At the beginning of my freshman year, I realized that so many of the items I truly needed at school were never mentioned in the typical college packing checklists. I started compiling a list for my best friends still in high school of all the items I didn’t know I’d need but ended up really relying on.

Honey

No one expects to be sick for the entirety of their first semester, but unfortunately, that was my reality—and it may be yours too. A container of honey can go a long way. It’s soothing for sore throats and serves as a sweetener when you want a cup of tea

Sugar

I impulse purchased a container of sugar-free syrup on a whim, thinking I’d never use it—and now it’s almost empty. Whether you prefer a low-calorie option or just want plain sugar, a small container in your room can be a surprisingly useful staple.

Also, if you don’t want to shop online, I saw tons of options at Marshalls.

Alexa

I love smart devices in general, but the Alexa in my room is used all the time by me and my roommate. Running late for classes and wondering what the weather is, hanging with your friends and wanting to play a game, playing music while cleaning your room. 

There are so many uses and for me, it was fairly easy to set up. At first I was worried about connecting it to the school Wifi, but at my university, all I had to do was enter the MAC address to a website and it was all done. 

Also if you’re trying to save money and think an Alexa is out of budget, try and look again during Amazon Prime day. I bought most of my stuff that weekend and it saved me a ton of money. 

Electric Blanket

I am always cold, and the winters anywhere in the north are going to be similar. But my roommate on the other hand ran hot making this a slight issue for both of us. 

At night the fans were on and the windows were open which left me chilly. A quick way to end your suffering is by plugging in an electric blanket. It kept me warm and my roommate happy, a win-win. 

Coloring book

Toward the end of my second semester, I bought a coloring book and found it to be an amazing stress reliever—especially during finals. If you don’t have free printing at school, consider buying a full book and your favorite coloring tools. 

I opted for the classic crayons and markers.  If you get colored pencils, don’t forget a sharpener. 

College is full of surprises, and no matter how much you research, there is going to be something you forget. If you have any unexpected essentials feel free to put it in the comments and if you want more, let me know! I hope this list helps you settle in smoother.

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