When I was an incoming college freshman, I felt I had very few resources to help me decide what to bring with me and what to leave at home. Being the oldest child in my family, I felt like I didn’t have anyone to ask for help, so I just guessed.
For that reason, I’ve posted What Every College Freshman Really Needs to Know, What Every College Freshman Really Needs to Pack, and now–this post, 19 Items Every College Freshman Should Buy. Obviously this post’s title is just a title–not everyone should buy everything listed.
But I will say this: I used each item below extensively throughout college!
Each item contains a link to purchase on Amazon, but you can find some of these items easily in Target or Walmart. Hope this helps! 🙂
You will quite literally use this for ev.ery.thing. Hair dry and unruly? Use it for a hair mask. Skin breaking out? Apply coconut oil. Feet dry and crusty? Lather up. Cooking chicken? Cook it in this. Nails won’t grow? Rub coconut oil on them. Cuticles a problem? Coconut oil. Run out of makeup remover? Coconut oil. Door hinge squeaky? You guessed it…coconut oil. Literally. Buy this.
2. Nature Made Time Release B-12 Vitamin
I could go on for hours about how wonderful I think vitamin B-12 is. I already wrote a post about it a while back, and I plan on writing a second shortly. Unbelievable stuff. It gives you steady, natural energy throughout the day–no crash whatsoever. It also helps maintain a healthy appetite as well as nourishes your metabolism. Win-win-win all the way around.
How many times are you trying to use your phone while it’s plugged in and you can’t because the cord is just too short? How annoying is that?! I really hated that until I bought this.
4. Quirky Cordies Desktop Cord Holder
This little rubber contraption has been such a huge lifesaver. I hate (hate) when my cords fall behind my desk or bed, this is super useful–and cute too! If I were in college, I’d use it to hold my phone charger near my bed, I always used to drop the charger cord!
5. Keurig DeskPro Brewing System
Throughout college, I loved my Keurig, and so did my roommates. It’s absolutely perfect. Just one cup of whatever we wanted (green tea, coffee, chai tea, vanilla latte, hot chocolate, apple cider…) with absolutely no clean up. Seriously–perfect. It was especially great for the dorm room for its ease of use and versatility!
Hear me when I say: dorm water is nasty. It tastes like pennies. I looove my Brita filter pitcher. It’s really easy to switch out the filters and they last forever. I just poured a glass of Brita water a few minutes ago–with the same pitcher I bought for my freshman year of college!
There will be days and nights when the loud chatter, laughter, and music on your hall is wonderful. And there will be days and nights when it isn’t. When I needed to tune out the noise around me, I would switch this baby on, and it provides great, steady white noise and circulates the air, which was also a bonus (it is a fan, after all!). I used it to sleep, study, nap…it was on 24/7!
You will go through at least one pack of these on move-in day, and then probably another tube a month for the rest of the year. They’re just great. I used them to wipe down my laptop, cell phone, desk, keyboard, microwave, door handles, floor spills…the list goes on. Colleges are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, these are just wonderful for keeping you healthy!
9. Ziploc Bags–Gallon & Quart Sized
Such a strange and random item, and yet so utterly useful. I went through tons of Ziplocs in college…for organizing items in my room, for throwing my shower products in on trips so I didn’t have to fuss with travel-sized stuff, for bringing a snack with me to class…used ’em all the time!
10. 3-in-1 Detergent/Fabric Softener/Anti-Static Sheets
I didn’t discover these until the tail end of college, and I’m kicking myself for not using them throughout. They are wonderful, and they smell great! Just throw one in with your load of laundry and transfer it with your clothes into the dryer. It does all the work for you, and will save you from having to carry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets with you up and down your dorm’s stairs…like I did…don’t do that. (A similarly great option are Tide Pods!)
For whatever reason, my freshman year it didn’t occur to me that bringing several hard-cover suitcases to college full of clothes would be a problem to store after the clothes were unpacked. My sophomore year I smartened up and bought a huge duffel, shoved my clothes in it, and then was able to fold it up small and store it for the year. I have since used it countless times. It’s truly a great investment going into college. I wish more people would gift huge duffels for high school graduation…they’d really get used!
It’s not that much fun to wake up to BEEP-BEEP-BEEP every morning–sometimes it’s nice to have a smoother start. I like choosing a fun song and waking up to that instead…and the iHome is perfect for that! Also, you’ll want something to play music when you’re getting ready to go out, cleaning up your room, folding laundry, etc.
13. Academic Planner
This isn’t the exact planner I used in college, but it’s very similar. I used it for everything–when papers were due and test dates, to schedule lunch dates with friends, to remember to call Mom, to plan when I was going home…this is an absolute essential.
Now, I’m a bit partial to this water bottle, but I really love it. It’s lasted me almost four years, it’s easy to clean (unlike the Camelbak I used to have), and it’s cute. Comes highly recommended from me! Plus, it’s coated with this soft plastic that makes it easy to hold.
