College is a time unlike any other. In between the child and adult world young college students are purchasing life essentials for the many events they will attend on their own in addition to a couple of items needed in order to complete all those late-night assignments.
If you are a college student the promotion of “back to school” does still have an effect on you despite you being too old for scented crayons and safety scissors. But can this always be an advantage.
According to USA today, “College students and their families are expected to spend more. On average, they will spend $1,364.75, about the same as last year’s $1,366.95. Total college back-to-school spending is expected to reach $86.6 billion, the second-highest after last year’s $94 billion.”
For college students and graduates there are times you and I can recall a couple of classes where a professor has made you purchase an item that rarely gets used during the semester and later wasted for the rest of your life.
However, back-to-school promotions can significantly reduce the net sale price of a supply by 50-75%. Many students have passed a class with little to no supplies together.
All of this goes to say that a partial reason why so many Americans feel they waste so much money on back-to-school supplies is because of the exact supplies they are getting. Certain items can be found cheaper or simply do not need to be really purchased at all. But wait. How does one know what supplies to actually get? Allow me to explain.
But before we get to the nitty-gritty we at Trill want to put an emphasis on the fact that college should be a balance between work and play. After all, this is the time when most people have the most independence, self-exploration, and responsibility at the same time in their lives. It isn’t always about the midterms and all-nighters. There are some really cool events you get to first experience in college that can be attached to your first adulthood memories. These events can be school games, Greek life parties, music events, spring break and so much more. Let’s go down to this game of sub vs. dub when discussing the essentials for college life.
Event #1: Games and concerts
❌ What you don’t need
A whole lot of bills
Bills can take up unnecessary space. Also, certain arenas do not take cash, so it is wise to take only a few bills along with some form of digital pay, whether it be a credit card or through a mobile banking app.
Bulky items
Bulky items or packaging can take up unnecessary space and can be part of the perfect recipe in such a chaotic environment. Try to slim down where you can on items and the packaging of items in your bag as much as you can
Selfie Sticks
I know selfie sticks can be tempting to take as they can be the perfect tool for capturing the best photos and videos of your experience. However, they are hard to keep track of. In addition, many concert venues do not allow it as it can be very dangerous because it can be easily turned into a weapon.
Dangerous Items
Usually it is not anyone’s intention to carry a dangerous object to a college game or a concert. But please be mindful of objects that can be considered dangerous. These objects can include flammable items such as perfume and e-cigarettes and sharp objects. Pro Tip: Always check the venue’s list of prohibited items prior to attendance.
⭐ Underrated Items
Small Backpack or Crossbody bag
A small backpack or crossbody is such an underrated bag to take to a game or a concert. During these times your hands will be full or you will be required to retrieve something from your bag in a short amount of time. The crossbody and/or the mini backpack can provide maximum practicality and comfortability that makes it easy to enjoy the event with no worries of breaking or losing anything.
Earplugs
Concert speakers can be overwhelming to the ear and can cause damage whether it be temporary or long-term. Having earplugs can save you from ache the next morning as well as provide you with just enough comfortability while enjoying the event. You’ll be just hearing the music at a lower volume.
Binoculars
For all my people sitting in the back, having binoculars is the best thing you brought to the entire concert. Binoculars is the tool for seeing your favorite player or artist without having to get out of your seat constantly.
Sunglass Chain
For outdoor games and concerts in the height of the chaoticness it can be very easy to lose your sunglasses. Having a optical chain can avoid the anxiety of where you left your glasses. There are many styles that is cool and functional, so you don’t have to look like an old lady.
✅ What you need
Slim Wallet
A slim wallet can prevent that bulkiness that we talked about earlier as well as prioritize the cards necessary for this event.
Portable Charger
A portable charger is an essential is your phone dies or is starting to die out. These little lifesavers can make sure your phone is always on to capture your entire experience as well as to order an uber after.
