12 Surprising Items to Pack For College

By Victoria Mechler
Updated June 25, 2018
 Burcu Avsar

Make sure your college student doesn’t leave home without these essentials.

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Pack Wisely

Jonelle Weaver

There's bound to be something you can't find on campus when you really need it. Ease Mom’s mind knowing you're ready to start the semester with everything you’ll need for living, studying, and feeling right at home. Here, a dozen items that never seem to make the to-pack list.


Need more college prep? Use this interactive checklist to make sure you have all of the dorm essentials. Plus, see which dorm cleaning supplies you'll really use, and what you don't need to bring to college.

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1-Cup Measuring Cup

Walter B. McKenzie/Getty Images

Cooking in a cramped dorm room can be challenging, but having the right tools can make mealtime prep easier. A measuring cup will also come in handy for boiling water in the winter for tea or hot cocoa.

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Dish Soap

Steve Outram/Getty Images

After just one week at school, it'll seem like all of your dishes are in need of a rinsing. Sigh. Having a small bottle of dish soap in a room will make the dirty work a little easier (and more likely to happen).

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Business Casual Attire

zara.com

Class presentations, job fairs, interviews, oh my! There are a number of reasons and occasions that will require a student to break out the pencil skirt or tie.

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Semi-Formal Attire

Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

Even if you don’t go Greek or join a professional society, colleges often host events throughout the year that call for more than jeans and t-shirt. Packing at least one dress or suit is a smart idea because searching for the perfect look the day before the event is no fun at all.

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Rain Gear

Steve Wisbauer/Getty Images

Unfortunately classes do not stop due to rain and, when the weather gets rough, an umbrella just won't cut it. Pack a rain jacket with a hood (if you dare) and wellies, which can be worn year-round.

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Cold Gear

Paul Tearle/Getty Images

Be prepared for snow or just reallly cold temperatures. Pack a pair–or two–of gloves, a scarf, and a hat that actually covers the ears.

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Wrinkle Remover Spray

DAJ/Getty Images

Refuse to sacrifice space for the iron and ironing board? Fair enough. Pack a bottle of wrinkle remover spray, which will come in handy on those hectic mornings.

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Stain-Removing or Bleach Pens

Bob Hiemstra

Since dirty or stained clothing often hits the hamper (and stays there for a bit), having a tool to tackle immediate spots will save soiled garments.

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Drying Rack

Peter Lamastro

A foldable rack doesn't take up much space and is an efficient way of drying delicates in the privacy of a dorm room.

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Extra Blanket

  Francesco Mosto

Whether tossed on the bed for extra warmth or spread out on the dorm room floor for a soft cushion, this extra layer will come in handy often.

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Mattress Pad

Charles D Winters/Getty Images

There's no telling how comfy (or hard!) the bed-to-be will be, so it's definitely worth being prepared by bringing a mattress pad, memory foam, or egg crate.

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Stamps and Stationery

Gemma Comas and James Merrell

Stashing a book of stamps and some blank note cards in a spare desk drawer will come in handy when least expected like sending a thank you note for a job interview or birthday gift.

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