8 Things I Wish I brought to My College Freshman Year
Going into freshman year, I was convinced I had everything I needed. I had checked off every item on those generic packing lists, but, as I quickly learned, those lists weren’t prepared for the day-to-day chaos of college life. Looking back, I laugh at what I thought was necessary (fancy dorm decor that never saw the light of day) and what I desperately missed but never packed.
Here’s a personal rundown of things I really wish I had brought to make my freshman year a little easier and more comfortable.
Portable Humidifier
Dorm air is dry. So dry that I woke up feeling like a dehydrated cactus most mornings. My skin freaked out, my throat hurt, and I wished I had something as simple as a small humidifier to save me from the desert-like dorm environment.
I’d love to recommend a top-tier humidifier to you, but honestly, I can’t remember the exact one I bought freshman year. It was probably some cheap Amazon find, and I don’t recall having any major complaints, so I’m assuming it did the job. Trust me, any humidifier will make a world of difference, even if it's just a simple, budget-friendly option.
2. Portable Fan
This is NECESSARY. I cannot explain how hot dorm rooms can get, especially during move-in week or random warm days when the AC isn’t great—or nonexistent. There were so many nights I felt like I was melting. A small, portable fan can be a lifesaver, giving you some much-needed airflow and keeping you from overheating. Plus, it doubles as a white noise machine, which is great when you need to drown out all the hallway chaos while you try to sleep. Don’t skip this one; you’ll thank me later.
3. Mattress Topper
Let me tell you, dorm mattresses are not luxurious. I thought I could tough it out, but my back would strongly disagree. I didn’t think to get a mattress topper until about a week into school, after waking up every morning feeling like I had slept on a wooden plank. It was a game-changing necessity. Seriously, do yourself a favor and bring one from the start—your back will be so grateful.
You can check out this list of highly-rated mattress toppers to find one that suits your needs: Best Mattress Toppers of 2024 from The New York Times' Wirecutter. They break down the options by budget, materials, and comfort preferences. Trust me, investing in a good one makes all the difference for those dorm beds!
4. Extra Long Phone Charger
It sounds basic, but having just a short cord is a nightmare. Dorm outlets are never where you want them to be. I spent so many nights contorting my body to keep my phone charging while I scrolled through TikTok in bed.
5. Extension Chord
Again, dorm outlets are never where you want them to be. An extension cord is an absolute dorm room essential and you’ll end up needing more plugs than you ever imagined. Between my phone charger, laptop, desk lamp, and whatever else I needed to plug in, I was constantly juggling cords. Having a long extension cord with multiple outlets—and maybe even some USB ports—will save you so much hassle and keep everything powered up without needing to do gymnastics to reach an inconveniently placed outlet. Absolute must-have!
6. Water Filter
Dorm water is... questionable, to say the least. It often tasted off, and I never felt fully confident drinking straight from the tap. My roommates and I toughed it out for a while, but eventually, we realized it was time to invest in a Brita. Sure, it’s a little annoying to fill up, but nothing beats having filtered water—for both taste and peace of mind. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference, trust me!
You can find the Brita we used HERE. I love this one because it’s ultra-large and comes with a convenient dispenser—you just turn it on to fill your cup, no need to pour by hand. If we’re being picky, it’s a small item but a luxury I think extremely necessary.
7. Husband Pillow
If you haven’t heard of a husband pillow, let me introduce you to your new best friend for late-night study sessions or binge-watching marathons. It’s one of those big, comfy backrest pillows with arms that support you while sitting up in bed. I didn’t think I’d need one, but I ended up constantly rearranging my regular pillows just to get comfortable. Having a husband pillow would’ve made reading, studying, or even just relaxing so much cozier—especially on those days when I practically lived in my bed (from being hungover all day LOL).
If you’re on the hunt for a cute but super comfy husband pillow, check out this one on Amazon. They pretty much sell them anywhere however, I just think this ones extra cute.
8. Rug Rake
Okay, if you have a rug in your dorm room, you need one of these. It's a hair scraper for rugs, and it’s honestly life-changing. You know how your rug somehow collects every little bit of hair, lint, and dust? This thing just slides right over your rug and pulls up all the hair and debris that vacuuming misses. It’s super satisfying to use and makes your rug look so much cleaner with barely any effort.
Packing for college is overwhelming, and it’s easy to forget the little things. I hope this list helps you be more prepared than I was—and trust me, your future self will thank you!
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