You’ve probably been back-to-school shopping for years by now, so you know the drill – new pencils, backpack, notebooks, the works. But here’s a hint: school-supply shopping for college is a bit different than it was for high school. You may not find a need for a pencil case or an accordion folder, but instead, you’ll find yourself in a pickle when you’re missing a flash drive or laptop case, not to mention all those dorm decorations you didn’t need until now!
There are numerous things you’ll need to gather up before it’s time to head to college, and, luckily for you, we’ve got your guide! Here are seven supplies collegiettes recommend bringing to college that you may have never needed for high school.
1. An external hard drive/flash drive
Getting your hands on a personal computer for college is one thing, but getting all the accessories and add-ons is a whole other process. Tori Kay, a sophomore TV/radio production major at Ithaca College, couldn’t live without an external hard drive. While you may have gotten by in high school with just your laptop’s memory, your classes may have you working on (and saving) numerous assignments on your computer. This is especially true if you have a major with projects that take up a lot of digital memory (like graphic design, film or computer science); You’re going to want to think about investing in more space – namely, an external hard drive.
Even if your work won’t take up much room on your computer, definitely think about getting a small flash drive. You may have to get a PowerPoint presentation from point A to point B (i.e., your laptop to the classroom’s desktop computer), and a flash drive will certainly come in handy then! Depending on your major, classes and workload, you’ll need a certain size. Check out Amazon for some great options, from small flash drives to external hard drives with loads of space for your upcoming projects!
2. Basic craft supplies
In some ways, college can be a little like elementary school. No, you probably won’t be fighting over crayons, and yes, you should be able to spell by now, but there are plenty of opportunities for crafting!
Iris Goldsztajn, a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles, says craft supplies were the number one thing on her collegiette shopping list. “I love crafting, and living in a dorm wasn't about to stop me,” she says. “I brought things like ribbon, stickers, construction paper, washi tape, small paint tubes and brushes and more.”
Try washi-taping your phone and computer chargers, creating a photo collage or making your own magnet board out of cookie sheets! Crafting can be a great way to bond with your roomie and spruce up your dorm room.
3. Home office supplies
Most pre-collegiettes who are headed off to college have no problem remembering the big things (minifridge, check; twin XL duvet, check; tons and tons of Easy Mac, check), but struggle when they end up in their rooms without the basic supplies that were always readily available at home. We don’t always think about the items that we’re used to sharing with our parents and siblings, such as office supplies, so make sure you add those to your list!
Katherine Varga, a junior at the University of Rochester, recommends bringing everyday office supplies like a stapler, rolls of tape and paper clips. “In high school, I took those things for granted,” she says. “But when I moved out of my house, I needed to get my own to keep in my dorm!”
Think about stocking up on some simple supplies like scissors, Sharpies and printer paper to keep at your desk. You’ll thank yourself later!
4. A printer
Depending on your school, you may have to invest in a printer to keep in your dorm room. Some schools have printers available 24/7, some have limited access and others may just leave you on your own. Either way, chances are you’ll need to print hard copies of multiple assignments at some point, and you don’t want to be left high and dry.
Zöe Renauer, a senior at University of California, Berkeley, agrees that while a printer isn’t always necessary, it will definitely make your life easier. “I didn't have my own in high school and wasn't sure if I should bring one to college, but when you're pulling that all-nighter, you'll be so happy you don't have to run to a copy shop or the library before class!” she says.
Depending on your classes and how much printing you’ll be doing, your needs will vary. If you’re looking for something simple, consider one of the HP DeskJet printers. If you want printing, scanning, faxing, the works, take a look at the all-in-one wireless Canon PIXMA.
5. A whiteboard
Another thing that Zöe found handy when she arrived to campus was a whiteboard. While you may have never needed one in high school, you may be surprised at how helpful they can be in college. “It's such a nice way to organize your thoughts for an essay or do practice problems for a math class,” Zöe says.
There are tons of different sizes, variations and uses for whiteboards. You can plan out assignments like Zöe, map out a calendar or even simply write down your class schedule! While your high school schedule was probably pretty easy to keep track of, it’s a bit different in college. Having a whiteboard to keep a schedule and write down notes on can come in handy when you have a lot on your mind. It’s a great tool to reuse over and over again for different purposes. Check out this handy whiteboard calendar from PBteen for $19!
6. Dorm décor essentials
You most likely never had to buy wall decals in high school, but now that you’ll be living in a dorm, these are the things you’ll have to think about! Dorm décor is a nice way to liven up your otherwise bland room at the beginning of the year. Aside from the obvious bedding, toiletries and storage containers, you’ll have to remember to check a few other things off your list!
Corkboards, desk lamps and Christmas lights can do wonders to spruce up an empty room. And don’t forget those little details like picture frames, fridge magnets and Command hooks for hanging! Mirrors can help make your room seem bigger, complimentary color schemes will really make it pop and memorabilia like old photos can make your new dorm feel like home.
7. High-end headphones
If you’ve never had a roommate before, you’re in for a learning experience! Sharing a room or suite can be a ton of fun and allows for strong friendships to be built. However, you do have to be more conscious about some of your everyday habits, many of them having to do with noise, now that you’re living with others.
A good pair of headphones is a necessity for more than just walking to class or hitting the gym. They can come in handy for late-night Netflix marathons and pump-up homework music. Let’s hope that your roomie is packing some, too!
If you’re looking for some simple earbuds, head to Amazon! Opting for full-on noise-canceling headphones? Check these out!
Gone are the days of filling the shopping cart with pencil sharpeners and kitten-covered folders! This year, you’ll be heading to Bed Bath & Beyond to cover your school shopping list. Make sure to add these seven essentials to your shopping cart, and you’ll be covered!