There’s nothing quite like moving away from home for college. The excitement. The anticipation. The absolute dread of having to pack up all your stuff and haul it somewhere new. Yep, packing. It’s probably the worst job you’ll face before you spread your wings and go it alone on your college adventure. But with so much to do, where do you start?
Well, never fear! We’ve got the lowdown on must-have essentials to help you survive your first semester away from home. So let’s get into it.
The Stuff That Makes You Tick
Now you might be steadfast in the idea that you’ll never miss any of your stuff from home. But in the first few weeks, they’re the things that’ll get you through homesickness. “I’ll never get homesick,” “I can’t wait to get as far away from home as possible,” we’ve all said it. And while you might be excited to get a bit of freedom, you will miss your creature comforts.
Pack up a few things that you really love first. Maybe it’s your favorite poster, a cuddly toy from your childhood, or pictures of your family and friends. These few things will make your new place feel like home. But don’t go mad. You don’t want to take up all the space and start on the wrong foot with your new roomie.
Then get the essentials. Toiletries, medication, clothing, and the like. Don’t do the bare minimum, either. Include some extras like fancy skincare or a Dossier perfumer inspired by Blooming Bouquet Dior perfume. These add-ons will help you settle in and feel like yourself.
The Home Away From Home
Now you’ve got the stuff for yourself; you need things for your room. Think home away from home. Maximizing your dorm room is all about making it feel comfortable while still ticking all the functional boxes. Here’s a quick list to get you started:
- Bedding and pillows, including multiple covers to switch out when the ones you’re using are past their best.
- Extra lamps and lighting options so you can actually see when you need to pull an all-nighter.
- Decorations that take the room from a blank space into somewhere you can call your own.
- Storage solutions like boxes, hampers, and bags. Trust us, you’re gonna need them.
The Tools For Success
From the first day of college and on, the first semester can feel like one big party. You’re meeting people, going out, having fun. Schoolwork will feel far away. And most likely, it’ll take a back seat. But there’ll come a time when you remember why you’re spending so much on further education and want to get your head down. You’re gonna need supplies to do it.
Get your essentials down: textbooks, notepads, pens, pencils, highlighters, a laptop, and an internet connection. Then nail down specifics for your course. Art majors will need extra supplies to succeed. And writers will go through notebooks like no tomorrow. Include a calendar and sticky notes. They’ll help you get on top of assignments and stay ahead of the game.
The Everyday Bits And Bobs
We all need to eat. And even if you’re using campus options for your five a day, you’ll need some utensils to get you by. Because the campus dining room won’t be open 24 hours. And who knows when the need for snacks will strike?
Here are some suggestions that’ll make your college life more comfortable:
- A mini fridge.
- A microwave.
- A kettle and toaster.
- Utensils, including knives, forks, spoons, spatulas, a grater, etc.
- Reusable water bottles.
- Fast food like noodles and soup.
The Added Extras
The physical, mental, and emotional toll of going off to college for the first time is often underrated. But it’s totally normal to have a tough time. Especially when you’re still trying to find your feet. So an added must-have extra for your essentials list is health and wellness items that’ll make your time just generally nicer.
We’re talking books to escape into, small weights for a bit of exercise, music perfect for dancing too, and journals to get worries out of your head. These little things will go a long way to make your time more comfortable. They’ll keep you sane and ensure you’re making your well-being a top priority.
Final Thoughts
Your first semester at college is a rollercoaster ride. There are people to meet, classes to attend, and work to do. But you can improve your time there with these must-have essentials. So don’t dread packing. Instead, use it to get excited about your upcoming adventure. And ensure you’re taking everything that’ll make your college life a breeze.
If you’re college-bound this year, get packing, and good luck!
