10 Essentials You Can’t Forget to Bring to College (Part 2)
Thursday, June 5th, 2008Don’t forget to check out Part 1 of the 10 Essentials You Can’t Forget to Bring to College!
5. Flip Flops
This was the first thing I realized I had forgotten when I got to college. After a long day of driving, moving, unpacking, and saying goodbyes, it was time to shower before going out. So I gathered up my things, headed to the shower, and realized immediately after stepping in that I would be needed some footwear; and Boston College is a clean place, and this was after one day of people using these things. College bathrooms and shower stalls become gross, inevitably, so prepare yourself; you never know what you’ll be stepping in or on, so wear some flip flops to shower and save yourself the hassle.
4. Brita Pitcher
This is becoming a surprisingly popular item in college dorm rooms, for the simple reasons that it not only works, but the tap water in dormitories is not particularly pleasant to drink in large quantities. Keeping cases of bottled water wastes a ton of space, and going to the dining hall whenever you want a drink is a nuisance. A Brita pitcher is a great alternative, to keep a surprising amount of water cold and clean for whenever you want it. The filters also last for about 3 months at a time as far as I know, so not too much maintenance is required. Tip: Instead of saying “let’s test the Brita to see if it really works” like my friends and I did, by pouring a beer through it, and subsequently ruining the filter, take my word for it: the Brita filters work! In went beer, out came clean drinking water!
3. Duct Tape
The common fix-all, cure-all known as duct tape is a lifesaver in college. It really can pretty much do anything. Need something to stick your poster to the wall? Put some duct tape on the back, and they won’t fall down. Did your roommates wrestle, fall onto your bookcase, and break multiple shelves? Duct tape will put them back together. Need something to tie your roommate to the chair he fell asleep studying in? Well, you get the idea. Like formal wear, having duct tape on hand will help you out when you least expect it, but will do so way more frequently than you would believe.
2. Microwave
Surprisingly enough, a lot of kids decide not to bring a microwave because: [1] they think their roommate will bring one [2] it’s going to take up too much space [3] they think they will be able to just use someone else’s or [4] they just forget to bring one. Make certain you or your roommate have a microwave! Do not rely on other people for this, it is too important! The microwave will most likely be used more than any other item in your room. Seriously, our microwave was destroyed due to constant usage (and overcooking leading to exploding food) by the end of four years — TV dinners, Mac-n-Cheese, popcorn, Ramen Noodles, reheating pizza, making coffee – these things also become critical during late night study sessions, before early exams, or when you get back in from an extremely late night of partying.
1. Aspirin
Okay, so here it is. The number one item you absolutely cannot forget to bring to college. Aspirin. Whether you’re nursing a hangover, or your head hurts from studying too much, or your ears are bleeding from your roommate blasting a little too much Coheed and Cambria, aspirin will be one of your best friends. Although its easy to get at a store if you need it, there’s no substitute for having it there to provide you immediate relief. Bring a bottle, and thank me later.
