When it comes to college move-in, I came, I saw, and I did not conquer. Arriving at my new university in late August, I kept reassuring myself that I had everything I needed; I had more than enough clothes, I had all the toiletries you can name, and I had random, useless knick-knacks. While I did nail most of my checklist, I did forget a few key necessities. Now that I’m settled at school, I’m here to tell you the things you absolutely need, and what I forgot from the POV of a freshman.
Dress Your Best
If you think you have enough, you don’t. I packed about fifteen going out tops for dinners, parties, and events, and I’ve already gone through the full rotation multiple times. Besides swapping closets with your roommate, I recommend shopping high quality basics that you can style in many different ways for nights out.
Alden Bodysuit
$24
Dreaming Top
$48
Keep It Cozy
This sounds like common sense, but I forgot to bring slippers, and I had to hit Next Day Shipping for some by the second day of college. You don’t want to wear your sneakers for a trip to the bathroom or dining hall. There’s also nothing wrong with dressing down (in a cute way, of course). It’s college, keep it cozy.
Women's Fuzzy Slippers
Available in Beige, Black, Burgundy, Grey, Leopard, Pink, Purple, Camel, Coffee. $20
Cozy Fleece Perfect Hoodie
Available in 32 colors. $70
Cozy Fleece Boyfriend Basic Sweatpant
Available in 21 colors. $70
Don't Sweat It
Regardless of what you think, you’re going to sweat … a lot. Especially if you’re going out for the night, it’s key to stock up on products that will stay on through anything. Don’t let the star of the show get messed up in some frat basement; do yourself a favor and invest in a good setting spray.
Hydro Grip Setting + Refreshing Spray
$36
Resting Boss Face Waterproof Setting Spray
$33
Stay Fresh
As clean as it may be, your dorm will probably smell bad, weird, or just musty at some point. Keep things fresh and receive compliments from your hallmates by buying an air freshener. There’s nothing like coming back to rest in your shoebox-sized dorm that doesn’t actually smell like shoes.
Room Freshener
$6
Reed Diffuser
$58
It’s easy to forget basics that will make a huge change to your college experience, and as a college freshman, I definitely forgot some. To be honest, I’ll probably be buying stuff I forgot up until the end of the school year. For now, these essentials should elevate your college experience until the next necessary Amazon purchase.
Featured Image via Aritzia, Nest, Amazon. Design by Her Campus Media.
