10 Items College Freshmen Should Bring to School with Them

1. Tool Kit – Include a hammer, a Philips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, a wrench, some nails, and some screws. This is a great way to make friends as many people don’t bring tools, and when someone comes walking down the hall looking for a hammer to nail up some new shelves, you’ll be able to share yours. A tool kit can also come in handy if you’re a prankster.

2. Extension Cords/Surge Protectors – Chances are your outlets will not be located where you want them, and that there won’t be enough of them either. With all the rechargeable devices people have now, outlets are needed more than ever.

3. Rolls of Quarters – Sure your dorm laundry room might have a change machine, but everyone’s going to be using it. Stay ahead with pre-packed rolls.

4. Stain Remover – I recommend something like Stain Stick. Remember you aren’t at home anymore and so throwing just one shirt in a wash cycle can be expensive. With a Stain Stick just rub on the stain and wash once you have a full load.

5. Desk Lamp – The overhead light in many dorm rooms is usually harsh. If you’re going to be up late working on a paper a small desk lamp will disturb your roommate much less.

6. Tape/Thumbtacks – So you’re going to put up some posters, don’t forget a sticky substance or tack to put them up with.

7. Microwaveable Plate/Bowl – If you’re going to have a microwave you might want to have one good plate or bowl (not paper) that you can use to heat up leftovers.

8. Something with a lock – Don’t just think that because someone looks nice they won’t dig around your stuff. If you bring anything you’re in love with then have a place to lock it up. Just locking it inside your room might not be good enough, you never know who your roomates let in when you’re not there. (I had this rare green baseball cap that I absolutely loved. I searched for months and went to Lids stores in 3 states until finally I was able to special order it. One weekend my freshman year I went away and when I returned it was gone. My roommate said she didn’t know what happened to it, but everyone knows a baseball cap can’t just run away!)

9. Laptop lock – These may seem silly or even a hassle, but when finals come around and the paper you’ve been working on for months has disappeared along with your computer you’ll wish you had a lock.

10. Water Filter – When I graduated from high school and older friend of mine bought me a Brita Water Filter. I first thought, what a stupid present. Wow, was I wrong. It saved me tons of money not having to buy bottled water. Also, college kids often don’t drink enough water, but if it’s already cold in your fridge you have no excuse.

A Few Others – Post-It Notes, Shower Sandals, Shower Caddy, Drying Rack for clothes, fan, dry erase board with extra markers, batteries for tv remote, extra printer ink cartridge.