With the fall semester fast approaching, thousands of new Raiders will soon be moving into Wright State University’s residence halls and apartments. While most students remember the basics, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference once move-in day is over.
Between saying goodbye to family, unpacking and learning the lay of the land, it is easy for some of the most useful items to slip through the cracks. Here are a few underrated essentials that can make the transition to college life a little smoother.
First aid kit
This is one of those things that seems pretty obvious, but is often overlooked. Whether it’s cold, allergies or a headache after an exam, most students need basic medicine at some point in the semester. Having a base kit with items like a thermometer, a painkiller of your choosing, cold and flu meds, antacids, band-aids and more allows students to be better prepared when the time comes.
Sewing kit
Clothes rip, buttons pop and bookbags tear. Having a sewing kit is an underrated staple for any college student. Even if you don’t know how to sew, a simple YouTube video and a kit could save you from a clothing emergency
Printouts of class schedules and campus map
Another one that seems like a no-brainer; however, most students rely on WINGS to show their class schedules. However, the wifi on campus can be slow at the beginning of the semester due to the new influx of students using it. It is easier to have a printed version of the schedule.
Having a campus map on top of your schedule allows you to spend the day or two before classes start going to the buildings and acclimating yourself to campus. This allows you to also take time to explore the tunnel system at WSU. You’ll thank yourself later when winter arrives.
Cleaning supplies
Housing does clean the apartments and dorm halls before moving in, but it is your responsibility after that point to keep them clean. Taking the time to make a small bundle of cleaning supplies from stores like Dollar Tree before moving in will save you time and money when you have to clean later.
Fan
All of the dorms have air conditioning and heat, but some buildings feel warmer than others, especially in the first few weeks. In addition to that, you are living with one or more people for an extended period of time. Not everyone likes their air the way you do. Buying a good fan allows you to stay cool, even when your roommate wants to be warm.
Power strips and extension cords
In this day and age, just about everything that we own needs to be plugged in or charged. However, there are not that many convenient outlets, so having extension cords and power strips helps eliminate this issue.
A laundry bookbag
Regardless of the hall or apartment you are moving into, there are going to be laundry rooms available. The closeness of those rooms depends on the accommodation. While the College Park and University Park Apartments have in-unit washers and dryers, The Woods, Hamilton Hall, Honors Hall and even the Forest Lane Apartments all have shared facilities
Bringing a laundry bag that has straps or a laundry backpack will lower the likelihood of issues when transporting your laundry to and from.
No one likes losing their favorite shirt or a sock when transporting laundry back and forth. Getting a bag that also closes is your best bet.
Collapsible Grocery Cart
Despite current construction, Wright State is situated in a very walkable area. There are many fast-food locations nearby; Meijer is next door and Walmart is just a bridge away. When you are carrying your purchases back and forth, it can be a journey. Bringing a collapsible grocery cart makes the process easier.
A Larger Trash Can
You will make more trash than you think. While smaller cans are cuter and have use in places like the bathroom and at a desk, you should also invest in a larger can to shorten the number of trips you make to the dumpster.
Seasonal items
Ohio weather is unpredictable. While it isn’t necessary to bring your entire wardrobe to college, it is important to bring a few jackets and long-sleeved items with you. In addition, umbrellas, raincoats, hats/gloves/scarves and car scrapers for the wintertime are a must.
