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It may feel too early, but for college students [and parents of them], it’s key season for back-to-school shopping. While the massive shopping trip for new bedding, storage bins, and a shower caddy may be complete, there’s always that nagging feeling that you’re forgetting to buy or pack something super important. We’ve scoured the edges of the internet and watched a bunch of TikTok videos to round up some of the most forgotten college essentials.
- A trash can. And don’t forget the trash bags. If your room has an attached bathroom, make sure to bring a mini one too.
- Multi-outlet extension cord. Dorm rooms are notoriously short on outlets.
- Laundry supplies. If you or your campus is environmentally conscious, consider an eco-friendly powdered detergent like Ingredients Matter Laundry Soap and some wool dryer balls instead of laundry sheets.
- Silverware and a few dishes (plus a scrubber to wash them). After all, you won’t be eating every meal in the cafeteria, and midnight ramen really isn’t finger food.
- Ear plugs. While noise-canceling headphones are great for studying and playing video games, sleeping in them can be challenging. These Loop sleeping earplugs are a great solution.
- A fan. Multi-purpose! Drown out those noises down the hall, cool off your 1970s dorm room, or blow some wrinkles out of the only button-down shirt you packed.
- Grooming kit. A travel-size one could be perfect, complete with a nail file, tweezers, fingernail clipper, and tiny scissors; you’ll be surprised how often this comes in handy.
- Hanging shoe organizers. One for your shoes, one for all the other little things you need to store (honestly, these can make great mini pantries too).
- A medical kit. Over-the-counter must-haves like ibuprofen and Tylenol, Band-Aids, and an ice pack- will save you a few trips to the neighborhood drug store.
- An easy-to-store, easy-to-pack laundry tote. This heavy-duty canvas bag can be thrown over the shoulder for easy lugging down the hall or to your parent’s house on the weekend.