Don’t bring all your DVDS in their cases to school. It’s just too much “stuff.” De-caseitize your DVDs, you can thank me later. I put all my DVDs in this exact case before my freshman year, and I’ve never put them back into their individual cases. I love how easy it is to grab one case for a road trip or weekend away!
16. Kindle
(Or iPad or other E-Reader). I finally bit the bullet and purchased a Kindle just before my senior year of college…and I really wish I had gotten one earlier. First of all, buying textbooks is outrageously expensive, but downloading them to my Kindle was very reasonable. Secondly, carrying around large textbooks to and from class and to and from the library was a huge pain, but toting around my Kindle was super light and easy. I found myself bringing my reading along to the gym, for example, because it was so easy to grab and go. I know it seems like a big purchase, but the Kindle is only $69–and compared to what you’ll pay for your first semester of textbooks (probably 8x that, no joke), it’s downright cheap. (Plus, with Prime, you can download many books for free!)
17. Hardcover Plastic Laptop Case
I arrived at college on a Monday with a regular sleeve laptop case, and by Friday I had purchased a snap-on hardcover case just like the one pictured above. You truly don’t realize how often you take your laptop in and out of your bag, in and out of your dorm, in and out of its sleeve until you get to college. This is a great solution–you won’t get scratches on your computer, but you can easily toss it into your bag as you head out to class. It is wonderful, and cute too! It comes in all kinds of fun colors.
18. Fitted Comfort Fill Mattress Cover
Obviously you’ll want a mattress pad for your dorm mattress, because obviously. If I were you, however, I’d skip the cheap Walmart version for a super comfy and cuddly one like this. I had a very similar mattress cover and I absolutely adored it. To be honest with you, my freshman bed was probably the most comfortable bed I’ve ever called my own. After long days of studying and fun, it is simply divine to come home to a fluffy, comfy bed like this one.
This is probably the last thing you’re planning on bringing to school–but please, take my word for it and grab one. I literally used my sleeping bag twice a month at school, usually more! For weekend retreats, spending the night in a friend’s dorm, when a friend sleeps over, for laying on the floor watching a movie with your hallmates, weekend trips…I promise. It will get used.
Bonus items if you live in an apartment:
When I was in the market for pots and pans, I wanted non-stick and dishwasher safe, but I also wanted non-toxic and human safe. These babies are PTFE-free, PFOA-free, and cadmium-free (which are all toxic chemicals found in many pots and pans). They’re super easy to cook in and keep clean and I love them!
If any of my college roommates are reading this, they are for-sure laughing right now. We used our Ninja like it was going out of style–that familiar roar of the motor was heard roughly 17 times a day in our apartment. This thing is no joke–it works super well, is an extremely easy clean up, and withstood a year of our constant use.
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There you have it–19 items I used constantly in college (plus a few extras!). Happy packing & best of luck to you! If you have any questions or comments, just write me below this post!
Want more college tips for freshmen?
- Read What Every College Freshman Really Needs to Know
- Read What Every College Freshman Really Needs to Pack
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- Subscribe to Blair Blogs by Email
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Great article! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks, Megan! 🙂
xo,
b
Just came across your blog post on pinterest and I love it!! So helpful thank you 🙂
So glad you clicked through from Pinterest! I hope you stick around! 🙂
xo,
b
Read this at work and had to stop myself from laughing out loud. Love me some Ninja.
LOVE IT.
xo,
b
This is a great post! 🙂
I am going to be a college Freshman in a few weeks, and I learned a couple of things from my friend who will be a college sophomore. She said that tupperware containers are helpful to sneak in food from the dining hall, and eat later. She also suggested to bring spare change for laundry (if your college still has washing machines that eat up your quarters haha).
Great post, I am looking forward to reading your blog throughout college.
Take care,
Sam
Thanks, Sam!
Those are two great suggestions! (I used my student ID card to pay for laundry, but quarters are a great option, too!)
xo,
b
A hot pot is another essential! Late at night or on weekends when the cafeteria is closed, you can make ramen, soup, oatmeal, rice, tea, etc. Laundry money isn’t optional here. The machines only take quarters. It costs $3 to wash and dry one load.
That’s so true–a hot pot is really helpful! Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
xo,
b
So many great ideas! Thanks!!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
xo,
b
I bought both of my daughters an Oster blender. It holds the bottle that you will be drinking out of. Perfect for a dorm room.
Double check with your college on bringing a hot plate. Most colleges don’t allow it due to the chance of a fire.
My roommate had an Oster blendder–great suggestion! Almost no colleges allow hot plates anymore, thanks for the reminder!
xo,
b
You should look in to May Books… http://www.maydesigns.com/ … These girls are fantastic, and you’ll never look at planners and food diaries the same!
