It’s back to school time once again and today I bring you Back to College, A Students Survival Guide.
Next year I will have my own college student, but wait, my “baby” just started kindergarten, how can he be a senior in high school!? And so it seems appropriate to collect ideas from other bloggers who have “been there, done that” with regard to college tips, dorm supplies and check lists, survival guides and food and financial information.
And if you are “beyond the dorms”; this post from my friend Lynn is perfect for planning your first apartment!
Post updated August 1, 2020
BACK TO COLLEGE A STUDENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE
College Dorm Must Haves
Dorms are notorious for being old, musty and small -- though not all of them! Here are some recommended college must haves, by others who have "been there, done that"!
Neck Gaiter Face Mask Dust for Men Women Sun UV Protection Cool Bandana Washable Reusable Face Scarf Fishing Hunting Cycling Sports(5 Pack)
Or go with the hand, always on gaiter!
Bandana Face Scarf, Soft and Breathable, Summer Neck Gaiter Face Cover for Men and Women
A must have on campus this fall, at least have it available always and slip up and down as you need.
Contraband Sports Sport Face Cover/Sport Mask - Nylon/Spandex Washable & Breathable - 6 Colors -
Get a couple of colors to show your school spirit!
REDCAMP Bungee Saucer Chairs for Adults and Kids, Oversized Folding Comfy Chair for Bedroom Dorm Living Room, Blue
My son's favorite chair, fits under his lofted bed for a chill place to relax!
MaidMAX 6 Tiers Cloth Hanging Shelf for Closet Organizer with 2 Widen Straps, Foldable, Gray, 51.5 Inches High
A must to extend your closet storage!
Master Lock 5900D Set Your Own Combination Portable Safe, 9-17/32 in. Wide, Gunmetal Grey, New Edition
This mini safe is perfect for passports and other valuables that you want to secure. Locks securely onto most stationary items. Use in dorms, at the beach, camping, etc.
Mercury Luggage Wheeled Storage Locker, Black, 31" oversized!
Good old fashioned footlockers, still a great purchase, serves to store some valuables and bulkier items and doubles as a table!
AngLink 5000mAh 6-Inch Large Battery Powered Clip on Fan, 3 Speeds Fast Air
Secure clamp, rechargeable battery, sits on desk or clips on dorm bed.
Cacala 100% Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel, 37 x 70, Black
I love these towels, they cover easily, take up little space AND they dry quickly! Wash a couple times with some vinegar to increase absorption and softness.
Sorbus Storage Large Basket Set [3-Pack] - 15 L x 10 W x 9 H
Idea for high shelves to hold items like first aid, winter accessories, laundry supplies or whatever you want.
Mesh Popup Laundry Hamper - Portable, Durable Handles,
Make going to the laundry room as easy as possible with this mesh, handled laundry bag.
Crocs Men's and Women's Crocband Flip Flop | Shower Shoe
Shower shoes, cause ew!! Dorm showers!
Hanging Toiletry Bag, Shower Caddy Tote Bag
Holding full size shampoo, conditioner and shaving cream bottles is a must.
Organic 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper - Soft Firmness Twin Extra Long Size - Organic Cotton Cover Included
Again, dorm beds, ew! Organic topper, ahhhh!
100% Organic Cotton 3 Piece Bed Sheet Set, 300 Thread Count Soft Sateen Weave GOTS Certified with deep Pockets (Twin XL, Natural)
Cozy and comfy sheets, this is an area I'm willing to splurge on a bit, even if they aren't washed weekly because sleep is so important!
Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator Fan, Bliss Blue
A huge must -- many dorm rooms are not air conditioned!! Plus if their beds are lofted it's hotter towards the ceiling and moving air is a must.
Noahas Super Soft Modern Shag Gray Area Rugs Fluffy Carpet
Have you seen dorm room floors? Many have seen a lot of feet, bring a little comfort of the family room into your students dorm room.
TORCHSTAR 24 LEDs Dimmable Flexible Study Clamp Desk Lamp Eye-Care Touch Sensitive
A solid desk lamp is a plus, while many dorm rooms have lamps already, this one is lightweight and easy on the eyes.
Define Essentials Heavy Duty Multi Height Bed Risers and Bed Lifts - 8 Piece Set
For dorm beds that don't have lofting abilities, this allows for underbed storage.
Fairy Lights Plug in, USB String Lights 8 Modes 49ft 150 LED Firefly Twinkle Lights with Adapter Remote
There is something soothing about twinkle lights, anytime of the year!
Realgrandbazaar Pestemal Turkish Towel %100 Cotton - Pre Washed Soft 39 x 69 Peshtemal, Beach,
I love these towels, they are not like every other towel in the dorm, plus they dry fast!
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Along with dorm room supplies and tips, visit this roundup post of easy, mostly one-pan, healthy college student friendly recipes. Perfect for dorm and apartment living! Hey, college kids deserve to eat healthy too!
Dorm Essentials • Kitchen Products • Money Saving Tips • Survival Tips
A collection of posts from bloggers who have experienced launching their kids into college first hand!
Dorm Room Decorating and Organizing
Excellent tips on how to decorate and organize a dorm room.
Women's Dorm Room Essentials | What She Really Needs
From dorm room essentials, kitchen products, best sheets, first aid kit to money saving tips! These are fantastic guides for parents AND students alike.
The Guys' Guide to Dorm Room Essentials | What he really needs!
A comprehensive guide to stocking a guys dorm room!
Top 5 Kitchen Products for College Students
Great kitchen products for college students.
Cozy Organic Twin XL Sheets 2019 - Get Green Be Well
Delicious and comfy organic sheets!
College First Aid Kit
All of the needed items for basic first aid.
Tips To Save Money In College
Saving money is ALWAYS a good thing!
What is college dorm life really like? | Tips from a student Residential Assistant
From a student's mouth on what college dorm life is really like.
I’ve done a bit of research from friends and online for a few college must haves! My understanding most of the dorm rooms supplies are typically ruined by the end of freshman year; so the best advice is don’t spend a lot.
For all your first time parents sending your sweet “babies” off to college, I’d love to hear back from you of what you found works and what did not! I’m right behind you!
Lynn Spencer
So many great tips here! From budget to food and everything in between! With one still in college, I am always looking for suggestions to make the transtion smooth and the year successful. Thanks for this compilation!
Thanks so much Lynn, it was a bittersweet labor of love for sure! But so necessary!!