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The most unexpected things to bring to college no one tells you about. Learn from my mistake and make sure to pack these super important college items.
Summer is officially over, and it’s time to start packing for college. Packing for college can be SO overwhelming, especially when searching through college packing lists that are a mile long. As someone who is a true overplanner, I truly thought I had everything covered when I first moved into my dorm.
But once I got there? Boy, was I wrong. There were SO many unexpected things to bring to college that I wish I had packed.
These lifesaving and insanely useful items never make the top of the college essentials list, but truly make allll the difference!
I read endless amounts of college packing lists, but still ended up with a few mistakes that cost me comfort and convenience. You can learn from my mistakes! This list does not include the obvious essentials, but the “I wish I had known” essentials that ultimately saved me as soon as I got them.
Don’t tape up your college packing boxes just yet; scroll through this list of unexpected things to bring to college.
Make sure you don’t miss out on these items you’ll use every single day. Trust me, your future college self will thank you.
This post is all about unexpected and useful things to bring to college.
Unexpected Things to Bring To College
1. Steamer
If I am being honest, I rarely iron my clothes. Lol! But trust me, you’ll wish you had this steamer sooner. When I went for my first interview while on campus, I was a tad bit embarrassed because my clothes were wrinkled. Ugh. I immediately went to my dorm room and purchased one on Amazon!
Avoid this mistake; you’ll occasionally have interviews and/or social events that require you to be put together and wrinkle-free.
I decided to purchase a steamer, rather than an iron, because it is so much more convenient, great for small dorms, and faster to use than a traditional iron.
Not to mention, I did not want to store a huge ironing board in my dorm.
2. Professional Outfit Pieces
Speaking of interviews and social events on campus, add professional outfits to your college packing list.
I am not sure what got into me, especially as an over planner and packer, but it totally slipped my mind to bring professional clothing pieces.
Also, just a heads up, some professors will require you to dress business casual when doing a presentation, etc.
You don’t have to overpack; just grab a couple of professional outfit pieces, just in case.
3. Grocery Cart
Why did none of the mile-long college packing lists tell me to bring a grocery cart?!
A foldable grocery cart is the ultimate lifesaver in college. This grocery cart made grocery runs so much easier and less painful on my little arms. LOL!
After my first grocery trip and carrying bags down the block, it got old so fast. It’s one of those college items that makes you feel like you got your sh”t together.
Seriously, it’s a life-saving college must-have that’s affordable and saves multiple trips!
4. Mattress Topper
The first few nights sleeping in my dorm bed were terrible, let me tell you! I instantly regretted not bringing a mattress topper.
Most dorm room mattresses are thin and uncomfortable. Having a thick mattress topper will make your bed so cozy and luxurious.
After buying a mattress topper, those sleepless nights turned into restful nights. Not to scare you, but you’ll have some long nights from studying and/or partying, lol! So, go to sleep in comfort!
5. Mattress Protector
Speaking of mattresses and comfort, make sure you protect your mattress. If I am being honest, I am a germ freak, and the thought of someone else having slept on the same mattress makes me itch. LOL!
A mattress protector gives you that layer of protection and peace of mind.
Unlike a mattress topper, which is designed for comfort and support, a mattress protector is designed to provide a shield to protect the mattress from spills, stains, and general wear and tear.
I truly believe every college student should have one, and you won’t regret it.
6. Cozy Plushed Bath Wrap
Regardless of whether you have a shared bathroom with only your roommate (lucky you) or use a community bathroom, one thing I totally forgot to bring is a bathroom wrap.
Wrapping a towel around my body was fine until I discovered the bath wrap! There are so many items in your hand when heading back to your room, and trying to keep a towel in place is difficult.
It’s better than the traditional towel wrap, because it not only keeps you cozy after a bath or shower, but it’s adjustable and secure to keep you wrapped while walking the dorm halls without worrying about a slip (which actually caused me to get one, ops, lol).
7. College Shower Caddy
“Fingers crossed* you’ve already added this to your college essentials list. You will literally use a shower caddy every single day!
There are so many bathing items you’ll need to juggle to and from the bathroom, you don’t want to be mid-shower and realize you forgot your bath wash. (It’s happened to me a few times.)
8. Bed Rest Pillow
I can confidently say you will thank yourself for bringing this college essential, a bed rest pillow!
Dorm room beds being uncomfortable? Problem solved, because this cozy bed rest pillow will turn your bed into a cozy lounge spot.
A bed rest pillow is honestly a must-have for your college dorm room. You’ll be doing SO much from your bed: scrolling TikTok, watching Netflix, studying, and the list goes on. So, making sure you have good back support makes all the difference.
It’s one of those college items you didn’t realize you needed until you have it and now can’t live without it. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer for both comfort and function.
9. College Desk Organization
I truly believe the reason I was an A student in college (moment to brag) is my organizational skills! From my calendar, even down to college dorm organization, it set me up for success!
According to B&SC, “staying organized and keeping your space clean can help you become a successful student. It can increase your concentration and productivity, allowing you to get more done and stay on track. Taking the time to get organized will save you time in the long run, as a tidy desk will allow you to find what you need when you need it.”
Make sure you grab this must-have college item to keep your desk drawers organized and tidy!
10. Stool And/Or Ottoman
Believe it or not, you’ll use this way more than you think! If you plan on raising or lofting your bed, don’t forget to bring a small stool, especially if you’re short, like me.
I was struggling to reach my bed for months before I decided to purchase a stool. I had had enough of falling too many times trying to get into my dorm bed, so this purchase was necessary! Grab one now so you don’t have to worry about it later.
If I were to do this over again, I would likely recommend an ottoman. That way, you’re getting dorm room style, extra storage, and seating!
11. College Mini Fridge Caddy
Most college dorms are small, making it crucial to find the best ways to maximize space. Dormco agrees, “Mini fridge storage is a smart way to take advantage of every inch of available storage in your small dorm room.”
I didn’t purchase this genius dorm room storage item, but I am so thankful my roommate did!
You can use your mini storage caddies for plates, silverware, snacks, and so much more! I appreciate my roommate for thinking of this clever idea.
12. Rain Boots
Walking miles to class in rain or snow is rough. After my first encounter with a rainy day, while walking to class, I had to grab a pair of rain boots. Keep your feet dry while being in style with these adorable rain boots.
13. Speaker
Do you enjoy listening to music? My roommate and I totally forgot to get a Bluetooth speaker. It’s perfect for getting dressed before games, partying, and just a chill night in. I currently have this Bluetooth speaker and I am obsessed with it. It’ll be perfect for a dorm room, and the battery life is amazinggg.
14. Locking Storage Box
This is likely one of the most missed college essentials. There are so many dorm room thefts you would not believe it. Make sure you protect yourself and your items with this locking storage box.
15. First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, and I am so clumsy. I’ve cut my finger a time or two cutting apples, etc., in my dorm room and had to run downstairs to the front desk to get medical supplies. Feeling as if the front desk was tired of me, lol, I purchased a first aid kit. Don’t forget yours!
I did a ton of planning before moving into my dorm room my freshman year of college, and I still felt like I was not prepared. Bringing these lifesaving and frequently used items to college will make your life so much easier.
You have to tell me if any of these items were on your college packing list.
This post was all about unexpected things to bring to college.