#college essentials

Productivity isn't just about hard work; it's about having the right environment. I’ve put together a curated list of the absolute best tools for 2026 to help you stay organized, comfortable, and focused.

Whether you’re a coder, a student, or a digital nomad, these essentials (from vertical mice to smart diffusers) are total game-changers. 🚀

🔗 Check out the full collection here: Click Here

Of course this is entirely based on my needs, so you don't have to get these exact items! Also, feel free to add on in the comments below!

backpack with a power bank connector (i have this one)

corkboard to put on your wall in front of your desk to pin your important reminders, assignments, and due dates

desk lamp (i found a simple lamp, led lamp with a charger, and led lamp with a charger and a clock)

electronics/cords organizer pouch (especially if you have a crap-ton of chargers for your electronics)

noise-cancelling headphones (i feel like this is almost a non-negotiable)

plug extension cord with USB and C ports (this is the skinniest and least bulky-looking one i could find on amazon)

If you’re staying in a dorm:

Bed sets- duvet cover, pillow case(s), bed sheet

extra chargers

shower gel

face scrubs

shampoo

tooth brush+paste

hand soap

bath and/or hand towel

hair brush 

hair stuffs i.e. electronics, products

first aid- at the bare minimum, plasters

sanitary products

nail cutter

make up + remover

medication: prescribed as well as general essentials i.e paracetemol, neurofen

It’s easy to get carried away packing for college. It is both exciting and daunting. Since I am within reasonable driving distance (3 hours), I definitely overpacked. (I even packed things that I immediately sent home with my parents). While I will be recommending items in this post, my main piece of advice is to be selective with what you pack. Furthermore, it is a great time to get rid of things that no longer add value to your life. I mean think about it, if you can get away without the given item for a whole school year, do you really need it? Besides, it is amazing to come home to a clutter-free bedroom. 

If you plan on getting a job, you will need some official forms of identification. I would recommend packing a passport (if you have one) since a social security card is best left at home. I am mentioning this first because I didn’t think of it and as a result, my parents had to overnight my passport to me. On a somewhat related note, you can check out my most recent blog post on banking and personal finance.  

Dorm Basics:

For starters, you will obviously need to pack plenty of clothes. I like to have about two weeks worth of clothing. While you won’t need them immediately, be sure to have a winter jacket and boots. I am from Vermont so I already owned these items and left them at home until Thanksgiving break. At least for students of color, it is possible to get free lightly used jackets from the Office of Multicultural Affairs Winter Resource Room. Also, if you really need financial assistance, you can apply (under emergency and medical expenses) for funding to cover the cost of winter clothing. Depending on your specific clothing, you will also want to have clothes hangers. Related to clothing, you will need a laundry hamper and laundry detergent. I would also recommend stain remover. While you need to pay for laundry, you do not need quarters. Instead, it is best to preload money onto your OneCard. This is more convenient and saves you money. A load of laundry (washer and dryer) costs $2.70 when using your OneCard or $3.00 when paid with coins. 

Next, you will need bedding. It is worth noting that college beds are Twin XL. From my experience, the dorms are kept really warm so I definitely never needed a comforter. I would highly recommend investing in a mattress topper to make the bed more comfortable. Also, if you enjoy studying or reading in bed, a back pillow is really nice to have.  

The dorm lighting isn’t the best, so I would recommend getting a basic desk lamp. Also since there aren’t always many well-located outlets, a power strip is a near necessity. For the beginning and end of the school year, a fan is a must (especially if you’re on the fourth floor like I was). That said, if you have a roommate you may only need one. Beyond basic toiletries, you will also want to have a shower caddy and shower shoes (cheap flip-flops). For storage, I found clear plastic under-bed bins to be quite useful. 

School Supplies:

I keep a pencil pouch in my bag containing some basic stationery. Specifically, a black pen, a blue pen, a four-color pen, a yellow highlighter, Wite-Out, pencils (mechanical and wooden), an eraser, a sharpener, extra lead, mini scissors, and a mini stapler. Okay, so not that basic but actually really useful to have. While it is only so often that I need the scissors, I am sure that other people have really appreciated that I carry them. I also keep my graphing calculator in my bag. In terms of other stationery, I keep extra pens, pencils, and paper in my dorm room. I also keep tape, a hole puncher, and binders with old school work. You can read about my college organization system here. Also, if you’re curious about the technology I use in college, I have already written an entire blog post on just that. 

