This post is all about 36 things I regret not bringing with me to college.
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Because there is so much stuff to pack for college it can be really easy to forget some important items. If you’re an incoming college freshman or returning college student, read this post about the 35 things I regret not bringing to college and learn from my mistakes. I promise this post will make packing a lot easier for you.
To make packing even easier for you, I went through my dorm room and put together a list of absolutely everything you will actually get use out of in college. You can check out and print yourself a free copy of the detailed list here: The Ultimate College Packing List For Girls
Want a Free 2023 College Packing List For Girls? It will make college packing so much easier!
36 Things I Regret Not Bringing With Me to College:
1. Better Mattress Topper
If you’re getting ready for college, your dorm bed will feel so much more comfortable with a quality mattress topper.
When I first went to college, I did bring a mattress topper but not a super nice one. For Christmas, I got a four inch mattress topper very similar to the one above and it is the BEST!
It makes my college bed feel like I’m literally sleeping on a cloud.
2. Bed Rest Pillow
My freshman college roommates both had really fuzzy Ugg Bed Rest Pillows on their beds that I was so jealous of. For my birthday the following year I got one and it’s the best!
Not only does it look cute on your bed, it’s also super practical when you’re reading, doing homework or just relaxing in your bed.
3. Stool
My freshman dorm room was tiny. I decided to raise my bed so that I could fit a lot of my stuff underneath it. The only problem was that then I had to literally jump into my bed every night.
My roommates were a little smarter haha and actually brought a small stool to college. One of my roommates used a storage ottoman as her stool. I thought that was so smart because she could use it as a stool, extra storage, and extra seating when friends came over.
4. Waterproof Boots:
I go to college in Rhode Island and did not realize how much it rains there. After learning my lesson, I made sure to bring good rain boots back for second semester.
I got LL Bean boots for Christmas which are perfect rain boots! My friends wear Sperry rain boots and really like them!
5. Extra Storage
Because I lived in such a small dorm room freshman year, I had to get creative with where I put all of my things. Organization is very helpful when you have little space.
My roommates brought more storage containers which kept them organized and just made their lives easier.
Second semester, I brought a lot more storage containers that I could label back which really helped me!
6. Not See Through Extra Drawer Unit
I put a three drawer unit underneath my bed freshman year. It was a great place to put some of my things that I didn’t use daily but still needed a home.
However, because I bought the clear version of the drawer unit it looked very messy and unorganized under my bed. If you buy a drawer unit for your dorm room, I recommend getting one that isn’t see through.
7. Fun-Tak
Fun-tak much have been hiding from me during my first 17 years of life because I had no idea it existed until my freshman year roommate let me borrow some on move in day.
I LOVE making picture walls and fun-tak allows you to hang up pictures and other light decorations on your walls without damaging the paint. It is a super dorm friendly way to decorate your dorm.
Related Post: How to Make Your Own Picture Wall You’ll Love
8. Velcro Command Strips
Velcro command strips are actually new but they are so good, I have to include them in this post! I always had trouble hanging up heavier items like wall art, frames, my mirror, etc. But these velcro command strips can hold a lot of weight and work so well.
My roommates and I used them in our college apartment last year to hang up our mirrors and wall art. They work so well and don’t damage the walls.
9. Desk Drawer Organizers
My desk drawers became junk drawers so fast during my freshman year. I realized that I couldn’t keep living so unorganized so I got some desk drawer organizers that made my life so much easier!
I could finally find my paper clips, white out, tape when I needed them.
10. Drawer Organizers For Clothes
Similarly to my desk drawers, the drawers I was using to keep my clothes in became very unorganized as well. I found some drawer organizers for clothes that also really helped me keep everything more organized.
11. Drying Rack
Thankfully, one of my roommates remembered to bring a drying rack, so I was able to use hers. You might have some clothes that you will not want to put in the dryer because they could get damaged which is why having a drying rack is so helpful! My roommates and I use this drying rack from Amazon and it works great!
12. Binder and Paper Clips
For some reason, I never seemed to have enough paper clips or binder clips. I like using them to hold together my decks of flashcards.
13. First-Aid Kit
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or healthcare professional. All over-the-counter medicines recommended below should only be taken as prescribed on the back of the bottle based on your age and condition.
Based on my experience, it’s very helpful to have some basic first-aid items like band-aids, neosporin, hydrocortisone, advil, and allergy medicine.
14. Microwavable Dishes
For some reason, I didn’t bring a set of microwavable dishes to college when I first moved in which I regretted. You don’t need a lot of dishes but should bring a plate, bowl, and mug that can all be microwaved.
