.
Remember, the little things can make a big difference. So, pack smart, be prepared, and make the most of your college experience with these unexpected items for college!
Good luck! You’re going to be amazing!
