After four years of high school, you’re finally ready to embark on your next big adventure. But before you begin the next chapter of your life, you still need to get over the overwhelming hurdle of packing for college. The best way to distract yourself from first-day jitters is by getting prepared for the first day.
Preparation is crucial to an efficient stress-free move into your dorm room or off-campus house. From bed sheets and backpacks to first aid kits and cleaning supplies, we all know the usual essentials that freshman students should be bringing to college, but it’s hard to think of everything. Luckily, that’s where we come in. Here is a list of unexpected necessities that you’ll want to add to your packing list if you haven’t already. Ready to ace the monumental move-in day? Let’s get shopping!
Budget-Friendly College Student Tips
Shopping Extensions
Before we jump into our list of college necessities, here are some easy tips and tricks to cut down on college costs. First of all, no one wants to spend more money on college essentials than they already have to. Luckily, there are many browsers and apps that do the hard work of finding competitive discounts and deals for you, like Capital One Shopping. Capital One Shopping directs you towards stores with the lowest price points and also provides you with coupon codes.
Scholarships
Landing a college scholarship is another great way to make some extra money on the side. The best part: even students who have already been accepted to a college or university are eligible for certain scholarships. Of the thousands of scholarships available online, there are a select few that are easy, no-essay scholarships. These applications can be filled out in a matter of minutes and can help you score some major dough.
Computer Surge Protectors
Picture this: you are on the last sentence of a long essay only to have a power surge fry your computer. Now have to stay up all night to re-do it. For every college student who has experienced this, our hearts go out to you. But this experience is certainly preventable. All you need is one magical device: a PC surge protector.
Power outages can strike any time, even without a storm – so these inexpensive, multipurpose devices are a wise investment worth making. PC surge protectors also double as extension cords and power strips. You won’t know how many outlets your dorm room has until you arrive on campus, so this very well might come in handy.
Weighted Blankets
Despite what we see in TV shows and movies, college isn’t all parties and tail-gating. It can be difficult balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and socializing, which leaves the average college kid stressed out and sleep-deprived. Lack of sleep hinders not only academic success but also impacts emotional well-being.
From meditating to watching a relaxing movie, there are many ways for college students to relax and unwind. One simple and affordable solution to student sleep deprivation are weighted blankets. Both functional and affordable, these stress-reducing, self-care blankets help students sleep better and feel better. The pressure applied to your body from a weighted blanket feels like being wrapped in a comforting hug, which is the perfect cure for when homesickness hits hard.
Wedge Pillows
Are you a snorer? If so, this probably didn’t make much of a difference when you were living at home with a room all to yourself. But if your roommate happens to be a light sleeper, this might cause some tension down the line. Rest assured, we happen to know the best weapon to combat your snoring: wedge pillows.
Wedge pillows are designed to elevate your head at just the right angle, which research suggests will help with your nightly snoring struggles. The best part about wedge pillows is they are also cushiony and supportive. Not only will these pillows benefit your roommate, but they will also help you get blissful nights of shut-eye.
Glass Top Stove Cookware
Leaving home also means saying goodbye to delicious home cooked meals. While dining hall food is convenient, it’s not available 24 hours a day. When you need sustenance to help you power through an all-nighter, you’ll need to make sure you have all the right kitchen tools.
With their sleek, stainless steel appearance and fingerprint resistance, glass top stoves are becoming more and more popular. However, when it comes to pots and pans that can be used on glass top stoves, there are some restrictions. This glass-top stove cookware will allow you to simmer and sauté your heart away, and also avoid being hit with a pricey damage fee.
Pull Through Knife Sharpener
Cutlery is a must-have for any college kitchen, and nothing is more essential than a good paring knife. Whether you are slicing up fruit for an afternoon snack or cutting up cheese for a wine night with friends, having a reliable knife handy is a must.
Surprisingly, more accidents happen in the kitchen from dull knives than sharp ones. Pull through knife sharpeners are an easy-to-use, affordable way to keep your knives razor-sharp, while also keeping kitchen disasters to a minimum.
Mattress Topper
Saying goodbye to your childhood home also means saying goodbye to your comfy mattress. Unfortunately, dorm mattresses tend to be old, lumpy, and a little cramped – expect to show up on your first day with a twin XL bed waiting for you (sorry, freshman!). However, there are inexpensive ways to make your dorm bed feel more like home.
Rather than purchasing a pricey new mattress, a mattress topper is a quick and easy solution to an uncomfortable bed. These mattress toppers will provide cloud-like and cushiony support to make snoozing so much sweeter.
