Make sure your college student doesn’t leave home without these essentials.
Pack Wisely
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.
1-Cup Measuring Cup
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.
Dish Soap
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).
Business Casual Attire
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.
Semi-Formal Attire
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.
Rain Gear
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.
Cold Gear
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.
Wrinkle Remover Spray
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.
Stain-Removing or Bleach Pens
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.
Drying Rack
A foldable rack doesn't take up much space and is an efficient way of drying delicates in the privacy of a dorm room.
Extra Blanket
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.
Mattress Pad
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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