With college as a fall destination for many recent graduates, this year's school supply list features a bit more than folders and milk crates. Living away from home can be made easier if you come prepared with a few of these items to make an easy transition onto campus. Dodge the typical freshman mistakes by packing these key essentials when leaving for college.
A Hand-Held Vacuum
College allows you to embark upon a journey all your own. But what most universities fail to mention is that the mess in the dorm is all your own, too. Especially when you have a roommate who ignores the weeks' worth of mess in the middle of the closet-sized living space. Win best roommate by supplying your own hand-held vacuum like this Express V6 Cordless Bagless Handheld Vacuum from Dirt Devil, small for easy storage, but mighty for college-sized clutter.
$24.99 | dirtdevil.com
Full-Length Mirror
First impressions are very important when trying to find your way in a new place. Ditch the tiny, square mirror in the bathroom and opt for a more efficient full-length mirror to avoid a fashion faux pas as horrific as wearing pajamas to class. One like a Room Essentials® Over the Door Mirror should do the trick.
$14.99 | target.com
Backpack
Let us not neglect the learning side of college, which usually involves books; very large books. A reliable carry-all is a necessity for every student. We like the time-tested L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack for a classic and convenient backpack option.
$29.96 | llbean.com
Laptop
Your laptop choice is very important. It will be there when you write those late-night papers, indulge in your online shopping addiction and everything in between. The ultra-portable Apple MacBook Air is perfect for the classroom note-taking Mac-lovers. For the diehard PC fans, the Dell Latitude E7440 Touch provides an innovative touch-screen design.
Apple MacBook Air | $999.00 | apple.com
Dell Latitude E7440 Touch | $1219.53 | dell.com
Printer
Rather than pay for printing, bring your own printer to college. A personal printer comes in handy when the trek to the library seems unbearable and you need those notes for class. This HP - ENVY 5530 Wireless e-All-In-One Printer makes printing easy doesn't require a cord.
$99 | bestbuy.com
Healthy Snacks
When the late night cravings kick in, resist the urge to reach for a nutritionally-lacking choice like the infamous ramen. Instead, satisfy cravings while being good to your body with healthier snacks, like these Kind Bars, which come in countless flavor combinations to please every palate.
$1.39 | kindsnacks.com
Plastic Boxes for Under the Bed
Chances are space is not going to be your friend in a standard college dorm. Utilize what little space you have by adding extra storage with plastic drawers for that empty area under the bed. These colorful drawers are fun and functional.
$14.99 | containerstore.com
Umbrella and Rain Boots
Bad weather makes the walk to class miserable. Come prepared with the proper gear to stay dry on the guaranteed rainy days that await you on campus. Hunter rain boots remain every college girl's wet-weather must-have, but an umbrella wouldn't hurt to protect those locks, either.
$91 | hunter-boot.com
Utensils and Plastic Food Containers
Two things most people usually don't remember to bring for college are utensils and Tupperware. Don't be that person that is constantly stealing silverware from the dining hall. Bring your own! Then use Tupperware to keep leftovers edible.
$25 | tupperware.com
ID Case
This Vera Bradley double-sided ID case is perfect for every college girl. Pick a fun pattern that reflects your style, put your student ID card, driver's license and Starbucks card inside and attach your dorm key to the keychain for an easy way to keep track of your most important belongings.
$20 | verabradley.com
