When I first got to college, I followed the basic student packing list, you know, that big list of recommended necessities that schools give to you for move in day. Well, as I am now entering my junior year of college, I will tell you, there are things that are NOT on that list that definitely should be. Here’s my top 10 things every college student needs:
1. Sleep Gummies
Oh my gosh, these are an absolute MUST, especially if you live with a roommate.
There will be times when you are trying to go to sleep, and there’s loud music in the hall, loud people in the hall, or maybe your roommate is still up doing things. For me, it’s hard to fall asleep with a lot of background noise, and these sleep gummies knock me right out. My friends ask me if they can have some all the time, lol.
I highly recommened the Hello Bello gummies, because from my personal experience, as well as my friends, the OLLY gummies do NOT work, I repeat, they don’t work. And they taste weird as well, so don’t waste your money on those. The Hello Bello ones taste so good, I wish they could take out the melatonin so I can eat as much as I want without falling asleep.
2. Water Filter Pitcher
This is one of my favorite things, because it comes in handy and it saves me money.
With this, I can just fill up the pitcher with water from my sink, or the water fountain in my dorm, and I don’t have to worry about all the nasty stuff in tap water, this filters everything right out. So I don’t have to buy those big packs of water bottles anymore. I like the basic Brita one, because it’s small enough to fit in my mini fridge at school, and it’s super affordable.
3. Yoga Mat
There are so many times when I really want to workout, but it’s raining, or snowing, or something, and I don’t feel like walking to the campus gym.
Having a yoga mat in my room, allows me to workout in my own space whenever I want. Sometimes, I’ll do some morning stretches before I start my day and head to class, other times, I’ll do a quick workout when I have the time, and it makes me feel so much more accomplished.
4. Portable Phone Charger
Freshman year, I had back to back classes, so I didn’t have time to go back to my room and charge my phone when it was close to dying.
Having a small, portable charger that I can put in my backpack really made things a lot easier. And even if you decide to bring your actual charger to class, some professors won’t allow you to charge your phone in class, which is another reason why portable chargers are the best for school.
5. Mini Humidifier
Okay, hear me out on this one.
When I first moved to college, my dorm had very dry air, I would wake up with a dry nose and throat. Having a humidifier helped bring moisture back into my room, and allowed me to have a comfortable sleep, and the soft mist it emits feels amazing. Plus, it’s super small, so it fits right on my nightstand.
6. Bluetooth Speaker
This comes in handy ALL THE TIME.
When you’re having a little get together with your friends, when you’re working out in your room, or when you’re having a mini concert in your room, lol, a bluetooth speaker is the perfect thing for all these situations. There are times when people will throw a small event, and they have no speaker to blast the music on, bluetooth speakers always save the day (unless they’re not charged up, be mindful).
7. Adjustable Desk Lamp
There have been many times where my roommate is sleeping while I’m doing work. So instead of having the regular room light on, I use this desk lamp, it allows me to change the brightness, that way it won’t bother my roommate.
The one I use has multiple different light settings, from super bright to super dim, and it doesn’t take up too much of my desk space.
8. Closet Hamper
This saved me SO much closet space, freshman year, I had my dirty clothes hamper in the corner of my room directly on the floor. Not only was it collecting dust and dirt from the floor, but it made my room look messy.
Sophomore year, I found this hamper that hangs up in your closet, and I love it so much. Now I can keep my hamper tucked away in my closet, and I don’t have to worry about it getting dirty.
9. Drawer Cart
This saved me so much space in my room, as well as gave me more storage.
The one I use has three drawers, I use one for my vitamins and medicine, one for my hair stuff, and one for any extra school supplies. It’s nice to have everything organized, I don’t even know where I would put all this stuff if I didn’t have this cart.
10. Poo-Pourri
Everybody has one of those days, you know.

Everyone does it, and it’s not pleasant, it’s completely natural. I love this spray because it completely masks the smell of EVERYTHING. Also, this is a good thing to have especially if you have roommates, because nobody wants to walk into the bathroom and smell whatever you did in there.
If you already have your college student email, definitely sign up for Amazon’s Prime Student membership, it’s great to have when you need something last minute.
Did you see anything you want to bring to college next semester? What’s something that’s a must have for you?? Let me know in the comments!
This post is exactly what I needed! I have tons of graduation parties coming up for my cousins and I have no idea what to get them. These are some great ideas (:
Author
Aw, glad you liked the post! I’m actually thinking about doing a part 2, there’s still so much I want to share. Feel free to send your cousins my blog, I’ll be posting more college stuff soon💙
As a recent graduate I 100% agree that you need all these! I wish I had this list when I first started university.
Author
Lol!
Great post! My daughter is starting college this fall. I will pass these tips along to her. Thanks!
Author
Thank you! I’m actually thinking of doing a part 2!! There’s still some more things I want to share💙
this is a good post.
adjustable desk lamp is my favorite!
Author
thank you!! and yes, i LOVE the desk lamp
I love this post so much! I totally agree with you on the portable charger. It’s saved my life (my phome actually lol) so many times. And a desk lamp is always a good choice.
Taiwo xx
alifestylenerd.wordpress.com
Author
Yes, the charger is definitely a phone life changer! lol
God. I needed this list in college!
Author
Lol!
Some essentials here. Enjoyed reading your list. I would recommend some ear plugs and an eye mask. Part of my hostel essentials but a good complement to any university packing list.
Take care.
Author
Thank you, and yes, I totally agree about the ear plugs and eye masks, definitely must haves.
Great tips to save for next year because i’m gonna be freshman next year xixi
Author
That means a lot, thank you. I plan to write some more college posts soon, so hopefully I can share some useful tips for you
All of these items bring my so many college memories! You’re spot on with your list, and the poo-pourri, must have!
Author
Lol, thank you! I definitely think people need to know about poo pourri
Great tips! Poo-pourri was something new for me 😀
Author
Thank you! Glad you were able to find something new
Great list! I definitely wish I knew about these items when I was in college. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Author
Glad you liked it!
Needful content. Keep creating content like this! Tons of love for you
I spent way to much money on bottled water my freshman year because the tap water in my dorm building was awful. I wish I would have seen this post before leaving for college! I also found bed risers to be very helpful, adding much needed storage space under my bed.
Author
I completely forgot about bed risers! Those were really helpful my freshman year
We didn’t have number 10 when I was in college. Hehehe!
Author
Lol! I can only imagine
Yay – going into university next year and am trying to gather all the tips I can! This is awesome x
Author
I’m so glad you liked it! I plan on writing more college posts soon so stay posted💙
Nice list. #3 is my fave. Gotta have a yoga mat at all times. 😉
Author
Definitely agree!
Yes, all of these are perfect for college! Especially, the poo pourri and that stuff works too. The water filter would definitely help you save money on water. Store-bought water costs can add up!
Author
Yes, definitely saving money with the pitcher!
Thanks for the list! I definitely just realized I need a humidifier!
Author
Glad I could help! The humidifier was definitely a life changer, lol