In 2020, 19.4 million people attended college. Are you getting ready to head off to college? If you’re a smart student, you know there are a few things you need to do to prepare.

College is one of the most memorable times in a person’s life. It also comes with responsibility, and there are a few college essentials you don’t want to leave off your college packing list. The education industry isn’t going to get this stuff for you.

But there’s no need to get anxious. Here is the only college checklist you’ll ever need to succeed.

Bedding

Colleges are only going to provide the mattress. It’s your job to bring the bedding.

You should bring a couple of sheets, a comforter, as many pillows as you need for comfort and an extra blanket for colder nights.

Clothing

Bring a reasonable amount of clothing, including warmer clothes, if headed somewhere with a cold climate. However, there are some clothing items that college students often don’t think about that you should also pack.

For example, you should pack a suit or professional outfit for career fairs. Remember, you are ultimately on the path toward a job, and you should be ready to dress to impress. Also, bring formal clothes for campus events.

Toiletries

You’ll need these items to maintain good hygiene for your’s and your roommate’s sake. These include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream or gel, a razor, hair care products, body wash, shampoo, etc. Items such as nail clippers and tweezers are also a must.

Flip Flops

You’ll be sharing a shower with at least one other person, and there are a variety of bacteria that can be shared via feet. Gross as that may be, it is true. Don’t go into the shower with bare feet.

Hangers

Your dorm should have a closet, and you should utilize the space. You can only cram so much into a dresser, and you don’t want to live out of your suitcase. Bring as many hangers as you can.

First Aid Kit

Every headache, scrape, or scratch shouldn’t merit a trip to the campus health service, nor should it require a walk to the drug store. Have first aid items on hand such as ointment, bandaids, aspirin, etc.

Umbrella

This is another commonly forgotten item and one that you’ll regret not packing when the weather takes a bad turn. The class was not canceled during the rain in high school, and it won’t be canceled in college. Keep yourself dry and bring an umbrella.

Flash Drive or External Hard Drive

You likely don’t need to be told you need a laptop. But you may need to be reminded to bring a flash drive along.

You should store documents on a drive to clean your laptop’s memory a little. You also may need it for transporting term papers in case of a power outage.

Extra Cash

You can’t go without snacks, toiletries, washer and dryer fees, etc. Plus you’ll want to go out with friends occasionally. You’ll need some extra spending money to do that.

If you have a collection of old books that looks valuable, consider a book donation to Cash For Your Books. Their appraisers will look at your collection and see if it’s worth anything. This could be a great way to get a little extra money for shopping needs.

Your College Essentials Checklist

This college essentials checklist should cover all of your major needs. Start looking into these essentials, pack accordingly, and get ready for an exciting new phase in your life.

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