Oh my goodness, those are so adorable! I bought one for my friend who just got engaged a few months ago! Cute!
xo,
b
Another reason to have the sleeping bag….sometimes the electricity goes out and they will move you to another dorm or another area on campus. Grab the sleeping bag and a pillow and you are set to sleep anywhere! Happened to our daughter during her first year at college…except she did not have a sleeping bag! We ran it out to her the next time she had a break!
So true–great thoughts!
xo,
b
My number one thing at college…a sleeping mask!!!! From roommates entering and exiting, or staying up later than you do, to being able to take mid-day naps…my sleeping mask was my best friend!!!
LOVE. Great idea!
xo,
b
I finished grad school a year ago and was a college freshman during the 2008-2009 year. A few things I would add to the list:
1. An umbrella (!!!). Seriously. Even if you ride the bus or drive to campus, you will be in the rain sometime somewhere.
2. Sterilite containers (like the white ones with drawers you can find in different sizes). I had a large one in the bathroom (I lived in a four-person suite, so we had our own bathroom) for makeup, hair tools, etc., and a small one on my desk for school stuff. Great organization tool!
3. Closet organizers. Closet space is of the essence in dorms, so organizers can help you work with limited space.
Great suggestions!
xo,
b
Hi!
Do you use refined or unrefined coconut oil? I know that there are both in stores.
Hey Sally!
I use unrefined. Hope that helps!
xo,
b
Awesome article, I already use almost everything on your list even though I’m 24 and I’m a Junior transferring to a 4 year college. Although now Amazon Prime is not free for students. After 6 months it is $56 a year. When I first signed up it was $47 but that was a couple years ago and you have to renew your account every year
Hmm, that stinks! I had Amazon Prime all 4 years of college for free!
xo,
b
Thank you for this! After reading the comments, I feel like I am completely prepared for college life! I’m going to be a freshman this fall 🙂 Thank you!!
I’m so glad, Anne Marie!
xo,
b
I’ll just brag, I feel really lucky because my school has free laundry!!
That IS lucky!!!
xo,
b
Thanks Blair, these are very sensible items for college. I will passing it onto my twins too. I really like downloading books on the kindle. That’s a scary thought not knowing how much books are going to be or if they run out of them.
So glad, Sharol! Best of luck to you twins!
xo,
b
Unfortunately, the hardcover cases for your laptop break easily. I’d suggest a faux leather one or something of a different source because I’ve broken two in the last six months.
Really? Darn! I had mine for 5 years and never had a problem. I bought it from Apple!
xo,
b
Hi! My name is Amanda, and I think that this list is so helpful and eye opening! I was shocked and amazed with the Kindle idea instead of textbooks. Are you really able to download versions of the textbooks to a tablet in substitution of the physical books? It sounds too good (and cost friendly) to be true. Please let me know, and thanks for this amazing list.
Hey Amanda! Yes, you can totally download your textbooks on your Kindle! It’s awesome 🙂
xo,
b
My sister will be a first year this fall, so I will send her this post. It’s really useful and the Honeywell fan is not only for dorms… believe me, I am considering buying this one right now!
You totally should! 🙂
xo,
b
Your articles for college freshmen helped me sooo much. I am really nervous about moving to college, making friends, etc. but I feel a little better now! Thanks!
You’ll do GREAT! 🙂
xo,
b
Did the 3-1 laundry sheets work really good like with stains and all that jazz? Ive just grown up using liquid laundry detergent and simple softener sheets in the dryer, and im picky about that idk why lol i just like my clothes to smell like that cliche fresh laundry smell
p.s. I LOVE your college posts im going to be a a freshman and living on campus in about a month 🙂
Hey Mirinda!
The 3-1 laundry sheets work really well and definitely get stuff out of clothes. They smell AMAZING, too! You should try them. If you don’t like them, you can go back to regular laundry detergent!
xo,
b
Purex laundry have been out of stock for quite a long time. I have looked everyplace for them. Meijer, Walmart home town grocery store. Any idea where we can get these?
Hey Carrie! I think perhaps the laundry pods have all but replaced the laundry sheets. You can, however, buy the Purex Laundry Sheets on Amazon here, though they seem to be very expensive. I have started using Tide Pods…they smell great and are super easy. You should try them out! These are my favorite!
xo,
b
Usually when I read these lists, there’s so much unnecessary stuff on them, or way to expensive things for students like me, who have a tight budget.
But I have to say: this is amazing! Those are exactly the things I would have needed in my first semester, and mostly have bought since
Great ideas for freshmen 🙂
Hey Annabelle! Thank you so much! I really tried to be honest about what you need and what you don’t! I’m so glad you agree. 🙂 Big hugs from Texas!
xo,
b
I love reading things like this because then I can know what to get in the future , and have and idea.
Very nice information thanks