5 Items You Need For College

As a second-year college student, I know all too well the stress of trying to figure out what to buy for the upcoming school year. I searched millions of videos and read hundreds of blogs trying to figure out what was best to bring my first year of college. For the sake of all college-bound people out there, here are 5 items I found most important in my first year.

1) Backrest Pillow

Let’s face it. Dorm desk chairs are like THE MOST uncomfortable things in the universe (not to mention you can fall backwards and have a heart attack if they rock back and forth like the ones at Anderson University). When it came to studying and homework, I usually camped out on my bed. Having a backrest pillow was my savior when it came to sitting on the bed against the wall or bed frame for long amounts of time. Most places like Target and Walmart sell them for pretty cheap, so finding them isn’t too hard.

2) Bunk Buddy

Look. Getting on and off beds, especially if they are lofted, is a hassle, to say the least. This little guy gets tucked under your mattress and hangs off the side of your bed like a little pocket. It’s great for holding anything from pens and highlighters to your phone, or even a computer. Bunk buddies are SO convenient. I used mine to hold ear plugs, a sleep mask, chap stick, and a pen. No need to get all the way off the bed if you forget something! To make mine match my room, I created a little felt sleeve to cover it while still allowing me to reach inside.

3) Sleep Mask and BONUS: Ear Plugs

Dorm life is a unique experience. Living in a tiny room with another person is quite an adjustment for most people. It can be especially trying for people like me who are light sleepers and sensitive to light. Even the nicest and most polite roommates sometimes have to be up until 3 in the morning writing a paper or cramming for a test, so do yourself a favor and get some earplugs and a sleeping mask. Your roommate has to keep their lamp on until the wee hours of the morning? No problem with a sleep mask! This is not a 100% guaranteed solution, but it definitely helped this super light sleeper.

4) Power Strip with Surge Protector

Lots of dorm rooms only have a few outlets, and trying to get every appliance and charger plugged in is a challenge. Especially when the outlets are only on one side of the room. The power strip allows you to plug in lots more, and get more reach out of your outlets. Be sure to check your school’s policy on extension cords. My school doesn’t allow them, so a power strip was our only option.

5) Lamp (one with a dim setting if possible)

Lighting in dorms rooms isn’t the best. Actually, it’s the worst. You’re gonna need a desk lamp for late night studying, and a more polite alternative for lighting in the mornings when your roommate is still asleep. I recommend getting a lamp with 2 options, bright and dim, if possible. Sometimes lamps can be annoyingly bright, and it’s better for everyone if you have the option to have a little less intense light. If possible, get a warmer color light too. White or blue light makes you more alert, but it also messes with your body’s internal clock, making it harder to fall asleep at night if you’ve been exposed to it before going to bed. Having a warmer color lamp is easier on your eyes and circadian rhythm (your internal clock).

There you have it! If you found this helpful, please give the post a like! This lets me know if you liked the content and want to see more of it in the future. Until next week, happy shopping!