This college freshman survival kit includes essentials to prepare for any incoming freshmen to college.

Entering college can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, don’t fret with this survival kit that I put together for incoming freshmen.

I wish I had known about this, but luckily I live close to my home so it’s not too bad going back and forth.

But if you are out of state or far away from your home, here is a college freshman survival kit for you!

This post is all about creating and putting together a college freshman survival kit.

College Freshman Survival Kit

1. Hair Ties/ Scrunchies/ Claw Clips

I can not tell you how many times I was eating or taking an exam and wished that I had a hair tie with me.

Have a pack of hair ties or scrunchies in your bag, backpack, and purse so you will always have it even if you change bags.

It keeps your hair out of your face and lets you concentrate during tests.

2. Advil/ Pain Medicine

I don’t usually take pain medicine unless it’s near that time of the month. It saves me from deadly cramps.

Have it handy so you have it when you feel you need it.

3. Lint Roller

There is always lint on my leggings or shirts. A lint roller is a lifesaver.

It makes you look presentable and keeps your outfits pristine. Pick one or a few up when you are doing your dorm shopping.

4. Umbrella

It rarely rains where I’m from, but there are always a few unexpected days that catch me off guard.

Having an umbrella shields you from the rain and getting a cold. Just throw a mini one in your dorm and grab it when the weather looks cloudy.

5. Pepper Spray/ Alarm

Better be safe than sorry. No matter how safe you think your campus may be, it is always nice to have pepper spray or an alarm to ward off perverts.

Try to walk in groups or on main roads to stay safe. If it’s really late at night, contact your campus transport if they have escort services. 

Call a trusted Uber or stay on a call with a friend. Having someone to talk to makes you seem like someone is waiting for you and can ward off others.

6. Nail Set

This may be small, but it is easy to forget about! Bring a nail clipper and filer to trim your nails when they grow too long.

You don’t want super long tails if you play a sport or have labs to do.

7. Baseball Cap

For days you don’t know what to do with your hair. I love having a bucket hat for dirty hair days.

Have a neutral color cap to match different outfits and use it as a fashion piece.

8. Sunscreen

Wear it every day even if you don’t see the sun. Sunscreen helps to block damaging rays and prevents wrinkles.

Make it part of your morning routine to apply sunscreen at the last step of your skincare and before you get out the door.

9. Card Holder

Great to stick behind your phone so you never forget your student id. 

If a wallet is too bulky for you, a cardholder behind your phone can limit the things you need to carry.

10. Energy Bar

Throw a granola bar, a box of juice, or trail mix to last you through long classes.

Sometimes you can get too busy and skip your meals. Keep your energy up by always having a snack on hand.

11. Mini Pouch

I always have a small pouch for pads, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. Add in gum or mints to keep your breath fresh after meals.

Keeping an essentials pouch can keep all your mini items together so they don’t get lost in the depths of your bag.

12. Charger/Plug/Power Bank

You are probably on your phone all the time-watching videos, listening to music, and texting, so a charger will keep your phone alive the entire day.

A power bank is also a great option if you are in class and there are no outlets nearby.

13. Band-aids

Pack a few for emergency paper cuts or scratches. I can not stand paper cuts. They hurt more than bumping into the wall.

If you are unsure which sizes to get, just grab the variety packs or a mini first aid kit so you have everything that you need.

14. Ear Muffs

If you are a light sleeper (or happen to sleep right next to construction freshman year, me) then ear muffs will save your sleep!

Even if you think you are going to pull all-nighters; which is a terrible idea, ear muffs will be your savior for when you want some peace and quiet.

15. Oil-Blotting Sheets

If you become a grease ball in the afternoon, oil blotting sheets can keep the oil at bay. 

Grab a pack at Daiso (it’s like $1.75 for a pack of 250 sheets, that’s like 0.007 dollars per sheet).

If you don’t have a bunch of oil-well, lucky you!

16. Roll-on Perfume/ Body Spray

Sometimes you just don’t smell your best. A small roll-on perfume or body spray can shoo the odors away.

But don’t go overboard as some people cannot stand the scent of perfume.

A few sprays should be sufficient. I recommend a clean linen smell there’s just something with the clean and fresh scent of laundry. This brings me back to the point-do your laundry.

17. Tissues

Carry a pack of tissues with you wherever you go. There’s always someone sick during the school year so be prepared when it’s your turn.

And besides, tissues come in handy if the public restrooms run out of toilet paper which rarely happens (but doesn’t mean it won’t).

18. Mask

To prevent contracting Covid, and besides, I’m kinda used to it too. No one sees my braces win-win.

It also covers half your face so you save on lip tints or lipsticks.

19. Headphones

A nice-sounding pair of headphones can be a game changer when you are watching lectures or Netflix. 

You can also play music when your roommates are getting ready for bed or you’re at the library.

20. Scissors

Having a pair of scissors saves your nails. No more ripping and tearing open products. 

Scissors are handy to get rid of loose threads on your clothes and opening packages.

I recommend bringing a pack of scissors and having one in your drawer, on your desk, and by the dining area.

This way you have it close by when you need to cut open food wrapping, clothing tags, and package wrapping.

21. Pop-Up Laundry Hamper

Throw all your dirty clothes in a pop-up hamper and do your laundry when it fills up.

A pop-up hamper saves space in your already tiny dorm room and makes sure you get one with handles so it is easily transportable. 

Also having a hamper force you to realize that you have to do the laundry.

22. Shower Tote

Before college, I had no idea these things existed. Now, I use them all the time.

Not only does it carry everything-and I mean EVERYTHING from shampoos, body wash, face cleanser, body scrub, conditioner, mask, to foot scrubs.

It holds all I need when I want to take a short or long shower.

23. Full-Length Mirror

I recommend bringing a light full-length mirror to campus. 

If your dorms don’t have a large mirror, bringing one into your room can help with picking out outfits. 

Also great to clean yourself up in the morning and remember to fix your shirt or shoes.

24. Water Bottle

Invest in a nice water bottle that can keep your water cool for over 8 hours and liquids hot for 6 hours.

Personally, I use a hydro flask and it’s been holding up through all my abuse.

I drop it at least three times a day and there’s only been a small dent on the bottom. And I have had it since high school and my water is always cool.

Many high-quality water bottles are similar to the hydro flask but at a lower price tag.

25. Tide to Go Pen

If you wear white or light-colored shirts often, carry a tide-to-go pen.

It will easily get rid of stains and if you accidentally spill something, you don’t have to worry if you have an important class or meeting after.

Carry one in each of your purses or bags so you will always have one when you switch bags.

26. Mints/Gum

Having a pack of gum or mints is an easy way to make friends.

It also freshens your breath and wakes you up if you ever feel sleepy during class.

Pick gum or mints that contain little to no sugar so you chew as much as you want.

27. Dry Shampoo

There will be days when you get so exhausted or forget about your hair.

Always have some sort of emergency item like dry shampoo to salvage your hair.

A hack is to use baby powder, but be careful to only use small amounts.

Otherwise, there will be big white powdery splotches on your head.

The key is to apply tiny amounts each time until your hair absorbs it. 

Use this sparingly as it is not good for frequent use.  

This post was all about key essentials for what to put in your college freshman survival kit.