Sun Protection
For outdoor concerts and games sun protection is an safety procedure that often gets forgotten about. Have a little bottle of the sun protection of your choice to apply 15 minutes before stepping to the arena. Trust me your skin will thank you.
Reusable Bag
When buying merch most venues do not offer or now charge for a bag. It’s just best to have your own. Not only are you saving the planet but also you have a bag for all those souvenirs to bring home.
Event #2 Bars and in-college parties
❌ What you don’t need
All your makeup
Carrying too much makeup can provide unnecessary bulk and can be very easy to lose, nevertheless taking away from the essentials. One or two items should be taken. Also, investing in a good setting spray can prevent most makeup from getting wiped away.
⭐ Underrated Items
Safety Items
Every year, on average, 3,000 women a year are most likely to get sexually assaulted or abducted from bars and college parties. Having safety items such as pepper spray or sharp keychains is not so much an underrated item but is now an essential, unfortunately. Please do not neglect your safety or take it for granted. It can happen to anyone. Purchase some type of safety item before you go out to these types of events.
Wet Naps
Wet Naps can such a viable tool when trying to clean a messy seat or clean yourself in a hurry.
Roofie Test
In a 2023 article ABC news stated that “Nearly 11 million women in the United States have been sexually assaulted while drunk or drugged, according to the Office on Women’s Health.”
In addition, be aware of drinks in punch bowls or other containers that can be easily “spiked”, do not accept drinks from other people and open your drink yourself. A roofie test is just another safety precaution to not have someone take advantage of you during your night out.
Not all roofie test have to so boring. Four female students from North Carolina State University made headline for creating a nail polish as a discreet form of a roofie test back in 2018.
Buddy
I know you can’t pack a buddy. But bringing a buddy is always helpful in helping you walk to your car, taking you to medical assistance if you are feeling sick, getting you away from that aggressive person, and especially preventing anyone from taking advantage of you.
✅ What you need
The same as when attending games or concerts a crossbody is the best bag to carry when going to a bar or a Greek life party. Many times there will be little to no sets at these types of events. Even if there are seats it is not wise to leave your bag unattended. Crossbody purses or clutches allow you to dance the night away while still making sure all your items are with you.
Extra money
Don’t always bring out the bare minimum when going out. Always bring some extra money just in case you need to order an Uber or the drinks are more expensive than you think.
Portable Charger
A portable charger is one of the first essentials that should be in your bag for these types of events. This ensures that your phone is charged in case you need to call for help.
Hand Sanitizer
Some portable hand sanitizer is always an essential when you constantly shaking hands or touching items that you don’t know how dirty they are. Pro tip: Hand sanitizer can get rid of sticky hands and can mask just about an body odor temporarily.
Hair ties
A few hair ties are always helpful in case the bar or party gets too hot or to simply get the hair out of your face when drinking or eating.
Event #3: Holiday breaks
❌ What you don’t need
A bunch of notebooks
Carrying a bunch of notebooks can easily add unnecessary bulk. It’s only unnecessary because most breaks are only for a week at most. Just have a folder with a few pieces of paper in it instead to loosen the load.
Too much stationary
The same as the notebooks, don’t overpack with too much stationary for just a week. Two mechanical pencils, two pens, and should be good enough.
Too many clothes
I have seen so many people make this mistake. Having too many clothes leaves less room for essentials as well as less room for the later souvenirs from your trip to show off to your classmates. Try to include too many clothes with bulky fabrics, such as denim and corduroy. Instead, replace this with clothes that have less bulky fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Also, try to incorporate clothes that can easily mix and match one another to make an entirely new outfit. This sort of aligns with shoes and bags. Try to pack bags and shoes that are both functional and can go with any outfit. Finally, try different styles of folding to ensure the most extra space in your bag to later be filled.
Too much jewelry
Having too much jewelry can easily make it hard to keep track off and most likely to get lost or stolen. Try to incorporate at minimum 5 pieces that can go with any outfit.
