It doesn’t matter how many lists you’ve written, how many Pinterest dorm inspo boards you’ve saved, or how many freshman TikToks you’ve watched… chances are, you will forget to bring some things to college. But don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of things you may have forgotten to write down on your back-to-school move-in list.
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1. Water Bottle
Maybe you were used to having plastic water bottles around or a sink with quick access at home. At college, it may not be the same case. Not only are plastic water bottles wasteful, but they’re also small and often aren’t enough to get you through a couple of classes in a row. Especially if you don’t have a car and don’t want to be carrying cases of plastic water bottles up and down stairs to your dorm, we highly recommend adding a reusable water bottle around 20-30oz to your list.
Good pick: Simple Modern 40 oz Tumbler
2. Dish Cleaning Brushes
On the topic of reusable water bottles, a common college mistake we see all the time is students not cleaning their water bottles frequently enough. Add a water bottle brush and straw brush to your move-in list. Keeping clean is a great way to prevent any avoidable sicknesses while at school.
Our pick: Scotch-Brite Dishwand
3. School Supplies
This one might seem silly… you’re going to school… how could you forget school supplies? Think specifically (past the generic computer, pen, and notebook) what you will want and need for your classes. Are you taking any art classes? Do you need to add brushes and paint to your move-in list? Some professors will require #2 pencils for taking scantron exams. Think to yourself personally about how you study best. Maybe you’ll want notecards and colorful highlighters.
If your syllabi are able to be viewed before moving in, check them out and see if they list any required supplies. Thankfully these items are easy to find on most college campuses or are a quick Amazon Prime order away.
4. Tupperware & Chip Clips
Even if you have a meal plan we recommend bringing some Tupperware containers for leftovers. They could come in handy if you have leftover food from takeout. Reusable containers will also come in handy if your dorm has a shared kitchen and you want to bake or cook something. Also, add chip clips to your move-in list because you’re sure to have snacks in your dorm and you don’t want them to go stale.
Chip Clip Pick: Jetmore 10 Pack Chip Clips
Life Hack:
Bring a pack of binder clips with you and use them as chip clips! They clamp super tight and are multipurpose. Need to hold a packet of paper together? Check! Need to close off a bag of potato chips before they go stale? Check!
5. Drying Rack
This may come as a surprise, but not all clothes should be put in the dryer. I know it might be easier, but you may end up shrinking your favorite pair of pants or best dress. Invest in a drying rack. Check your tags to see what can be put in the dryer and what should be hung to air dry.
Our Pick: Honey Can Do Oversize Collapsible Drying Rack
6. HDMI Cord
If you’ve never owned an HDMI cord before it might not seem like a necessity for college. But this can come in handy if you’re trying to stream something on a TV that isn’t a smart TV. Some colleges have communal TVs to be used for presentations and for studying in a group, many of which require an HDMI cord connection.
Try this: PowerBear 4K HDMI 10ft Cable
7. Mattress Topper
And last but certainly not least… a mattress topper. Hopefully, this is already at the top of your list. But just in case it’s not, we’re here to tell you that you need a mattress topper. Dorm mattresses are… well… less than comfortable.
Our Pick: Drovan Mattress Topper with Extra Thick Mattress Pad Cover
If you found these tips helpful and want more expert advice on college life, admissions, and everything in between, visit College Raptor today.
