Alright chickadees, I’m back with a vengeance. The swelling’s reducing, the headache’s retreating…a few more days and I’ll be able to put this whole wisdom teeth thing behind me. It’s been one rough ride. From what I hear, getting your wisdom teeth out isn’t usually this bad–I just had a series of bad reactions to first the anesthesia and then the painkillers. If anyone has extractions of their own coming up, my biggest tip is to take Dramamine (the motion sickness drug) with your painkillers. I wish someone had told me that sooner, because I had a couple awfully woozy, nauseous days.
So. Thank goodness that’s almost over. Back to regularly scheduled programming:
A lot of my friends are heading off to college for the first time in a couple weeks, and they’re understandably freaking out. This time last year, I was in Total Panic List Mode. I made pages and pages of lists with the idea that if I could plan the move to college down to a tee, I could take the fear and overwhelm out of the transition. Not so; fear and overwhelm are a completely necessary and unavoidable part of going to college. Looking back at it, they’re actually part of the fun. I over-planned, overpacked, and definitely over-stressed.
On the plus side, I had everything I needed. There are some weird, silly things that you might think are overkill to pack, but I give you my word: at some point in the year you’ll be thanking your lucky stars you threw them in at the last minute. Here’s my list of the fifteen must-haves you didn’t know you needed.
Hey! You should pin me!
1. Water pitcher with filter
Staying hydrated is the #1 easy way to be healthy in college. Drinking lots of water gives you energy, helps with weight management, and boosts your immune system. Unfortunately, water from the drinking fountain doesn’t always taste good…and if you’re drinking a lot of it, you want to know it’s clean. I have this slim pitcher and it’s perfect. It doesn’t take up much room at all, and it makes my water taste so much better.
My suggestion: Brita Slim Water Filter Pitcher, 5-cup, $19.60 on Amazon
2. Bra Balls
Industrial washing machines wreak havoc on delicate lingerie, but you won’t want to hand wash in the dorm bathroom. These are the next best thing–they keep your bras and underwear from being flung around and bent out of shape.
My suggestion: Woolite Bra Wash Bag, $12.99 for two on Amazon
3. A bright desk lamp and extra lightbulbs
I’m sure you already got a desk lamp. But did you get a lightbulb that’s bright enough to study under? There will be plenty of nights your roommate wants to go to bed before you, leaving your desk lamp as the only source of light in the room. Make sure it’s not too dim, or you’ll get headaches squinting at your history reading. Don’t forget to bring a couple spare bulbs in case yours burns out.
My suggestion: KVART Work Lamp, $12.99 at IKEA
4. A second pair of sheets
Someone will cry/vomit/bleed/track mud onto your bed at the least opportune time. If you bring a second pair of sheets–even an inexpensive Target set or a $1 garage sale find–you’ll be able to swap out your linens without doing laundry.
My suggestion: Xhilaration Sheet Set, $12.58 at Target
5. Sewing Kit
Even if you don’t have a wardrobe malfunction–a torn hem or a popped button–someone else will. They’ll walk down the hall asking, “Who has a needle and thread?” and you’ll get to be the cool kid who says, “I do!” You can pick up mini sewing kits in hotel bathrooms for free sometimes. I got mine at a garage sale for a quarter.
My suggestion: look around and get something cheap. Or try the Smooth Trip Unisex Compact Travel Sewing Kit, $6.29 on Amazon.
6. Dry shampoo
Face it: however frequently you want to wash your hair, you’re not going to hit that mark. There are days when you’ll think, “UGH–I need to shower. I can’t believe I didn’t shower.” And then you know what you’ll do that night? You won’t shower. Or you’ll shower, but you won’t have enough time to wash/brush/dry your hair. Take it from someone who knows.
Dry shampoo is my best friend. It soaks up the oil in your hair, making it look bouncy and freshly washed. The best thing about the brand I use is that you can’t overdo it–I’ve used dry shampoo three days in a row before. Am I proud? No, but it worked. Wait til Psst! is on sale and stock up.
