What to Bring to College

Many students are at a loss as to what things to bring to college as a freshman. And the result is some landing up in college with huge suitcases and things that they would not ever need to some who would come without the most essential items and thus would be spending the first few days of college life, running around to buy them.

To save yourself of such hassles, the best thing would be to get in touch with some of the students already in the college and ask them for what all things you will need. Or, to make things easier, you may refer to the checklist given below.

List of Things to Bring to College

For the Kitchen...
You might be eating at the college mess or outside, but you do need to keep some snacks handy in your dormitory too for emergency. So, carry some containers with you for storing snacks. Certain kitchen utensils such as a large bowl, spoon, folk, knife, six drinking cups, a coffee mug, salt and pepper shakers, dishes, a bottle opener and a water filtration pitcher are a must have. Also, you may keep a refrigerator or a microwave in your dorm, however, you need to check with your college authorities first before going in for either of them.

For the Room...
For your room you will need to carry lot of stuff to make it more comfortable and livable. Here is a complete list of dorm room essentials.

• Bed linen, mattress, bedspreads, electric blanket and pillows.
• Clothes hangers and a drying rack
• Stacking baskets
• Storage cubes for laundry
• Alarm clock, fan and a lamp
• Sewing kit, tool kit, safety pins and scissors.
• Adhesive hooks, mounting tape, poster putty and tacky adhesive.
• Message/bulletin board for your door and room.
• Trash can
• Mirror
• Vacuum Cleaner

For Bathroom...
At your college, you will be sharing your bathroom with co-students. Carry things like soap, shampoo, bathrobe, towels, toilet paper, shaving cream and razor (for men) and a bucket to carry these things to the bathroom every day.

For Laundry...
You will be sharing the laundry facilities with other students. For doing laundry you will need things like laundry detergent, laundry bag, dryer sheets, dishwasher detergent, portable iron and ironing board.

For Health...
Carrying a first aid kit is extremely important, as you need to be well prepared for any emergency. Also, keep band aids, aspirin and some fever medicines handy.

For Entertainment...
There will be a common TV area where you can entertain yourself. Still, if you want something private, you can take a TV and a DVD player. You may keep an MP3 Player, video game system, stereo or an iPod too. Also, do not forget to carry headphones.

For Clothing...
When deciding on the clothes to wear in your college, your decision will depend upon the climate of the place where your college is located. In addition to that, another criterion for college clothes and shoes is that they should be comfortable so that you can concentrate more on studies and other activities rather than worrying about them all the time. You should take with you clothes for every day wear, gym clothes and shoes, two formal outfits and matching shoes, a bathing suit, rainy wear, slippers to wear in your room, woolen clothes, a hat, a light jacket and a heavy coat.

For Studies...
You may carry some things like a dictionary, calculator, a day planner, writing instruments, laptop, personal computer, papers, notebooks and some blank CDs, which will help you in your studies at college. Although, these things can be purchased once you have reached the college campus.

For Emergency...
Staying in the college dorm might present you face to face with many emergency situations so you need to be always prepared to handle them. There are some things that you should carry along, which will help you in facing these emergencies such as a cell phone with charger, phone cards, credit card and a bank account, power strips, extension cords, quarters, extra batteries, flashlight, backpack and an umbrella.

One last tip before I sign off - start packing for college a week before. This will ensure that you do not forget any of the essential items mentioned above!