15. Mugs
I also didn’t bring a mug to college because I don’t drink coffee or tea, but I still found myself wishing I had a mug.
You can use a mug for hot chocolate, ramen noodles, or any other food that is hot.
16. Floss Picks
Something about the convenience of floss picks makes me a lot more likely to floss. Anything that increases my chances of dental care is very important to me lol.
Especially with all of the late night snacking and junk food that college brings, you’ll definitely want to be flossing.
17. More Sweaters
Freshman year I brought way to many t-shirts and not enough sweaters. This depends where you’re going to school but definitely pack clothes based on the climate of where you’re going to school.
18. Beach Towels
It’s really easy to forget to also pack beach towels but if you’re going to a school near the beach or where you’ll be swimming, bring some beach towels!
19. Stationery & Stamps
I definitely didn’t realize how many birthday cards, thank you cards or general letters to my family members that I would want to send in college.
I definitely brought back more stationery & stamps second semester.
20. Disinfectant Spray
College dorms are gross. A disinfectant spray will be your best friend haha. I really like this lysol one.
21. Good Electric Toothbrush
I did bright an electric toothbrush freshman year, but the one above is the one that I use now and I like it a lot better than the one I had.
Bringing a quality toothbrush to college is definitely important! I do a lot of late-night snacking and junk food eating in college which is why I really like having a toothbrush that does the trick. I got this Philips toothbrush for Christmas and it’s SO good! My roommate uses the same one and we both love it.
It’s super powerful and comes in different colors so you can get one that matches your style. It also comes with a cover so you don’t have to worry about any germs getting on your toothbrush.
22. Good Face Lotion
When I went to college, my face got so much dryer! I think that just happens to me when I change locations, but because of this you should definitely bring a good face lotion.
My favorite hydrating products for my face that I use daily are Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and Drunk Elephant’s B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum.
23. Nice Dress
For some reason I did not realize that random fancy events sometimes pop up in college. During the first week, we had convocation and a dance. Luckily I did bring one fancy dress, but I definitely recommend bringing a couple of nicer dresses in case something like those events come up.
24. Professional Outfit
Similarly to the fancy dress, make sure to pack a professional outfit. You never know if you’ll have a job interview or something for a class where you need to look professional.
25. Really Comfortable Sneakers
Currently, I am on a hunt to find the most comfortable walking sneakers for a vacation that I am going on where we are going to be walking a lot. College is similar because you walk to classes, around campus, and all around your college’s town.
I just bought Sketchers Women’s Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker and Roger Clubhouse Sneaker in all white. The Sketcher ones already came and feel REALLY comfortable.
They both have really good reviews online. I will update this post when I decide which is the most comfortable for walking a lot.
26. Speaker
My roommates and I all regretted not bringing a speaker because it would have been a lot of fun to play music in our room. We brought one second semester and it was very nice to have!
27. More Lights
Dorm rooms have very little light which can be depressing. I definitely recommend getting as many lights as you can to help brighten and decorate your dorm room.
28. Sponge Holder
If you have your own sink, make sure to bring a sponge holder for your sponge. My roommates and I completely forgot to bring something to keep our sponge in.
29. Food Container With Lid
Sometimes there are bugs or unwanted creatures in the dorms that you want to keep away from your room. I definitely recommend keeping your food in containers with lids so you don’t attract anything.
30. Bathing Suits
If you’re going to a school near the beach or where you’ll be swimming, bring some bathing suits!
31. Small Gifts
One of my roommates brought a small container full of cute dainty gifts that she could easily wrap or mail if it was somebody’s birthday. I thought this was genius because instead of having to go to the store, she already had gifts.
32. Gift Wrapping Paper/Bags & Tissue Paper
Similarly, bringing some gift wrapping paper, bags and tissue paper will make giving gifts a lot easier!
33. Cute Sunglasses
For the first and last couple months, it can be really sunny around campus. I definitely recommend bringing some cute sunglasses for walking around campus, sports games, etc.
34. Baseball Cap
Similarly, baseball caps are helpful to keep the sun out of your eyes and just look cute!
35. Lightweight Jacket
You know that awkward time in between not needing a jacket at all and needing a full on winter coat, I didn’t know what to wear. I bought some lightweight jackets that were really helpful!
36. Warm Winter Accessories (hat, gloves, scarf, etc)
Rhode Island (Really All of New England) get’s super cold in the winter. If you’re going somewhere where it gets cold, I definitely recommend bringing warm winter accessories so that you’re not absolutely freezing when you’re walking to your classes, the dining hall, or to your friend’s dorms.
Thank you for reading this post all about 36 items I regret not bringing with me to college.
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