10 Items Every College Student Should Have

This list is a compilation of items I think every college student should have handy, especially if you're away from home for the first time. A number of these items, besides just being useful, also double as supplies in the event of emergencies (some of them taken directly off a list of emergency supplies). Items that double as emergency supplies will have a star next to them*. The prices are estimates taken off of Shopping searches on Google.

I'll be the first to admit that I hate articles trying to sell things, so I'll try and make this as as un-promotional as possible.

So, lets get this show on the road.

1) A tool kit/multi-tool*
You can find a tool kit or multi-tool for any budget. I've found miniature tool kits with a Google search for as little as $15, and I myself keep a multi-tool purchased online for $40 and a mini-screwdriver set. The reason I recommend tools is for repairs or work that you might need to do around your new residence. I recommend having at least one hammer and some nails, a screwdriver, a Phillips-head, some screws, a measuring tape/ruler and a pair of pliers. Personally, I've found found these to be some of my most useful items.


2) A basic first aid kit*
Ideally, every household would have one. But for those striking out on their own, especially for the first time, it's a good idea to have a first aid kit handy since you can't just dig into your parents' stash of medical supplies if you get sick or hurt. Again, you can find these easily with a Google/Yahoo search, some for as little as $5. If you don't want to purchase a whole kit, I recommend Band-Aids of various sizes, disinfectant/rubbing alcohol, medical tape, gauze, tweezers, ice pack and heat pack, and an ACE bandage with safety pins to secure it. You can find these items at your local drugstore, grocery store or big-box store.

3) Medicines*
This one sort of goes hand-in hand with #2. Being sick is bad enough, but having to leave your bed to go to the store and get medicine for your ailments is even less pleasant. I've had friends whose parents seemed to balk at the idea of their kid having their own stock of medicine, but I believe that if someone is responsible enough to live away from their parents, they're responsible enough to know what to take and how much. I suggest keeping handy one of each: cold medicine, flu medicine, allergy medications (if applicable), cough drops or cough syrup, a thermometer and aspirin (for pains and as a fever reducer). These can be found at grocery stores and big-box stores.

4) Cleaning supplies
If you read my list of 'things college students should know', you'll probably remember the emphasis on cleaning up after yourself. Now, some college dorms provide things like vacuums, but for the sake of argument, lets say they don't, or you're living in an apartment. For appliances like vacuums, you should probably collaborate with your roommates to either all pitch in to buy one, or having someone bring a vacuum from home. Other cleaning supplies I recommend are: broom and dustpan, dish soap and sponges, a toilet brush and bowl cleaner, and window cleaner (for windows and mirrors). You can find these at grocery stores and big-box stores.


5) A warm blanket (or two)*
Unless you're going to school in a tropical climate, it's definitely a good idea to have one or two warm blankets for cold nights. Even in warmer climates like where I am, it often gets cold enough at night that having another layer keeps me warm through the night. You can find fleece blankets fairly cheap in big-box stores and online, around $10-$15; down comforters are also an option for those in very cold climates, though they're a bit more pricey at around $60. Plus, they're also good when having someone stay the night.


6) A flashlight*
For those living in dorms, some campuses have restrictions on open flames like candles. In the event of a power outage, such as in a storm, you're going to want to be able to see. Keeping a flashlight, with an extra set of batteries, is a must for everyone, not just college students. The price of a flashlight varies; generally, a good flashlight probably costs between $10-$20, plus a couple more for batteries. You can find these at big-box stores, as well as sporting goods stores; flashlights sold at sporting goods stores tend to be pricer, but they usually offer much sturdier, hardier models.


7) An electric kettle
This is probably one of the most-used items in my dorm room. I use it almost every day, and my roommates often borrow it; a regular kettle works fine if you have a kitchen in your dorm/apartment, but I'm assuming my reader is equipped with the bare minimum. An electric kettle is useful for making coffee, tea, noodle cups, and pretty much anything else that requires hot water. Also consider that, if ever a boil-water order comes up (say, in the event of a water main break), you have a means to boil water and make it drinkable. These can be found in some big-box stores for as little as $15, so they're pretty budget-friendly.


8) A map*
Whether your means of getting around are public transit, car or hoofing it, having a map of the city your college is located in is a must. Besides using it to know where your campus is in relation to other areas, it's also useful for finding your way around; like several other items on this list, it's also a must-have in case of any emergencies. These can be found in some bookstores, and sometimes even on campus. I also recommend, for those using public transit, to keep bus/train/trolley schedules (whichever is relevant).


9) A set of dinnerware (and eating utensils)
Even if you're living in a dorm room without a kitchen, it's a good idea to have a set handy. I recommend having at least one bowl, plate, cup/mug, fork, knife and spoon. If you've invested in the electric kettle mentioned before, you're going to need something to put your ramen or coffee or tea in. I've been able to find all parts of the set at my local dollar store, though you can also find slightly nicer sets in overstock stores and department stores.

10) Sewing kit
Even if you're careful with your belongings, there's always the possibility that a button will fall off, a hole will form or a hem comes loose. Keeping a sewing kit handy is something I swear by, as I've made my portable kit useful on many occasions. A good sewing kit for a college student would consist of scissors, a thimble, a measuring tape, thread (several colors), a needle threader and needle. You can find these at craft stores and some big-box stores, and they typically cost around $10.

So! I hope my list was helpful, or at the very least entertaining; is there anything my readers would suggest? Are there any items that saved you in college?