16 Surprising Items for Your College Packing List

Face masks

Wearing a face mask is enforced in a lot of public areas, and even if it's not, you're going to want to have one on hand when you go out to crowded spaces. Face masks need to be washed, and since you don't know how often you can do laundry on campus, it's best to pack several masks so you can have a clean one available at all times.

To buy: $25 for 10; oldnavy.com.

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Disinfectant wipes

Disinfectant wipes are always good to have on hand—but it's especially necessary now. Use it on your desk before class starts, or wipe down your school supplies once you return to your dorm room.

To buy: $5; homedepot.com.

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UV light box

UV light has been proven to kill the coronavirus. Invest in a good machine with germicidal UV-C bulbs to sanitize your belongings. If you're dealing with something that can be damaged with alcohol inside disinfectant wipes, toss it into this Coral UV box instead. It's large enough to fit all your belongings and you can blast them together in one run.

To buy: $149; amazon.com.

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Non-contact door opener

In addition to hand sanitizer, which should be a new essential item in your purse, add a non-contact keychain and door opener to your going-out arsenal. The stylus point can be used to press buttons on pin pads, elevators, and light switches, and the hook offers a better way to open doors without having to touch germy surfaces around campus.

To buy: $13; amazon.com.

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Water filter

Whether it's for drinking water or spontaneous ramen meals, you're going to want to make sure you have some clean water available. Plastic water bottles take up a lot of pace (and are terrible for the environment) so invest in a filtered carafe to stay hydrated.

To buy: $24; hydroslife.com.

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Stain-Removing or Bleach Pens

Since dirty or stained clothing often hits the hamper (and stays there for a bit), having a tool to tackle immediate spots will save soiled garments.

To buy: $4; walgreens.com.

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Adhesive hooks and strips

Most dorms don't allow you to drill into the walls. A quick solution to satiate your decorating desires? Adhesive strips! These will let you secure posters and other flexible objects to walls without damaging the surface.

To buy: $8; target.com.

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Dish Soap

After just one week at school, it'll seem like all of your dishes are in need of a rinsing. Sigh. Having a small bottle of dish soap in a room will make the dirty work a little easier (and more likely to happen).

To buy: $3; walgreens.com.

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Business Casual Attire

Class presentations, job fairs, interviews—there are a number of reasons and occasions that will require a student to break out the pencil skirt or tie.

To buy: $168; jcrew.com.

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Rain Gear

Unfortunately, classes do not stop due to rain, and when the weather gets rough, an umbrella just won't cut it. Pack a rain jacket with a hood and wellies, which can be worn year-round.

To buy: $150; hunterboots.com.

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Cold Gear

Be prepared for snow or just reallly cold temperatures. Don't forget to pack a solid parka—and a pair of gloves, scarf, and hat that actually covers the ears.

To buy: $179; thenorthface.com.

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Measuring Cup

Cooking in a cramped dorm room can be challenging, but having the right tools can make mealtime prep easier. A measuring cup will also come in handy for boiling water in the winter for tea or hot cocoa.

To buy: $12; target.com.

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Wrinkle Remover Spray

Refuse to sacrifice space for the iron and ironing board? Fair enough. Pack a bottle of wrinkle remover spray, which will come in handy on those hectic mornings.

To buy: $7; target.com.

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Extra Blanket

Whether tossed on the bed for extra warmth or spread out on the dorm room floor for a soft cushion, this extra layer will often come in handy. Bonus points if it's weighted to help with stress levels.

To buy: $25; target.com.

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Over-the-Door Storage Units

Dorm rooms are cramped so you're going to want all the space you can get. Optimize hidden vertical space with these over-the-door units that let you store all the shoes you bring from home.

To buy: $15; containertstore.com.

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Stamps and Stationery

Stashing a book of stamps and some blank note cards in a spare desk drawer will come in handy when least expected, like sending a thank-you note for a job interview or birthday gift.

To buy: $19; bloomingdales.com.

Updated by

Victoria Mechler