Unexpected Things to Bring to College
Of course, there are the typical must-have college dorm room essentials, like a comforter, a bathrobe, and a reading light…but what about the less common things that you’ll need for college?
This guide is all about Unexpected Things to Bring to College this Year.
You’ll be thankful you didn’t forget these college must-haves!
Trust me…you’ll be SO glad you remembered to bring these with you! 😊
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In this article:
25 Unexpected Things to Bring to College
Have an AWESOME school year! HELLO, college!
1. Air Purifier
Air Purifier
You never know how often college dorm rooms change their A/C filters. Get an air purifier to clean the air. It will also help with allergies!
2. Handheld Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Vacuum
Tiny places get dirty quickly. A vacuum will become handier than you’d expect!
3. White Board
Whiteboard Set
Have a whiteboard outside your college dorm room door.
Your roommate can write you fun notes and you can leave fun comments for your friends, like, “TGIF! Happy Friday!”
4. Party Supplies and Costumes
Photo by Sophia Lee
Can someone say frat and sorority-themed parties? You’ll want to have fun glitter and costumes on hand to avoid a last-minute scramble.
5. Pepper Spray
Pepper Spray
Every woman should have pepper spray. Keep it with you just in case.
6. Unexpected Things to Bring to College: Hot Water Heater
Hot Water Heater for College Dorms
If you have room, go ahead and get a microwave and a coffee maker.
If not, a hot water heater with instant coffee will do the trick when you need a caffeine boost or a late-night tea to help you sleep.
7. Command Hooks
Command Hooks
Whether you are hanging fairy lights to decorate your college dorm room or need an extra place to hang your coat and sweatshirt, command hooks are your solution.
8. Reading Light for Night
Reading Light
You’ll want a desk lamp of course, but a small reading light at night will be appreciated by your roommate.
9. Fan
Lasko Fan
If you get hot at night, get a small fan to keep you cool. A cooling mattress pad will help too.
10. Rainboots, Umbrella, and Rain Jacket
Rainboots + Raincoat
Be prepared for any rainy day and look cute too!
11. First Aid Kit and DIY Medicine
First Aid Kid
You never know when you may get sick or need an Advil. You will be a life-saver too if a friend needs a last-minute band aide.
Pack medicine too.
12. Noise Canceling AirPods
Apple AirPods Pro
AirPods are GREAT for listening to music while studying, heading out for a quick run, OR blocking out noise at night!
13. Mini Steamer
Hilife Steamer for Clothes
An ironing board is hard to fit in a small dorm room, but a mini steamer will do the trick!
14. Cute PJs & Slippers
Satin Pajama Set by Serendelicacy
You never know who you may run into in the hallway at night! I LOVE these pajamas and this pair of cute slippers.
Soft Slippers
15. Power Strip
Surge Protector Power Strip with USB
You may have limited outlets in your dorm room.
Useful Dorm Room Items that You May Forget to Pack
You may easily forget to pack these college dorm room ideas. They are also unexpected things to bring to college that will be most useful.
16. Photo Display Grid
Photo Display Grid
Hang up photos of family and college friends with a fun and easy-to-hang photo display.
17. Jewelry Hanger
Jewelry Hanger
A jewelry hanger is beautiful AND makes it easy to choose what to wear each morning.
18. Desk Bookshelf
Useful Bookshelf!
Get a bookshelf for above your desk and show then add photos and decorative items.
19. Alarm Clock with Reading Light
Hatch Restore Alarm Clock
This cute alarm clock is attractive and also doubles as a smart reading light.
20. Vanity Mirror
Vanity Mirror
A mirror will make it easy to apply makeup in your dorm room vs. going to the bathroom.
21. Shower Caddy
Cute and Practical!
You’ll likely need a shower caddy to carry your shampoo, razor, and soap into the shower daily!
22. Stain Remover Stick
So Handy and Useful!
A stain remover is always handy to have around!
23. Velvet Hangers
Essential for Small Closets!
You can get plastic hangers at Target, but velvet hangers take up much less room!
24. Rubber Sandals for the Shower
A Must-Have!
You never know what feet problems people may have. Wear flip-flops or rubber sandals in the showers for college.
25. Full-Length Mirror with Storage
So Useful!
Target has many affordable $10 mirrors that go over college dorm room doors, but a mirror doubling as storage is an added bonus!
What Do People Often Forget to Bring to College?
In addition to a power cord, velvet hangers, shower shoes, costume accessories, and a reading light, other items that people often forget to bring to college include a bathrobe, a trash can, food storage containers, and earplugs.
What Is Something Every College Student Needs?
There are dozens of college packing lists out there, but a few must-have essentials that every college student needs include laundry supplies (a hamper and laundry detergent), hangers, a backpack or a bag for carrying books, a laptop, twin XL sheets for bedding, towel and washcloths, shower shoes, a shower caddy, and a mattress pad (to make the bed more comfortable).
What Are Fun Things to Bring to College?
If you want to pack some fun things to bring to college, consider packing a white board (so your neighbors can write notes on your dorm room door, or so that you can write your roommate fun notes), costume accessories, fairy lights (for decorating your dorm room), board games or card games (like Cards Against Humanity), soft and fluffy throw pillows, and a big, fluffy bathrobe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are so many college necessities that you won't want to forget to bring with you to college! Some of the top unexpected things to bring to college include a handheld vacuum, an air cleaner, pepper spray, and costume party accessories.
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15 Unexpected Things to Pack for College
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