I was fairly well packed for college. But when I got there, I was missing a few things. Over this past year, I’ve learned what you actually need, and what you won’t need. If you want to be in a sorority and go to a private school like myself, I have some very insightful notions for you. And for everyone else… Charlotte Russe and Express are the places for you. Besides the usual microwaves and mini fridges, P.B. Teen can do all that for you. If you’re looking to conform, this is a great list. But when it comes to the true necessities.. I got you girls 😉

Oh yeah and that line about, “Only bring what you’re going to use.” B.S. You will find usage for almost everything you can possibly think of in college. From banana suits to eyelash glue.

1. If it rains wherever you’re going to go, which it probably will- buy rain boots. I wear mine at least once a month. During the summer Hunter boots are on sale online and in specialty shops. Short one’s, tall one’s, and if you really feel the need.. heeled one’s! (personally I think those are a little ridiculous but.. hey, why not) I would try and find them on eBay, there are usually some great deals.

2. You’re going to want makeup… but your makeup should be BFF’s with your makeup remover. Honestly I can’t even tell you how many time’s I refuse to wash my face but reach for makeup removing towelettes when I’m.. above the influence right? But seriously, necessity. I use the pink grapefruit one’s from Neutrogena because they act as a remover and also as a makeshift acne medication.

3. One of those home-made microwavable rice sacks for when your stomach is hurting or neck from all the studying, partying, sports playing or whatever else you’re doing to make yourself sore.

4. Chapstick- you will need one hundred chapsticks. Maybe not quite as many.. but if you lose everything like I do, they will all be gone within the first week.

Along with that.. hair ties. Nothing is more annoying then when you can’t find hair ties.

5. A large amount of pens.

6. Nail polish + remover, file, clippers. I didn’t get a single mani pedi during my freshman year, to keep your feet and fingers from looking disgusting before flip flop season, these are recommended.

7. Head phones. Your roommate will be annoying, and you’ll want them. Or, if everyone is athletic at your school like they are at mine and you feel the need to run everyday, bring them for those occassions as well.

8. A baseball hat. Steal one from your boyfriend or buy one from the school store, half way through the semester when you’re late to your class and hair looks like Lady Gaga’s you’ll thank me.

9. A waterproof light jacket. This is great to throw on… always. And everyone will have them. Promise.

10. A Longchamp bag or one like it. For the longest time I refused to join the pretty rich girl party and buy one, and with coming to college you slowly and painfully start to realize that they become the most convenient things you will own. Wonder, a store in NYC sells bags a-lot like Longchamp but a tad cheaper and way more original. But that doesn’t mean a book bag isn’t a good idea. Get one with back support and a special place for your laptop and water bottle.

11. Winter boots. Ugg’s are great and all for walking around the dorms, but when it comes to slopping around in slush and cold you should consider a pair of Sorel’s or North Face boots. Also the L.L. Bean Duck boot is usually sold out within the first start of fall, so if you’re thinking about ordering those order them A.S.A.P. before they are back-ordered. Great boots, and look awesome too.

12. Long Puffy Coat. One of my biggest regrets was not dishing out the cash to buy one of these babies. For freezing cold lacrosse games and wintry days I seriously could have used this. You will never have to worry about a cold butt on a bleacher again. Best choice is a North Face Transit or Metropolis Jacket. They usually are hard to find but on sale during spring/summer.

13. Black leggings. Everyone wears them. Sometimes when the probably shouldn’t. But they are extremely comfortable, easy, and quick. For some reason in which I can’t figure out, everyone believes they make you look more put together than if you just threw on sweatpants or yoga pants even. You can get them for under $10 at Forever 21.. just make sure the underwear you wear with them don’t say anything too incriminating on the ass.

14. Water bottles or a reusable one with a filter. I like the whole idea of going green, but in the mornings I reached under my night stand for a plastic land fill headed water bottle and ran. Second semester I was given a Sigg and I haven’t gone back. Water bottles begin to be expensive, and your dorm water probably won’t taste the greatest. Get a Brita water bottle that has a filter which you can replace. They’re great.

15. Keurig and K-Cups. This thing is honestly worth the money. Just get one.

16. Sunglasses. Any kind, I suggest Ray-Ban Wayfarers or Aviators. They’re cool and easy.

17. 3-4 Towels. If you’re like me, hygiene is overwhelmingly important. I shower twice a day, and wash towels every week. I really hate having to use a towel unwashed more than once.

18. Tampons and pads. A-lot of tampons. Don’t forget ’em.

19. Advil or something like it.

20. A non plastic shower caddy. If you can find one that you can throw in the washer and dryer, do it. Those things grow mold and collect so many germs. If you want to be safe, P.B. Teen has a really great one that you could use all four years and not worry.

21. A cover for your toothbrush. Trust me, you’ll want it.

22. A vest. They’re warm enough but not too warm.

23. Snacks. Get some of your favorite snacks and keep them stashed in your room, they’re awesome for late night snacking.

24. A T.V. with DVD player. If you’re going to have a T.V., make it small enough for space for other things. And make sure it has a DVD player. They’re pointless without one.

25. A light for your bed. Late night studying and reading cause for the usage of these little lamps. Wal-Mart and Bed Bath and Beyond carry them.

26. Planner. Some sort of planner to keep your day’s in check. I use a plain white notebook and just create my own.

27. Socks. Many pairs of socks. ALL kinds.

28. Tresemme Split Remedy Cream. I straighten my hair usually when I go out, and it is really thin and susceptible to split ends. This stuff gets rid of 80% of split ends after 3 uses… my hero. Makes frequent trips to the salon all the way back in New York less urgent.

29. Comfy Sweater and Sweat Pants. You’ll randomly want to be really comfy and these are great to just throw on and bum around. Yoga pant’s and legging’s get old.

30. Dressy clothes. A plethora of cute clothing is needed for weekends. Black skirt, tank top, black heels is the easiest. Or sexy dresses and heels, or jeans and a cute top. They are all needed.

31. Lotion. Scented or whatever you need to keep your skin soft and comfortable.

32. A place to hide your alcohol.

33. Wine and bottle opener.

34. Paper towels.

35. Forks.

35. Instant Ramen noodles.

36. Shower flip flops.

37. A bathrobe. Best one is the silk kind from Victoria Secret. Warm enough for winter showers, chill enough for spring/summer showers.

38. Victoria’s Secret Pink anything.

39. Bathing suit. For recreational, tanning, and or exercise purposes.

40. A rug. It gets really annoying to just be on a hard, gross floor. Also, a mini vacuum comes in handy.

41. Bronzer. You’re most likely going to start looking a litttlleeee bit pasty..

42. Umbrella.

43. Camera. Of any sort, to document what is said to be the “best years of your life.”

44. Face lotion with sunscreen.

45. A lanyard. Keep your keys on, or something to hold all of them in your purse.

46. Athletic clothing/shoes. For lazy days, gym classes, and work-out-aholics.

47. A fan.

48. Bins. To hold stuff.

49. Q-Tips.

50. Leather or pleather boots. People like to wear knee-high leather boots. Stylish, cute, and if you buy the 2 for $30 at Charlotte Russe, a bargain!

And everything else you use that you think you will need. If you think you will, then you probably will.

But the MOST important non shallow thing you need to have in college is your brain. Use it. Get straight A’s… Or something like that, and when a frat guy asks if you want to take a “tour” of the upstairs, say no. Watch your drink, watch your intake, and watch out for yourself and your friends!