College classes begin soon – is someone in your family headed to campus? Almost every school publishes a list of what to pack, so your college student is likely already prepared with extra-long sheets and a sturdy shower caddy. But there are plenty of other items to make the college experience more enjoyable, and they may not appear on a school’s master list. We put our heads together at MEFA to come up with some of the additional items that our family members are bringing to campus this year, and items we wish we had brought ourselves when we were collegebound. As packing gets underway, be sure to pass along this list.

Headed to college this fall? Here are a few things not to forget:

• Photos of family and friends: This may be your first time away from home for an extended period of time, so if you get homesick you’ll appreciate having pictures of those you love near by.
• Items to help you sleep: You might have a different sleep schedule than your roommate, or need a nap in the middle of the day, so an eye mask, ear plugs, and blackout curtains can help you get the rest you need. A mattress pad can also add cushion to your thin dorm room mattress.
  • From one MEFA team member: “I downloaded a white noise app on my phone once I got to school, and used that whenever I had trouble falling asleep. It always worked.”
• Hygiene essentials: Move in day will be busy! So come prepared with items like shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, and detergent. It’s also a good idea to come prepared with a hanging mesh organizer for showers, shower shoes and a laundry basket or bag (or even a laundry backpack!) that is easy to carry.
• Technology: You’re likely bringing a laptop to college, so invest in a laptop lock to keep your equipment safe. A safe can be useful to keep other important items secure, as well. Make sure you bring chargers for your technology, and maybe an extra or portable charger if you know you’ll be on the go. It’s also smart to bring a surge protector and an extension cord or power strip with multiple outlets for all of your other electronics.
• First aid kit: With late-night hours and close quarters, it’s easy to get sick in college. Make sure you’re prepared with some basic cold medicine and cough syrup, as well as echinacea and vitamin C to keep the germs away. Ibuprofen, antacid, bandages, antibiotic ointment, and a thermometer are also helpful to have on hand.
• Rain gear: It rains at college, too, and you’ll likely be walking more as you cross campus several times a day. Bring a raincoat and umbrella for sure, and galoshes if you have them to keep your feet dry.
• Snacks and eating supplies: You might have nights where there’s not time to hit up the dining hall, so have some meals that are easy to make in your room, such as noodle dishes or soup. Paper plates and cups, as well as plastic silverware, will come in handy, and grab-and-go snacks like granola bars and trail mix are always needed.
  • From one MEFA team member: “My mom bought me a giant container of animal crackers to put on my desk in my dorm room. When people walked by, they would always come in and take some – that’s how I met some of first and lasting friends in college.”
• Small appliances: To make snacking and quick meals a little easier to manage, a small microwave and mini fridge may be worth the investment. And if you need a jolt of caffeine now and again, consider bringing your own coffee maker. It’s helpful to have the ability to make some coffee easily in your room, and cheaper than buying it out somewhere. Just be sure your dorm allows it.
  • From another MEFA team member: “My daughter brought an ice maker (she’s serious about her iced drinks!).”
• Cleaning supplies: You don’t need to dust every week, but you’ll want to have a few things with you in case you spill a cup of coffee or end up with chip crumbs all over your bed. Some cleaning solution, paper towels, and a small hand vacuum should do the trick.
• Dorm room extras: Your room at college will be pretty basic, so bring a fan in case there’s no air conditioning, a reading light for studying at night in bed, and a memo board to leave notes for roommates or hallmates. And since space is often limited for dorms, it’s a great idea to bring some storage solutions, such as under-the-bed storage bins.
• Room décor: Have fun designing your new space. Be inspired by college dorm room décor ideas. Use social media, like Pinterest, to browse mood boards. Make your dorm more inviting with creative lighting, comfortable seating, or a cozy rug. And if you plan to hang photos or posters, be sure to follow your college’s recommendations (3M strips, sticky tack, etc.).
• Extra items: There is a lot of advice on what to bring to college, and you may want to arrive extra prepared. But purchasing items too far in advance could mean you have less flexibility to make changes. You may find that your dorm doesn’t have space or a need for what you purchased, and you’ll want to be able to return what you don’t need.
  • From one MEFA team member: “My son’s college replaced the beds over the summer and the new beds were height adjustable. By chance I had purchased bed risers from Amazon within the return period, and I was able to return them.”

The last piece of advice from several MEFA team members? Don’t overpack. Dorm rooms are small, so you don’t want to feel like you don’t have room to breathe. If you desperately need something you didn’t bring, there are often stores nearby. And remember – you’re moving to campus, but you’ll probably be home for a break soon. You can pick up any extra items you need then.