There are tons of lists out there totting back-to-school shopping. And while, yes, having extra-long twin sheets and a shower caddy are definitely handy, those generic lists don’t tell you what you will actually need to be well-prepared and fashionable college student.
So we turned to our knowledgeable Style Gurus to get their insight on the item that has proven to be essential to their college lives.
We compiled the best of the best to give you the 23 items every college Fashionista/o should own.
1. “Besides the obvious school-related materials, every college student should own SOMETHING THAT HELPS YOU UNWIND. Get yourself a pair of knitting needles, your favorite book or even some wine glasses to help yourself relax after an intense day at school.” —Hannah Goldstein, Seattle University
2. “A PLANNER. I write down literally everything I’m doing each day, and it helps me schedule and plan things quicker without getting flustered.“—Arianna Alvarez, Hunter College
3. “Every social media savvy student should own a PORTABLE USB BATTERY PACK! These come in handy when you’re on the go and can’t find an outlet to charge your phone.“—Cindy Suzuki, University of California, Davis
4. “One word… BACKPACK. In high school they weren’t cool but in college you can’t live without one.“—Alexandra Barone, Kent State University
5. “You should definitely own a cute pair of RAIN BOOTS! Nothing is worse than showing up to class and spending the day with soggy feet.“—Ciara Fekete, NYU
6. “I couldn’t have survived my first year of college without my LAPTOP. Not only did it help with school, but I could video chat with friends and family that I was missing and seek inspiration for outfits and fashion looks!“—Jami Lapinson, FIT
7. “A BODY PILLOW…perfect for sitting in bed to work on homework, watch Netflix or read a book. I’ve had the same one since freshman year, and I still use it now that I’m a senior!”—Jessica Long, Elon University
8. “A SUCCULENT. They’re low maintenance, purify the air and can make your apartment or dorm feel like home.“—Kelsey Daykin, University of Wisconsin
9. “Every college student needs to own a pair of COMFORTABLE, STYLISH SHOES. Never underestimate how much you’ll walk around campus.“—Lauren Hundt, Florida State University
10. “A good SOUND SYSTEM to pump up the jams at all times.”—Jenna Tipple, University of Wisconsin
11. “A STURDY UMBRELLA! Weather can be unpredictable, especially in Ohio, so an umbrella that can withstand powerful winds and downpours deserves a golden star in my book“—Kathryn Reaven, Kent State University
12. “Every female college student should own a BLACK TOTE BAG—it’s the most versatile accessory out there. It works for running errands, going to class, or going to work or an internship, and you can inject a touch of your personality into it by tying a scarf in your favorite color/pattern around the straps.”—Arielle McManus, FIT
13. “A NETFLIX ACCOUNT“—Alma Gomez, University of Tampa
14. “A FULL-LENGTH MIRROR is a necessity if you ever want to see your whole outfit. Some dorms supply them but some do not so be sure to check!“—Kaitlyn Naze, Stonehill College
15. “I believe every college student should own an iPad or some sort of TABLET. My tablet keeps track of my schedule, assignments and just my life and never gets messy like a notebook would.“—Sherrell Wilkerson, Florida A&M University
16. “A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE! Don’t be stuck without one on those long treks across campus.“—Rachel Rosenstock, Indiana University
17. “Every college student should own and create a RÈSUMÈ. It is important for job interviews, scholarship applications and joining clubs.”—Lindsey Wehking, DePaul University
18. “Everyone needs a cute COFFEE TUMBLER to carry to those early morning classes!“—Courtney Pelot, University of Wisconsin
19. “Every college student should own an oversized KNIT SWEATER. Whether you go to school at the beach or in the city, it will always come in handy.“—Joan Daly, Pepperdine University
20. “Every college student should own a LAP BOARD. What better way to study than in bed?“—Madison Brooker, Harding University
21. “In my opinion, one item every college student needs is HEADPHONES. How else can one take a lonesome self walk to class, study for a test or watch Netflix while his or her roommate is asleep?“—Stella Campisi, Penn State University
22. “WRINKLE RELEASER. If you do not have time or room in your dorm to iron, a spritz of wrinkle releaser can do wonders for your favorite T-shirt or blouse!“—Jennifer Jenkins, University of Florida
23. “A LINT BRUSH, especially if you are a business student. Take it from someone who had feathers from her coat covering her cardigan at a career fair, a lint brush will be your best friend.“—Rachael Mayrose, Northeastern University