Are you a recent high school graduate excited about heading to college? Although the transition from high school to college is a big one, getting organized and preparing with college essentials can ensure a smooth and easy transition. Use our list of college essentials to make sure you don’t forget anything important when heading off to college.
College Essentials Every Student Needs
Packing for your first year of college can be intimidating. Use this college essentials list to plan and pack thoroughly so you can enjoy this very special time.
Clothing and Accessories
Depending on what college you attend, weather and closet space will dictate how you pack. Packing the appropriate clothing will only make your college experience better. Here are a few clothing college essentials that should be on your college essentials list.
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shoes
- Pants
- Belt
- Sweatpants
- Shorts
- Shirts
- Hoodie
- Jackets
- Beanie and hat
- Swimwear
- Gloves and scarf
- Watch
Take your favorite FITS® wool socks to college with a 3 or 6 wool sock pack. Whether you will be attending college in Hawaii, where it's warm, or Ohio, where snow storms are inevitable, you need comfortable socks for your feet. With a wide variety of styles, colors, and thicknesses, you can find the socks you need for college at FITS®.
Toiletries
Before heading to college, many students focus on stocking up on school supplies and dorm room decor. However, it's just as important to make sure you have all the toiletries you need to keep yourself clean and comfortable throughout the semester. Here are a few toiletry college essentials that every college student should pack before heading to campus.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Hair grooming tools
- Razor
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Bathrobe (especially if the shower is down the hall)
- Shower slippers (especially if you’ll be using a community shower)
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
When making your list of college essentials, consider your future living situation. You may not have as much room as you did when you were living at home. So try to keep the number of toiletries that you pack to a minimum. Should you find that there's something you need once you get there, you can purchase it at a local convenience store or ask your parents to send it to you.
Bedding
Dorm room living can be tough, but with the right bedding, it can be comfortable. For starters, you'll want soft and cozy sheets, a throw blanket for those late-night study sessions, and some plush pillows for those times when you just need to relax. With these college essentials, your room will feel like a home away from home.
- Comforter or quilts
- Bed sheets
- Pillows
- Throw blanket
- Bed desktop (for all that studying you’ll be doing)
- Alarm clock (for a good night’s sleep)
Changing beds can be difficult, but lounging in a pair of cozy merino wool socks while studying can make all the difference when living in a new space. Make sure to pack these college essentials to ensure you are as comfortable as you can be.
School Supplies
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today, so it's important to have all your necessary school supplies.
- Backpack or bag
- Planner or calendar
- Laptop or tablet
- Mouse
- Flash drive
- Pens and pencils
- Highlighters
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Binders
- Sticky notes
- Book tabs
- Calculator
- Note cards
Finally, don't forget to pack your positive attitude, sense of humor, and hard work ethic. College can be challenging at times, but it's also a lot of fun. And if you remember to bring these college essentials with you, you'll be well on your way to having a great time!