Freshman Year Necessities
1) Probiotics and Supplements:
If you haven't read my previous post about starting supplements for immunity, you need to NOW.
2) Air Purifier:
This is a must. No question about it. I recommend the Air Doctor Purifiers!
3) Breathe Right Nasal Strips:
I have been using these for a while, but they help so much when I feel like I can't sleep because of my stuffy nose from a stuffy dorm room.
4) Glass Plates and Metal Silverware:
You definitely don't need to buy anything nice, but a simple set of glass plates and bowls + metal silverware is important. Microwaving food on plastic products is so bad for you (even if it says microwavable). You also will save money so you don't have to buy paper products.
5) Standing Fan:
Having a tall oscillating fan is ideal for both you and your roommate when it comes to sleeping.
6) Mattress Topper:
I know this one is a given, but don't let it slip your mind. I have loved the ViscoSoft 3-inch topper.
7) Amazon Fenchilin Makeup Mirror:
You can change the color tone, the brightness, and tilt the mirror. I am OBSESSED. When I went home for the holidays I honestly was very upset that I didn't bring this home with me because I never want to do my makeup without it. Also having a good-quality mirror so close is game-changing for your makeup.
8) Eureka 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner:
No one needs a nice vacuum for a shoe box-sized room. I love how this vacuum is cheap and transforms into 3 different types of vacuums to clean every little corner.
9) Handheld Travel Steamer and Iron:
This is arguably once of the most useful appliances that you can have since a lot of clothes get squished together in a small closet and get wrinkly. What makes this specific product even better is the fact that the device can be used as both a flat iron and a wet steamer. This is a MUST.
10) Bed Sheet Suspenders:
Small, but helpful. Having your bed up against a wall makes it difficult to make your bed and eventually the bottom sheets will come up and over your mattress as you sleep throughout the night so I recommend these.
11) Keurig Coffee/Tea Maker:
A simple $50 Keurig is a money saver and life saver. I always made tea to help recover/rest!
12) Tool Kit:
There will be lots random things you need to fix or want to install throughout the year. A simple tool kit is great!
13) First Aid Kit -
College is... well... college. Injuries and scrapes happen so be prepared!
14) Extension Cords -
Buy a variety of cords with cord tape to stay charged up and clean in your desk/bed area.
15) Portable Handheld Fan -
A MUST FOR RUSH. Going from house to house in the heat is not fun and not good for your makeup. Honestly, I still use my fan walking to and from class sometimes and I always get praise for having the fan.
16) Rainboots -
This might just be on me but I didn't bring rainboots because I thought I would be fine but I was definitely wrong and that was a mistake. Cheap rainboots are all you need but if you want a nicer pair I would go with the Hunters.
17) Portable Charger -
This is pretty self explanatory but a portable charger nice you have in your purse for gamedays and when you go out but forget to charge your phone.
18) Body Cleansing Wipes -
Okay, hear me out. For people who are in warmer environments and/or are always on the go, body cleansing/bathing wipes are very efficient/time saving. I always used these if I was going straight to class after working out to ensure that I was clean and didn't worry about smelling bad. Perfume won't mask B.O., it will only make it worse. These are also great for recruitment week as well!
19) Safety Pins/Needle and Thread -
Everyone has clothing mishaps or wishes that their clothes fit slightly differently. I used both of these countless times throughout the semester and wore clothes I wouldn't usually wear because I didn't like the fit prior to adjusting them with safety pins/thread and a needle. I recommend buying this sewing kit because you are almost guaranteed to have thread that matches the color(s) of your clothes.
20) Cheap Bar Shoes and Bar Tops -
I personally like wearing a pair of basic white shoes like Supergas or something from Nordstrom Rack that can get dirty but also get cleaned. In terms of tops, I will also try to buy about 10+ cheaper tops online (whether its through Amazon, Curtsy, Poshmark, etc) as opposed to spending that same amount on 2 going out tops that I will wear once.
21) Don't Bring Many T-shirts -
You get A LOT of shirts when you go to college. From sororities, to sporting events, to the school itself, you will have more than enough t-shirts. I brought maybe 12 t-shirts from home and had to bring them home asap or move them to somewhere random!