My suggestion: Psssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo, $8.73 on Amazon
7. Emergen-C or Airborne
Living in a dorm is like going to preschool: germs are everywhere and there’s no way to avoid getting exposed. Unless you have Superman’s immune system (and I certainly don’t), you’ll eventually get at least a little of whatever’s going around. And a LOT will go around: strep, mono, and the flu passed through my floor a few times each last year. I protected myself as best I could by drinking Emergen-C packets a few times a day as soon as I suspected I was getting sick. Even if you can’t prevent yourself from getting sick, you can often postpone it for a few days or shorten the illness’s duration.
My suggestion: Emergen-C Super Orange 30-count, $13.05 on Amazon
8. An overnight bag and cosmetics case
At some point, you’ll hopefully go on a short trip and will have to pack a couple days’ worth of clothes. Don’t be the kid who packs her stuff in a Walgreens bag (ahem.)
My suggestion: The Twill Weekender, $95, and The Twill Dopp Kit, $35 at Everlane
9. Granola bars
On the days you oversleep and can’t make it to the dining hall for breakfast (um, every day for me), protein-filled granola bars are much healthier and more cost-effective than a muffin from the coffee shop. I order mine in bulk on Amazon.
My suggestion: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Clif Bars, $13.99 for 12 on Amazon
10. A sleep mask
Some nights, your roommate will want to go to bed before you; others, you’ll be the one crashing early. Don’t let her study habits get in the way of your beauty sleep. I have a plain jane fabric mask, but my roommate has this one with molded cups to protect her eyelashes. It’s so handy.
My suggestion: Dream Essentials Sweet Dreams Contoured Sleep Mask, $9.95 on Amazon
11. Comfortable headphones
You’ve heard you need headphones to block out the noise in your dorm or library…but have you heard how much you’ll be wearing them? All. The time. When you’re constantly surrounded by other people, there’s no such thing as a no-distraction environment. Make sure the set you’ve picked out still feels good into hour three (or six, if you’re a design student chained to your laptop.) Mine are excellent and worth the splurge, considering I wear them for about 25% of my life. They fit comfortably over my ears, which I prefer to the on-ear designs–they give me headaches–and they’re lined with a fuzzy material that doesn’t get sticky or sweaty.
My suggestion: Incase Sonic Over-Ear Headphones, $89.99 on Amazon
12. A plant
Everyone agrees: plants are great for your health. They clean the air, they lift the spirits, and above all, caring for a little-bitty living thing is a great stress reducer. Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry. Plenty of options like succulents and cacti require very little care. You can pick up a potted plant (or four) at Trader Joe’s for just a few dollars.
My suggestion: Head to your local stores and check out the options! Trader Joe’s, the Home Depot, IKEA and most grocery stores have decent selections. Image from Bliss Bloom Blog.
13. Extension cords and power strips
My dorm had exactly two power outlets, one on each side. I had a lot more than two things to plug into mine, so I used a system of surge protectors and extension cords to plug in my laptop, phone, lamps, and hair dryer.
My suggestions: Tripp Lite Surge Protector, $8.49 on Amazon, and Axis 3 Outlet White Indoor Extension Cord, 6 Feet, $4.99 on Amazon
14. A big ass bottle of hand sanitizer
Refer to #7: germs are everywhere on a college campus. Protect yourself how you can by keeping your hands clean–put the sanitizer on your dresser and make a habit of using it every time you come in your room. Buying a big bottle like this is a lot more economical than buying a dozen little bottles. You can refill your little bottles from the big bottle.
My suggestion: up & up Hand Sanitizer, $4.59 for 32 oz. at Target
15. A fun random plaything
Break the ice in your dorm by initiating an activity that everyone loves. Think classics: no one can resist a game of Cards Against Humanity or a casual Frisbee toss. Some of my favorite memories of my first year are sitting around in my dorm room with friends playing Taboo, Twister and Apples to Apples.
My suggestions: Cards Against Humanity, $25.00 on Amazon, and Discraft 175 gram Ultra Star Sport Disc, $8.69 on Amazon
So, college students (and graduates): what’d I miss? What couldn’t you have lived without your freshman year?
All images are from the web store I linked to in the item’s description (except for the potted succulent image from Bliss Bloom Blog.)