11 Unexpected Things to Bring to College

Think you’re ready for move-in day? Just don’t forget to have these unexpected things to bring to college.

Packing for college is fun and stressful. You will obviously need to pack your clothes, snacks, backpack, and bedding, but there are some things that you will forget. Yet there are tons of unexpected things to bring to college.

As a freshman, I did not bring the right items and was going to the store every day after moving in. I would discover what was missing and had to run to the nearest store with my roommate.

Don’t as a senior, I can give you all the things I wished I brought.

Unexpected Things To Bring To College:

1. Extended Cord/Surge Protector

College dorms have outlets placed in the weirdest places. You also will want to plug up tons of things. Getting a surge protector with a long extension is the best option. Surge protectors also protect your devices from potential fires and monitor the voltage to prevent voltage spikes.

I recommend this surge protector from General Electric because it has six spots for you to plug stuff in AND also comes in different lengths.

2. Noise Cancelling Headphones or AirPods

You will not believe this…but the library is not quiet. Unless you go up to the top floor, sure, but below most people aren’t studying. You might not even study in the library, such as a coffee shop, where it is nosy. Buy a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds so you can focus.

I am a music nerd. But there are times when I need to zone out and play some music to focus on my homework. I recommend AirPods because they are convenient. They also can connect to any Apple device through Bluetooth. The only downside to AirPods is that they sometimes don’t connect with my device. Also, for the love of God, DO NOT LOSE ONE EARBUD or THE CASE. It’s impossible to find them, especially if they are not connected to wifi.

3. Portable Charger

Imagine you are out with your friends. You are scrolling on Instagram, then your phone is about to die. There are no outlets open. If only you had a portable charger in your bag.

Portable chargers are perfect for students. This is a new unexpected item that you need because portable chargers have just gotten better over the past few years. They also last a while depending on which one you purchase. You should charge the portable charger at night and carry it in your backpack if you plan to be out all day.

Related: Backpack Essentials That You Should Carry At All Times

4. Clothes Refreshing Spray

I’m so grateful that my mother bought me a bottle of Febreze for me when I went to college. It was a lifesaver in my dorm and I didn’t have any money to wash anything. (Gross, I know but I was a freshman. Don’t judge me.)

Anyway, you should buy a bottle of clothes refreshing spray because you will want to refresh a piece of clothing that you barely worn. Laundry is a chore and it can takes hours to wait for a free washer if you don’t have one.

Having a refreshing spray helps you also when your pillows or comforter needs a refresher. Dorms also get so gross. With a refreshing spray, your room can smell fresh and not heavy like with perfume or a potent air freshener.

5. A nice hoodie

Click Here To Buy From Aerie

Everyone needs a nice hood in college. This is one of the best things you need with you.

Aerie has some of the SOFTEST hoodies and t-shirts. If you want to be comfortable, then you should definitely buy a hoodie from Aerie. Half of my closet is from Aerie! I recommend them also because they have a great body-positive message.

Related: 11 of the Best Stores For College Students To Shop At

6. Umbrella

If you do not buy anything else on this list, then please buy yourself this umbrella. Every student needs an umbrella with them when they go on campus. This is often forgotten! Walking around campus without an umbrella is so dangerous, especially if you live in an area where the weather is unpredictable. You never know when it will suddenly start raining. I’m begging you to buy an umbrella if nothing else.

I had to buy an umbrella a day after my first day after moving into my dorm.

Why?

Because Louisiana has the most unpredictable weather on this planet. My roommate and I were walking back to our dorm in the rain with one umbrella carrying our new expensive books. Without that umbrella, our books would have been ruined.

7. Raincoat

The next unexpected thing to bring to college is a raincoat. A simple raincoat like the one above is perfect. I recommend that you wear this every time it rains. Download a local weather app and bring your raincoat!

It is important for you to have a raincoat with you in college. It is unexpected because people think that they can walk out of their dorm with a cotton hoodie in the rain.

No! You will get cold and soaking wet.

With a raincoat, the rain will be repelled off of your jacket. It would be nice to not be soaking wet when walking from class to class.

I also recommend that you carry a poncho for only your backpack, so it won’t be wet.

8. First Aid Kit and Medicine

You may think you might not need a whole first aid kit but you will need it. The same can be same for medicine. Freshmen are KNOWN to get sick during their first semester.

I got sick twice my freshman year!

Make sure you bring with you a First Aid Kit ALONG with Medicine and Vitamins. Germs spread quickly around college campuses. You also are sharing a roommate with someone. You are also touching tons of doors and tables and desks.

Having a first aid kit is also great to have because you don’t know what will happen. I had a heavy barricade land on my foot during a volunteering event during my freshman year. I needed a few band-aids…but my foot was fine. Accidents happen a lot on campus and off-campus. You need to be at least prepared.

9. Pitcher

One of my top recommendations for any student is to invest in a water filter. I had this filter since I was a sophomore but I wish I knew as a freshman to have a water filter. It was so difficult to carry a huge case of water up to my dorm on the highest floor of my complex.

A water pitcher is not only good for saving money but also for the environment. You will be using less plastic. Water pitchers also require you to replace the filter every few weeks to months. Find a way to fit a water pitcher in your fridge! You won’t regret it!

10. Rolling Cart for Storage

This rolling cart is perfect for freshmen in dorms, upperclassmen in apartments, and anyone else.

If I could go back in time, I would have bought a rolling cart for storage. My life has changed ever since I bought one last year!

This is also an excellent storage idea for dorms because you can store your makeup in this cart. (That’s what I do for my bathroom.) You can store so many items in here as well. It can be snacks, toiletries, books, or random items you don’t know where to place!

Also, it is really portable so when you move out, it’s not a huge hassle!

11. File Organizer

The amount of papers and notes you will have during the semester is greatly often unestimated. The papers pile up. It’s nice to be able to organize papers and feel so much relief.

I have file organizers hung next to my desk with papers that have gathered over the years. I recommend labeling each file for a different category.

11 Unexpected Things to Bring to College