Five Things to Bring to College (that no one tells you about)

Five things to bring to college (that no one tells you about) 

• A picnic/beach blanket

1. 1. 1. Okay, this is definitely my most used item, especially now during COVID. I spent so much time just sitting on campus doing work or eating lunch with my friends that I actually wore out my blanket. I take it with me camping, to the beach, you name it. It’s even nice to just have around the apartment and throw down over a table during craft time. I would suggest getting one that easily folds up or even zips up into a bag, you definitely will not regret having one. 

• Tote bags 

1. 1. 1. Yes this seems like a weird one, or something you might already have with you, but I am serious, these are essential. I have lost count of the amount of times I just throw everything I need to go over to a friend’s or go somewhere in LA into a tote bag. They are useful to just go grocery shopping or carry your lunch for the day. I have a collection of canvas ones that I painted as different landscapes of trips I have been on and they are some of my most prized possessions. Seriously you will need some tote bags.

• A good portable charger

1. 1. 1. This one is kind of self explanatory, but if you’re anything like me you reach the afternoon and your phone is dead with hours of stuff left to do. I hate having to search constantly for an outlet so this really is a must if you plan on doing any work on campus. I invested in a solar powered one that I can plug both my computer and phone into. I am not kidding when I say it changed my life and I do so much more work outside (exactly how I like it). 

• A tiny stapler and gum

1. 1. 1. Maybe your mom used to put these in your highschool backpack and they ended up just sinking to the bottom never to be used. In college however, it’s a different story. Having these items, especially as a freshman, means everyone in class will always be coming over to ask for them. I remember in my calc 3 class I was the only one with a stapler and everytime a homework was due my stapler was in high demand. Same goes for gum, but that’s popular all the time. These are just great things to have to make friends.

• A water bottle you don’t care about 

1. 1. It has happened to everyone in college, that hydroflask you love with all your favorite stickers has gone missing because you went to 15 different locations throughout the day and went out that night. Having a nice water bottle is awesome until it disappears. I would recommend getting a cheap water bottle, most likely even free from the school, that you feel safe taking with you everywhere you go, from parties to santa monica. That way when it gets lost its not as sad.