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19 Unexpected Things To Bring To College You Probably Didn’t Think Of

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If you are wondering what unexpected things to bring to college this year, this list of essential items is for you!

Unexpected Things To Bring To College

SHOPPING FOR COLLEGE IS HARD. So glad I could get that out in all caps. Seriously tho, as a freshman there’s so much you’re thinking about and there’s a high chance you forget to pack some things. And I mean the important ones. 

I’m someone who forgot some of the most important essentials that I needed to survive college and regretted it the second I moved in. 

Luckily, I’m here to tell you those exact 19 things that saved my life (literally) so you can be prepared for college as much as possible!

Keep on scrolling for all the unexpected things to bring to college that you’ll definitely use all throughout your college years!

UNEXPECTED THINGS TO BRING TO COLLEGE

1. Rain Gears / Umbrella

Black Rain Boots as What To Bring To College They Don't Tell You About
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Small, Black Umbrella as Unnecessary Things To Bring To College
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I was someone who legit thought it would never rain when I’m in college and I feel like this is something that everyone tends to forget, so make sure to pack rain boots and a small, foldable umbrella!

It’s 100x better to walk with an umbrella after class when raining instead of soaking wet from top to bottom.. guilty 🤦‍♀️.

2. Stain Remover

Stain Remover as Fun Things To Bring To College
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I never thought of bringing a stain remover but a little drink spill incident on one of my favorite shirts made it clear I would have loved to pack one for college. 

This baby works like magic and will remove any stains in a matter of seconds! It’s so nice to have on the go with you all the time!

RELATED POST: 47 Essential College Dorm Must Haves To Buy Before Moving In

3. Extension Cord

10ft Extension Cord To Have In Your College Packing List
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We college students have dozens of things to charge these days and dorms have very limited wall plugs, so an extension cord is an essential you will totally want to bring!

I got this exact one from Amazon that also comes with four USB cords to charge my phone, airpods, and other things easily.

4. Foldable Laundry Basket

Seperated Laundry Basket as unexpected things to bring to college
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Ahh, nothing worse than dirty laundry laying around 🙂. Having a laundry basket where you can keep all your dirty clothes in one place is so important. 

I recommend getting a separate laundry basket like this one that will separate your lighter clothes from the dark ones to avoid any stains. This will also save you a ton of time because when the time comes to do your laundry, you can just take the bags out of these!

5. Drying Rack

Collapsible Drying Rack as things every college guy needs
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Okay, a drying rack is something most people don’t think about, but it really is a lifesaver. Chances of your clothes getting holes in them or stolen are high if you leave them in the public dryer for a long time. 

This drying rack is collapsible so it won’t take up any space in the room and you can put it against the wall or even under the bed!

6. Steamer

Mini Steamer as College Packing List
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Since college dorm rooms are already small enough, bringing an iron board is a huge no-no. A friend of mine made that mistake and instantly regretted it. 

Instead, get a mini steamer like this. It’s perfect to smooth out any wrinkles in a matter of seconds and a perfect mini size to keep in dorms!

7. Tool Kit

Tool Kit as Things Every College Girl Needs
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You will most likely be screwing and fixing a few things here and there with your roommate throughout the year, so having a toolkit around is a must. 

A toolkit does not have to be fancy, this one from Amazon with the basics is the one I got and it worked just fine!

RELATED POST: 21 Genius Dorm Room Ideas 2021 For The Best Dorm On Campus

8. First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit as Things to bring to college
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Just like the tool kit, a first aid kit is also necessary. It’s a smart option to have one because the last thing you want to do when you’re sick is make a trip to the pharmacy. 

9. Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray as Thing Every College Girl Needs
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This is definitely one of the unexpected things to bring to college and it’s sad I have to include this. 

But ladies, please get this!! Walking home at night after class can be scary if you’re all by yourself. I hope you never have to use pepper spray but bring one just in case!

10. LED Mirror

LED mirror as Things Every College Girl Needs
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This is a holy grail product for every girl in college! I cannot tell you the amount of lives an LED mirror has saved when getting ready, especially in dorms. 

If you are like me and have to really get into the face to do your makeup, you might need this!! 

If you are looking for an advanced version that comes with a bluetooth speaker attached, get this one for $35!

11. Soundproof Earbuds

Soundproof Earplugs as Unexpected Things To Bring To College
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Let me tell you, dorm walls are THIN. So, if the neighbour next door is blasting music, you will for sure be the first to hear. 

Spare yourself and invest in these soundproof earbuds! This is that one unexpected things to bring to college that will soon become your best friend!

12. Mini Fan

Mini Black Clip-On Fan as Things They Don't Tell You To Bring to College
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They don’t tell you this either, but most of the time dorms have really bad air conditioning (seriously, why do we even bother with dorms😂) so having a mini fan is a CRUCIAL part of surviving there.

Sometimes, you never know about the air conditioning situation, so you’ll be thanking yourself for this when it’s 90° outside!

13. Command Strips / Command Hooks

Command Hooks / Strips as Fun Things To Bring To College
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If you are planning to bring wall decor that you want to hang, you’ll need command strips! News flash; they don’t let you drill holes. So, our next best option is to use command strips and hooks for everything.

I used them all the time to hang heavy stuff like my backpack, purse, and other things.

RELATED POST: 29 Clever Dorm Room Organization Ideas You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

14. Keyring Bracelet

Keyring Bracelete
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Whether you are living in a dorm room or college apartment, there is a high chance you will be juggling a ton of keys around. Do yourself a favor and get a keyring bracelet! 

It honestly made my life so much easier and also made sure I never lost any of my keys when going outside!

15. 10ft Charging Cord

10ft Charging Cord as Unexpected Things To Bring To College
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A charging cord is something every college student should have with them wherever they go. At one point, you’ll be thanking yourself for having these when your phone charger breaks. 

These are also great to keep in dorms because they are long enough to reach all the weird places, making it easy for you to use your phone in bed ;).

RELATED POST: 23 College Necessities For Dorms: Things You Actually Need In Your Dorm Room

16. Magic Space Saving Hanger

Magic Space Saving Hangers as what to bring to college they don't tell you
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These magic space saving hangers will help create so much space in the tiny closet colleges come with! You could fit upto 5 times more clothes with these in the space of just one. If you are planning to bring extra clothing, you’ll definitely need this! 

17. Lap Desk

Lap Desk as college necessities for dorms
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A lap desk is such a convenient gadget for college students in 2023! Especially if you are doing college online, you’ll love a lap desk for your place!

You can literally do all your work from the comfort of your bed, join classes, binge watch your favorite shows… you know the essentials 😉.

[ RELATED POST: 25+ Helpful Dorm Room Gadgets To Make Your College Life Easier ]

18. Sewing Kit

Sewing Kit as Unexpected Things To Bring To College
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My mom made me pack a sewing kit for college and honestly, I thought I would never use it. When I tell you, having this product made me “popular” in college as I was the only girl who had it.

My friends would run to me every time they had a hole in their shirt or ripped a button 🤣. Definitely get this because wardrobe malfunctions happen all the time!

19. Water Filter – Brita

Water Filter as Unexpected Things To Bring To College
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Last but not least, a brita is the best thing to have and it’s better than water bottles that take up space (also bad for the environment)!

You wouldn’t even have to worry about the tap water you’re drinking if you filter it with this pitcher. A serious steal for college!


These were the 19 unexpected things to bring to college you probably didn’t pack.

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