Nice Things to Have:

Be sure to bring things that make you smile. For instance, a beloved stuffed animal (see above in Dorm Basics). And no you are not too old for stuffed animals! Furthermore, photos of friends and family can make great decorations. One wonderful gift that I received was a custom calendar with photos of my friends and family. If you enjoy snacking, be sure to pack some of your favorites. (That said, don’t go overboard since there is plenty of real food to eat and many people pack more than they will actually consume). If you are a tea person, bring your favorite ceramic mug and perhaps a travel mug as well. I also liked having a small jar of honey for my tea. To be more environmentally friendly, consider bringing your own utensils. Don’t freak out, since it is only grab-and-go (lunches at Hubbard and Chapin) that use plastic utensils. I personally carry around a small metal camping spork. 

Lastly, if you have a hobby that requires physical items, be sure to pack them. In many ways, college is a new beginning, but you must also stay true to yourself and not give up hobbies that you value. In my case, this meant packing my guitar (actually two of them and a ukulele). Best of luck preparing for and dreaming about college. 

Hey all! I know its been a while since I posted because of all the senior year events, but I’m happy to say I will be attending UC Davis fall 2019! So I decided to make a list of dorm stuff for myself and anyone else interested.

Anyway, I’m back for a short while before I finish up the year with finals and AP testing. Good luck to everyone this finals season!

Bedding

2 pillows

2 sets of bed sheets

Mattress topper

Comforter

Decorative pillows (optional)

Throw blanket (for colder months)

Backrest and lap desk - if you’re planning on working in bed

Bathroom

Shower caddy

Soap/ body wash

Loofah

Shower shoes

Shower caps

Mouthwash

Toothbrush

Tooth paste

Lotion

Bathrobe/ Towel

deodorant/ antiperspirant

Razor

Shaving cream

Nail kit (clippers, file, etc.)

Makeup

Shampoo and conditioner

Hair ties

Hair brush/ comb

Face wash

Face masks (optional)

Health/Emergencies 

Pads/Tampons

Vitamins

Humidifier

First aid kit

Prescribed medications

Theraflu (really good for colds and flu)

Emergen C

Eye drops

Lip balm/chapstick

Sunscreen 

Cleaning

Small vacuum or broom

Alcohol wipes - be sure to wipe down before moving in!

Tide pods/ laundry detergent

Paper towels

Tide bleach stick (for emergencies!)

Kitchen

Plates, bowls, cups, etc.

Tupperware

Mugs

Silverware/plasticware

Dish soap

Sponge

Pots and pans

Spatula

Cooking spray

Food (of course lol)

Trashcan 

Home Living

Full/ vanity mirror

Hangers

Home slippers

Laundry hamper

Power strip

Command strips or thumbtacks if allowed

Water filter

Mini fan (optional depending on weather)

Shoe rack

Steamer or iron

Fridge

Microwave

Plastic storage bins

Storage ottoman (optional)

Eye Mask (optional)

Decor!

Other

Umbrella and/or rain coat (optional depending on weather)

10ft phone charger (trust me)

Lanyard for school ID

2 pairs of headphones

Snacks (!!)

Quarters for laundry and vending machines

School

Calendar

Backpack

Acrylic pen holders/drawers

Water bottle

Stapler

scissors

Planner

Binder

Notebooks

Calculator

Sticky notes

Paper

Pens

Pencils

Pencil sharpener

Eraser

Paper clips

Printer (optional)

Stores

These depend on where you live of course, but just know that many stores have sales during back to school season and dollar/discount stores shouldn’t be slept on!

Dollar Tree/ Dollar General/ Family Dollar/ 99 cents store

Daiso (really cute stuff for cheap!)

Walmart

Tj maxx

Bed Bath and Beyond (huge college sales)

Target

Thrift store (you get some quality stuff for a fraction of the actual cost)

**Be sure you do your shopping throughout the summer and not all at once so the costs don’t add up!**

Today is supposed to be my first day of school. Our block was scheduled to have our RLE orientation and diagnostic exam today but because of the unpleasant weather and strong winds that could immediately cause flood, classes were suspended in Manila. I don’t know if it is a good thing that our first day has been postponed because ROARientation is also scheduled today and organization/student council officers and members have already prepared for it. But on the other note, I was quite happy because our diagnostic exam (my batchmates have been studying for this? am i being left out here haha) has been moved next week. My mommy and ate left me in our condo and I have nothing to do here aside from watching netflix and streaming the net. Out of boredom I thought of making this post, trying to look back on my freshman experiences and share my own version of college essentials.