Do you find yourself over or under packing when returning to college for the semester? I can’t tell you how many times i’ve forgotten something at home because I wasn’t prepared. Knowing what you should and shouldn’t pack is key to avoiding this frustration. Here are 30 things you should definitely bring back to college.
This is something that I never think about while packing. I am a huge coffee drinker but I somehow seem to always forget a coffee mug.
Along the same lines, a water bottle. You never know when you’ll want some water to take to class or with you when going to the gym. I tend to find myself at a loss when I realize I don’t have my usual water bottle to use because I’ve left it at home. It’s also so much better to use a reusable water bottle instead of grabbing a plastic prefilled water bottle instead.
I’m the type of person who never leaves the house without a drink in my hand so having a reusable plastic cup is a must. I have a favorite cup so I always keep this on my packing list so I don’t forget to bring it with me. It’s easy and convenient to carry to class instead of having to buy a drink ever single morning.
Blankets are one of the main things I focus on while I get ready to go back to school. I feel like it is a touch of home that I’m bringing to school with me. Plus, you never know when your friends will come visit so having a plethora of cozy blankets will come in handy.
I wish I would have thought to bring extra sheets before moving into my freshman dorm. You never know when you’ll need that extra set. Your late night laundry session can leave you without sheets if the dryer suddenly decides to stop working. Believe me, just bring the extra sheets.
Decorative pillows can also be your best friend. Whenever someone stays over and needs a pillow to sleep with you’ve got it covered. Plus, it makes your bed or couch look super cozy and inviting.
Towels, towels, and more towels. I bring at least three when I pack for a whole semester. It’s always good to have a back up, but I end up bringing two just in case. Us college students are busy and sometimes you don’t have time to wash your towels.
Investing in a durable toiletry bag is one of the best things I’ve ever done. If you go to a college with communal bathrooms this will make such a huge difference in your experience. Make sure to pack all the essentials and if you have a toiletry bag, that will truly make it so much easier.
This one seems like a no brainer, but you really don’t think about sweaters if the weather is nice.
Don’t forget to pack your sweatshirts that show your college pride. And if you don’t have any sweatshirts with your college name/mascot on it, you should really make sure to buy some for your football season.
Another no brainer, but I somehow still didn’t pack enough. T-shirts can be worn to sleep, to class, or to the gym so make sure you pack a lot. You truly can never have too many t-shirts at college.
Pack your favorite jeans, your not so favorite jeans, and jeans that have no holes. I find that having different types of jeans at school is beneficial, just in case. For example, if one of your friends randomly decides to paint their room purple, you have your not so favorite jeans that you wouldn’t mind getting paint on.
Bring a heavy jacket and a light jacket. You never know what the weather can be like day to day so make sure you’re prepared.
Winter hats and ball caps are a must on your packing list. If you’re someone who walks to class like me, those winter months can be brutal and a hat can make a difference, surprisingly. Bringing a ball cap is just for style.
Invest in some good rain boots and bring them with you to college. I can’t tell you how many times I got stuck walking to class in the rain and had soaking shoes because of it.
Kinda self explanatory but definitely something you need. Winter boots have kept my toes warm on those long tracks to campus in the snow.
These are more for my college students who are living in the dorms. Slip on shoes will be a life saver for walking in the halls to do laundry or get something from the vending machines. It’s annoying to tie and untie your shoes just to get your clothes from the dryer.
Sandals are great for warm days while you’re walking to class. Sometimes you just gotta let your feet breathe and these definitely need to go on your packing list.
Sometimes you don’t want to wear a big bulky sweatshirt to class, so you can opt for just a light long sleeve. I always make sure I have a couple of these when I go back to school.
Now hear me out, heels are a must bring back to school. Even if you don’t use them, make sure you have a pair in your closet. You never know if you’ll need them. Believe me, there will be times where you will, especially if you decide to rush a sorority.
This goes right along with the heels. You never know when you’ll want to go to a fancy dinner or to a date party. It’s better to have one than have to go out and find one to buy.
There is no reason that you shouldn’t pack tennis shoes when going back to school. They’re just a necessity in my opinion.
For the days when you just don’t feel like getting dressed up to go to class. They are also great for going to study at the library with your friends.
If you plan on hitting the gym at all, bring a couple pairs of athletic leggings and some sports bras. They are so much easier and more comfortable to workout in than basic leggings and a t-shirt.
You never know when you’ll need a suit and having one on hand is always a good idea.
What do you think is going to hold all of your clothing? Make sure to keep the containers with you at college because you will need them when bringing all your things home.
Your favorite scrunchies are something you don’t want to forget when going back to school. I always have one on my wrist when going to the gym, class, or even just chillin’ in my apartment.
They add a little touch of home to your room and give it a personal touch. You won’t want to forget to bring a few of your favorite memories with you.
String lights can really make your room feel homey. They give it a different vibe and forgetting to pack these can really effect the way you want your room to look and feel. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my string lights.
Forgetting to bring a television when you go back to college is something you really don’t want to do. I thought I could make due with just my laptop, but a television is something I personally need.
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