College is still a year away, but I want to know what things I should buy along the way. The “things” I’m referring to are items such as flip flops for communal showers, a bulletin board, or a wastepaper basket, that kind of thing. I’m afraid I’ll forget to consider something, and add it to my (currently non-existent) college essentials list! 8-X
Edit: Any odd things that you didn’t consider needing before actually getting to college would be super helpful as well.
There are lots of lists online you can google and threads on this topic you can find if you search CC.
Honestly, you are a year away so don’t think about it now. To an extant what you need to bring will depend on what school you attend (ex. what type of dorm you have, weather etc.). For now focus on getting into schools that are affordable and that are good fits.
You may not need the bulletin board or wastebasket, depending on what is in your room. My DS’s desk seems to have a hutch thing that sits on the desk and may have a cork board section. Either way, I 'm not buying one because he would have to store it over the summer when he flies home. Command hooks are very useful. You might need a flash drive.
The things you actually need (not just want) for college are very minimal. Bedding and towels, a few clothes/shoes to fit the weather. Basic body/hair cleaning stuff. Dorms rooms are usually small and shared spaces. If you look for a school the meets your and save your money, you can probably purchase anything you need nearby or from Amazon.
If you don’t have a laptop, that might be a nice thing to get this year…unless you are going into a field where a school might have specific requirements (e.g. arts, music education, maybe engineering).
I think a kindle is good. Additional things include calendar that allows you to write down all sorts of engagements, due dates, test schedules…Pick a type of pen you can depend on to write without scribbling. Measuring things such as a ruler, plastic protractor,and tape measure. Notebooks, note cards, dictionary and thesaurus, markers, eraser, push pins… Office Depot and Staples are fun and often have displays of fun and practical things. I use one thumb drive per class and backup files for notes and projects. I kept all my desk stuff in a big vertical (like it holds fluids) plastic storage container with a lid. It is easy to see what I want quick!y, to place under a desk, and stow desk supp!ies. A clip board, paperclips, and stapler are good too.
Although these things are cheap and often available at a dollar store. You may have an urgent need for thumb drive shaped like a monkey or panda, colors of covers, markers and thumb things to color code. I remember getting school supplies and school books as a child and hope you do too.
a year away? jesus christ man, you don’t need to prepare for college that early. In college, you must learn to adapt, not forecast the heck out of life. thats what you need to bring to college: adaptability.
@skitskialta @happy1 There’s a reason why I’m planning so far ahead. I’m in a pretty difficult financial situation right now, and I can’t buy a ton of supplies all at once.
@blackspiderman The best thing you can do in this year is to spend the majority of your time and effort on getting the best grades and scores you can to earn some merit scholarship money and seeking out schools that will help by meeting your need. Think of it as earning tens of thousands by studying and focusing on schools.
For small things, there may be local money for a strong student. For example our church gave out a number of $1,000 scholarships. That is more than enough for linens, supplies and books.
Work on getting a job now to help pay for the expenses that you will definitely incur. Your school will have a list of items necessary and helpful. Also consider looking at thrift stores, goodwills, garage sales, etc for things you may need. One would be surprised at what you can find there.
If you’re worried about buying things all at once, save money as you can to have a little to spend in July/August when you need to.
You will need less than you think.
FYI - my DS’s school has a laptop program where if you purchase the school laptop, they will fix it onsite and provide a loaner at no additional charge. His school gave him one of these new laptops because we asked. When you choose your school and financial aid package, be sure to ask for what your needed, including funds to travel there and back.