College Essentials You Shouldn’t Overlook

      A step closer to graduation each day, many of us are starting to think about what we should be bringing to college this fall. It's easy to just focus on decorations or stuff that looks cool, but most upperclassmen in college will tell you that the small, practical items end up mattering more than anything. So seniors, let’s dive into what you don’t want to forget on move-in day.

For starters, a mattress topper is basically a must. Dorm beds aren’t exactly the most comfortable, and getting good sleep is crucial once classes start. Another essential is a power strip with USB ports, as dorms and libraries never seem to have enough outlets for phones, laptops, and other electronics used daily.

 Space is also a big issue in dorms, which is why bed risers are so useful. They provide extra storage under your bed for all other necessities without taking up more room. Speaking of room, command hooks are an easy way to hang things like bags, towels, or keys without damaging the walls, risking a fee at the end of the year.

  Outside your dorm, having a pair of slides or slippers is something people often don’t think about until they need them. Whether it’s walking to the bathrooms and showers or just going out, you’ll end up using them all the time. A portable charger is another underrated item, especially for long days when you’re not in your dorm much. Keeping a small fan with you can also make a huge difference when your room or table gets annoyingly uncooperative with the temperature.

     Undeniably, a good laptop is the essential. Windows for engineering and Mac for anything else. The M4 and M5 Pro generations offer the perfect balance between long-term usage and price. M4 Pro is my go-to recommendation; Asus Zephyrus G14 for engineering—enough power without going overkill. 

    At the end of the day, college packing isn’t just about what looks good on the walls, but what makes your life easier. Bringing a few of these underrated essentials can seriously improve your day-to-day experience once you move in. Happy moving!