⭐ Underrated Items
Luggage Organizers
These organizers can make packing so much easier. It can make specific sections out of your luggage to not confuse yourself on whether you put your toothbrush next to your pajamas or with your makeup. The organizers also can reduce bulk to allow more room.
Masks
I know the world is no longer in a pandemic. However having a masks can now be helpful as so many people can and are most likely to become sick at the airport. Having one masks can easily save you the risk of running your trip due to unexpected illness.
Antibacterial spray and wipes
Similar to the masks when traveling, plane seats and hotel rooms are some of the most unsanitary places where people are most likely to get sick. You can buy these in miniature size at any convenience dollar store and can save you a trip to the pharmacy.
Multi-Universal Chargers
With these chargers you can charge both your phone, Bluetooth headphones and tablets all at the same time. Does this devices have different heads, no problem! The multi-universal charger has all the heads including apple lighting, type c and micro USB. Just having one universal charger and easily reduce bulk and can be convenient for everyone.
✅ What you need
Well quality headphones
Whether it be chord or Bluetooth headphones, having well quality headphones is an essential for traveling during holiday breaks. Such headphones last you throughout the break as long as help you pass the time during your flights.
Travel bottles
Having travel bottles for your hair products, lotion and more will make safe than sorry in case where your staying does not have these accommodations to the highest standards. Travel bottles also are less likely to get punctured and easier to go through TSA. Just make sure that all these bottles are less than 8oz.
A hoodie
Despite you always being warm or it being warm during your holiday break, having a hoodie is a must. Airplanes and airports are usually cold. Some hotels have a set temperature for all rooms that may be too cold for you.
Event #4: First week of college
❌ What you don’t need
The same binder and pencil case from high school
Just take a few pieces of looseleaf and put them in a folder. Many professors do not require students to take notes. Depending on your major, some of the class lectures are not noteworthy material. Many of the lecture slideshows are posted online for review.
Those bulky calculators
These Ti-plus calculators take up a lot of space unnecessarily. Instead, try downloading digital calculators such as Wabbitemu.
Lots of food
Something simple, such as a sandwich or a salad, is the best meal to pack for days on campus. Breaks in between classes are usually not that long. These breaks will be most likely spending them on advising appointments or tutoring sessions. So it’s best to keep the meals short and sweet in case you have less than you think.)
⭐ Underrated Items
Tablets
Whether it be an iPad or a Samsung pad, tablets are seriously underrated. Before last year I was carrying a whole hp computer to campus. If your prefer or have to carry a device other than your phone to campus a tablet is the way to go. In comparison to a computer a tablet or even something similar to a macbook air is lighter for your back and shoulders as well as takes less room in your bag. It’s not college students being extra. It’s students working smarter instead of harder. If you have the opportunity to get a high school graduation gift, ask for a tablet. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Lanyards
Lanyards can make it easy to get out your student ID and transportation passes without holding up the line trying to find your wallet in your bag.)
Far-vision and blue-light glasses
Far-vision glasses allow you to see the lectures to help better memorize learning, especially if you’re sitting in the back. Blue-light glasses really help smooth your eyes for all those hours on the computer trying to complete your assignments.)
First aid kit
Hey, accidents happen. But what shouldn’t happen is unpreparedness. You’ll find it surprising how hard it is to find a Band-Aid on most campuses. It’s best you have your own mini-first aid kit in case anything were to occur.
✅ What you need
- Portable Charger (Do we even need to mention this one?)
- Reusable Water Bottle (Always stay hydrated)
- Sweater (Just in case it’s cold on the bus or in the classroom)
- Either a tablet or a few pieces of paper with pen
- You can carry a medium-sized backpack or a tote bag
Closing
College can be fun, informative and challenging all at the same time. The events you will most likely attend, is just another layer to that. Not every experience is the same, but it is important to prepare as much as possible. Preparedness can determine whether one of these events will be one of the most fondest memories of your life or a regretful moment. Let us know any of your college event essentials in the comments below.
