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This post shows you all the unexpected things to bring to college.

unexpected things to bring to college

When packing for the big move to college, it can be super stressful trying to remember everything. Of course you will think to pack your clothes, decor and other essential items but there are a few things you may not think of bringing!

After moving to out and packing for college myself, these are the products I did not think of bringing to college with me and ended up having to buy later on. Make your life easier and pack these items now so you aren't left having to buy them once you get to school!

This post shows you all the unexpected things to bring to college.

1. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Dehumidifier

I quickly found out after moving into my dorm room freshman year how necessary a dehumidifier is. I didn't have one for a week or two and let me tell you, it was miserable. My dorm was super old so it was even more humid and I'm not exaggerating when I say my stuff was literally WET. 

Go ahead and invest in a dehumidifier or DampRid now! It will make your room feel much more comfortable and prevent you from getting sick from the moisture in the air.

2. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Rain Boots/Umbrella

If you are going to a college where it rains at all I promise you will want some rain gear. Nothing is worse than walking to class in the rain and sitting in a 2 hour lecture with wet clothes.

3. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Medicine/First Aid Kit

You definitely want to bring a first aid kit with you to college or at least some bandaids. I would also suggest bringing cold medicine and Advil because no one wants to have to run out and buy some when you're already feeling under the weather.

4. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Water Filter

I asked a few of my friends what their number one thing was that they wish they thought of bringing to college before they got there and this was it. Not only does this make your water so much cleaner, it will also save you from spending money on water bottles!

5. Unexpected Things To Bring To College- Costumes

A huge part of college is all the parties! Here is a list of common themes and costumes you will want to bring to school if you have them already:

  • Hawaiian Shirt
  • Rave/ Neon Clothes
  • Halloween Costumes
  • Wigs
  • Cowboy Boots
  • Bandanas
  • Hats

These are just a few things that may come in handy for a costume party! But really anything themed is probably a safe bet to bring.

6. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Steamer

No one wants to show up to an event with wrinkled clothes. This mini steamer is super easy to use and is small enough that it won't take up too much space in your room.

7. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Scrunchie With Zipper

This is a holy grail item you may not think to bring to college. It's perfect for keeping keys, money, or makeup when you're going out so that you don't lose anything!

I could think of a few more things this would be helpful to store things in too 😉

8. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Extra Chargers

You're almost guaranteed to lose a charger or two so having back ups is a great thing to bring to college you may not think of! Plus this pack has a variety of lengths which is super helpful if you need a longer one for your room and a shorter one for your car.

9. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Power Strip/ Extension Cord

A lot of the time dorms have very few wall plugs and they can be in weird places. A power strip or extension cord is essential if you are planning on bringing lamps or other items that need to be plugged in.

dorm room essentials

10. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Over The Door Mirror

An over the door mirror is something I totally forgot to bring to school and ended up using my roommate's 24/7. I would definitely suggest one of these if you haven't bought one already! Plus this one is great because it has extra storage for jewelry and accessories.

11. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: School Supplies

You don't need to go too over board with school supplies in college. (Although I wish you did because I have a slight school supplies obsession). But, here are a few things you WILL need to bring to college.

  • Pencils
  • Large Notebook
  • Highlighters
  • Planner
  • Folder
  • Stapler

12. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Blow Up Mattress/ Extra Mattress Pad

I totally didn't even think about this bring to college until my friend reminded me. An extra blow up mattress or mattress pad is GREAT if you plan on having friends visit you at school. The dorm beds are small and I promise it isn't fun to share them. 

Having an extra mattress will definitely come in handy when friends come to visit!

13. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Paint And Brushes

You would be surprised how often you need paint in college. If your school paints coolers for greek life formals, this is definitely something that would be good to keep around.

14. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Glitter

At least at my school, there are a ton of rave themed parties and everyone needs glitter for one of those! This glitter is great too because it is a gel that sticks to your hair and body better.

15. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Scissors And Tools

A tool kit will be especially handy when moving into your dorm. I can't tell you how many times my roommate and I tried to make shift tools and spent longer doing so than if we just had bought a tool kit. If nothing else bring scissors for sure!

16. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Ear Plugs

There were too many nights where I could not sleep because of my loud neighbors or the train right beside my dorm. Ear plugs are a great thing to bring to college you may not have expected to need.

17. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Pepper Spray

This is for all the ladies out there!!! Walking alone at night can be really scary and dangerous. It's sad but true. I would most definitely recommend keeping pepper spray on you at all times at school!

18. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Clear Bag

I didn't even think of bringing a clear bag to school until I was at the football stadium entrance and realized I couldn't bring my purse in. Most sports events require a small clear bag for games so don't forget to bring this!

19. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Keurig

If your'e a coffee lover, a mini coffee maker is a great thing to bring to school that you may not have though of yet! This will save you tons of money on Starbucks and you can get coffee right from your dorm!

20. Unexpected Things To Bring To College: Command Hooks

Last but certainly not least, command hooks are something you will definitely need to decorate and organize your dorm room at college! Make sure to get these before moving in!

This post shows you all the unexpected things to bring to college.

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