Easily Forgotten Checklist

How It Works

The easily forgotten college items shopping checklist is designed to help students and parents save time and money. Our team of current and former students went shopping for you and compiled a list of quality products at affordable prices. Every item covered in our guide also features a need vs. want rating score and in-depth commentary, which help students and parents decide what items to bring with them to college.

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Umbrella + Rain Jacket

Unless you go to school in the Sahara Desert, there will almost certainly be times when you’ll have to walk to class in the rain. Running to class with a backpack over your head is never a fun time, so we highly recommend you bring a small sized umbrella or rain jacket to avoid skipping class or having to show up soaking wet.

Batteries + Light Bulbs

You should have a supply of extra AA and AAA batteries for important electronics like remotes, controllers, and calculators. The last thing you want is to be half way through an exam when all of the sudden your calculator dies. Since batteries are very expensive when purchased in small packs, it’s more efficient to buy in bulk for the entire semester. If you’re planning on bringing a desk or standing lamp then you’ll also want to bring a few extra non-halogen light bulbs.

Medicine + First Aid Kit

Once or twice a semester a virus will come along and make your college campus look like a scene out of The Walking Dead. Proper hygiene can reduce your odds of getting sick but you still need to be prepared. College health centers have limited capabilities so you should bring any medication you currently take at home, cold and flu medicine, and a supply of cough drops. In case of emergencies or small injuries it’s also a good idea to bring a small first aid kit.

Wall Decor + Pictures

Wall Decor is a great tool for making your dorm room feel more like home. Popular options include posters, flags, tapestries, string lights, and photo displays. Please remember to double check your colleges policy on hanging items on the walls, as some may prohibit the use of thumbtacks and certain types of lighting.

Dry Erase Board, Markers, Doorstop/Mat

Dry Erase Board

Door Mat

Door Stop

Leaving old friends behind and heading off alone to college is nerve-wracking for a lot of students, but it’s also the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. The first few weeks of school are great for meeting new people and making lifelong friends. An easy way to let other students know you’re friendly and outgoing is by having a dry erase board on your door. A lot of people write their names or a welcoming message that encourages floor-mates to introduce themselves. Another popular option is using a doorstop the first week when you’re in the room, as other students passing by can say hi or come hangout.

Duct Tape, Toolkit, Flashlight

Duct Tape

Toolkit

Flashlight

A small tool kit comes in handy for move-in day and those other infrequent times you have to fix something, but you can probably just leave this at home and roll the dice on a friend or floor-mate bringing one. However, you should at least bring a roll of duct tape for taking care of everyday fixes.

It’s unlikely you’ll experience power outages in your college dorm, but you can bring a flashlight if you want. Most students decide to leave them at home because cell phone flashlights are powerful enough in case of an emergency.

Gym/Drawstring Bag, Sports Equipment

It’s important for college students to stay active and get at least 2 hours of exercise a week. Students who enjoy going to the gym should consider bringing a gym or drawstring bag to store clothes and personal belongings. Another great way to get consistent exercise and make new friends is by signing up for intramural sports. Most colleges offer a wide variety of sports, so we recommend bringing any necessary athletic gear and equipment. If you’ve never played a sport before or are worried you’re not good enough, sign up anyway! A lot of intramural sports have leagues with different competition levels and many students just want to have fun in a co-ed or non-competitive league.

Cards + Board Games

You’ll probably be surprised to find out a decent number of students bring card and board games to college. There not an everyday thing, but they can be great for when you’re bored and want to hangout with friends.

Card games are very popular amongst students, with popular ones being Cards Against Humanity, Kings, and Texas-Hold’em Poker. A simple playing card deck is all you need to play tons of different games. We’ve seen students host weekly poker games with hall-mates and they all had a great time. Pass on them if you like, but we recommend you considering bringing something like them.

Important Documents

Make sure to bring proper identification documents, which may include your Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Passport, and Insurance Card. If you have a tendency to lose things, consider bringing a small safe to keep your important documents secure. For students who plan on getting a part time job at school these documents are a must.

Easily Forgotten Checklist

How It Works

Umbrella + Rain Jacket

Batteries + Light Bulbs

Medicine + First Aid Kit

Wall Decor + Pictures

Dry Erase Board, Markers, Doorstop/Mat

Duct Tape, Toolkit, Flashlight

Gym/Drawstring Bag, Sports Equipment

Cards + Board Games

Important Documents

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