Every student coming to college is already feeling the pressure with new beginnings. New friends, new home and a new set of challenges. One thing that shouldn't be overwhelming is the list of items needed ahead of arriving on campus.
Of course, there will be the obvious and necessary items like bed sheets, towels and a pillow that are needed. But News 5's Kimmy Dreher posted a list of less-conventional college must-haves to Facebook, and it gained some serious attention.
As you head out to shop, here are some items you might not have thought to put on your list:
1. Soup mug with a vented blue lid—This comes in handy when you want to heat up soup or noodles from the market on the go, especially on cold, winter days across campus.
2. Wedge pillow— It's a little pricey at around $100, but it's totally worth it. If you're sitting on your bed with your back pressed against the cinder block walls while trying to read a last-minute chapter before a test, you're going to wish you had it.
3. 3-Tier Metal Utility— This is a good way to keep all those odds and ends separate and organized. From cleaning supplies to laundry and office essentials, this cart allows everything to be easily transported during a move.
4. Flip-flops— These are needed all year round. Why? Because showers are taken on a daily basis (until you get to college and have no time) and you won't want your feet on the same ground where hundreds of other students have gone before. You'll thank us later.
5. Power strip tower— There's nothing worse than not having enough outlets to plug in all your electronic devices. Your alarm clock, computer, phone charges, etc. This tower sits right on the desk and it's lightning-proof and surge-protected.
6. Over-the-door hanger—This will come in handy when you don't know what to do with your wet towel, a robe or your hats. Hanging stuff on the door is a smart way to use the space.
7. Rug for the floor— Living in a dorm doesn't have to feel like a jail cell. It can be homey and even comfortable.
8. Curtains— Window treatment is easy and can transform your space from dull into beautiful. All you need is a curtain rod and some inexpensive curtains.
9. Mesh shower caddy— Can you think of anything worse than lugging your soap, shampoo and razor to the showers, and then putting them on the ground? With a shower caddy, it stores all your bathroom essentials in one easily-transportable container.
10. Adhesive wall hooks—These won't damage the wall and are good ways to utilize wall space.
11. A foldable drying rack— You don't realize how many nice, going-out clothes you have until you have a wet pile of them in your hand as you look at the tag warning you "Don't you dare put them in the dryer." This foldable rack can be placed under the bed when done.
Image source: Amazon
12. Printed photos— There will times when homesickness kicks in and when it does, printed photos of your family pet, friends and family will make the distance away just a little easier.
13. A bed bunk caddy— If you have a roommate, chances are you will end up on the top bunk. Instead of climbing up and down the ladder, and then up the ladder again, you can keep reading glasses, books, water and your phone in this handy bedside pouch.
Image source: Amazon
14. Reusable food containers— When you're poor and want food when the dining halls close, use the food containers to "steal" food from the dining hall. You're paying for it after all.
15. A flash drive— Whether you need to save work on your computer or the school's library computer, a flash drive is essential.
