12 Surprising Items to Pack For College

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.