What to pack for your first year in college
Most college rooms are very small and lack of storage space. Because of this, most college freshmen have trouble even before making the transition. This mostly revolves around deciding what to pack for your first year in college. In order to avoid one of the biggest worries of all freshmen, check out the list below. This will help you cut down on the number of things you’ll take with you. Also, it’ll help you be more organized. This also means your stuff won’t take up too much space in your tiny dorm room. Therefore, if you want to learn what to pack for your first year in college, keep reading.
Below is a go-to list of what to bring to for your first year at college. As a freshman, you will probably live in a dorm or a small apartment. In either case, you will have to think about moving household goods along with your smaller, everyday belongings. Therefore, everything is divided into categories to make it easier for you. Also, pay close attention to the things marked as ‘’essential’’ since they truly are so.
Things to pack for your first year in college
Bedding and bed stuff
The most essential bits you will need in a dorm room bed are the bedding set, pillows, and a mattress cover. The bedding set includes sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter. Therefore, you will be fully set for a good night’s sleep. Also, make sure you get a comfortable pillow or even bring your favorite one to make your room feel more like home. This will make it easier to fall asleep during the most restless and anxious nights before exams. As far as a mattress cover goes, you ought to better be safe than sorry.
Comfortable bedding is the way to go
On the other hand, less important items include throw blankets, mattress covers, and bedside shelves. Namely, throw blankets are warm but are used mostly for decorative purposes. Also, mattress toppers will only help you if you want a really soft mattress. Otherwise, you will be able to manage without them. When it comes to the bedside shelves, they are amazing if you don’t have much storage space near your bed.
Desk supplies
When desk and school supplies are in question, there are only two things which are essential. These are:
- Pencils
- Notebooks
Everything else definitely isn’t your top priority, However, most of us love to have a lot of little knick-knacks around our desks. For example, if the only outlet in your room is too far from your desk, you’ll need an extension cord. Along with an extension cord, a power strip will be awesome if you have multiple things to charge. Also, if you’re taking some math or physics classes, you will definitely need a calculator.
Some other things you might want to bring are mechanical pencils, sticky notes and flags, extra paper, and paper clips. Mechanical pens are amazing if you’re not a fan of having to regularly sharpen your pens. Also, sticky notes and flags will be very useful for taking notes and studying. Along with this, a note binder will also be very useful for notes. With this, you will be able to keep all your notes in one place.
How to organize your desk
Another item which is pretty important for a student is a desk lamp. This will be essential during the many sleepless studying nights which are ahead of you. Also, think about getting a calendar for your desk. Not only will decorate your desk, but it will also help you be more organized. You will be able to write down your tasks and easily check what you need to do. If you keep organized, you will be even more productive with your schoolwork. For example, you might be able to learn a lesson in just 15 minutes! Moreover, a pencil cup will also add both to the decoration and the organization.
Organize your desk!
In case your landlord or dorm supervisor requires payments in cash, you will need to prepare a few things. Firstly, make sure to keep a journal of all your payments. Secondly, keep an inbox on your desk with all the important papers. Even though this isn’t very common, it’s still pretty helpful. Thirdly, make sure you have enough envelopes so you don’t have to rush to buy one before payment is due.
Every day and general items
The most essential items you’ll need on a daily basis are a sturdy backpack, quality headphones, an umbrella, and a tool-kit. It is pretty clear why you need to include these in what you pack for your first year in college. In any case, you will need a sturdy and durable backpack which will fit all your textbooks, notes, and laptop. In case anything breaks in your dorm room a tool kit will be great to have on hand. As long as it something easily fixable, you won’t have to wait for the maintenance crew.
A good backpack is essential
Other things you might want to pack for your first year in college are a fan, sleeping mask, earplugs. Since most dorms don’t have air-conditioning systems, a fan will be a lifesaver during warmer months. Moreover, dorms are also famous for being noisy most of the time, so bring sleeping masks and earplugs. Also, storage containers for under your bed will be pretty useful for all the things you don’t use regularly.
Kitchen supplies and gadgets
Depending on how much space you have in your dorm room, you should think about packing some kitchen appliances. The most essential ones are a mini fridge, microwave, and an electric kettle. A minifridge will come in handy for keeping your food and drinks fresh. Also, a microwave and an electric kettle are both amazing for quick meals and beverages. Specifically, you will need something for making ramen noodles and frozen meals! However, if you want to avoid the freshmen 15 you shouldn’t rely on these too much. Instead, look for healthier options!
Moreover, consider microwave-safe containers for your what to pack for your first year in college list. Also, don’t forget to include reusable cutlery, plates, and bowls. In this way, you will be saving your budget in the long run.
