
In college, you’ll likely be walking outside a lot. Remember in high school how you used to drive a mile to the Noodles & Company for lunch? Well, unless you’ve been blessed with a car on campus or an extremely reliable public transportation system, then you’ll be walking. And Murphy’s law explains that if you go for a long walk without wearing an outer layer, then you’ll be extremely cold and miserable. I always keep a light sweater in my bag for this purpose. This inexpensive sweater doesn’t take up too much space in a bag, and if you lose it, it’s not too big of a jab to your bank account. It’s also useful in those freezing cold lecture halls, or on those nights when you can’t decide whether it’s cold enough to wear a coat.

In college, you’ll go to job interviews. You thought you escaped that fate by going to college instead of going straight to work. But, surprise! Want an on-campus job? Want to perfect your interviewing skills at the campus career center? Want to look super-polished when you give a class presentation? Then a nice blazer is essential. Wear it over a dress, or with a (not-too-tight) pencil skirt. Don’t forget to iron it!

One of my big mistakes when packing for college was not bringing enough walking shoes. I have several pairs of pretty ballet flats, but after a few minutes walking in them, my feet ache. Make sure you have at least 2 pairs of cute shoes that you can wear all day, and no, workout shoes don’t count.

A big bag is extremely important! If you only bring one item from this list to school, then this is the one I recommend. I usually carry a backpack to my classes, but to the library, the gym, and other places, I prefer a large tote bag. I can fit everything in it, but it doesn’t shout, “I’m a student!” Most importantly, my stuff is easier to access than when it’s in a backpack.

At parties, you need to have your phone, wallet, and keys at all times. Buy a cheap cross-body handbag, so that if someone spills something on it, it’s not the end of the world.

I forgot to bring sunglasses when I went to college. So don’t make that mistake.
I probably have 50 tubes of lip balm scattered throughout my possessions. Especially in cold weather, your lips will get dry and chapped, so you can never have enough chapstick!

A great neutral nail polish is essential – it goes with everything, looks classy, and who doesn’t love polishing their nails? It’s an instant stress-reliever and a “productive” study break.

Everyone’s eco-friendly at college. And even if they’re not, then you should be. A travel mug is great for on-the-go coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or whatever. Most on-campus cafes will put your drink in your mug for you. Mine will fill my mug with hot water for free, and I add my own tea bag. Free drinks!

Unlike in high school, nobody will remind you to do your homework or study. So get a planner and use it. I can’t stress this enough. If you want to get organized, then a planner is the first place to start.
That’s all! Hope you enjoyed this post 🙂