When you go off to college, there are some things that you probably know that you’ll need. From notebooks to sheets for your bed, you want to have everything in the dorm room that you would have in your room at home. Before packing, there are some things that you need to consider that you might not think about and that no one likely tells you that you will need while you’re on campus.

Small Appliances

Unless you want to order food to have delivered all the time or eat from a vending machine, then you need small appliances with you. These would include a microwave and a small grill or a burner that you can use with a pot and small pan. You won’t have room for a large refrigerator, but a small one can hold items that you can cook for at least a few days instead of surviving on noodles or sandwiches the entire time.

Car Maintenance

When you’re on your own, you have to take care of your car unless you know of a good mechanic in the area. One of the things that you’ll need is an extra tire, like those offered at Discount Tire Centers, in the event that you end up with a flat. A car parts store in the area will be able to help you with the items that you will need in order to maintain your vehicle, such as items for an oil change or to increase the gas mileage in your car.

Sleep Aids

This doesn’t involve medication that helps you get to sleep. If you have classes early in the morning then you’ll want to get a good night’s rest, which might involve needing to use ear plugs to drown out everyone’s voices or loud music. An eye mask is also an option so that you can sleep during the day if you take classes at night. The ear plugs can also help to drown out noises when you’re trying to study.

Plastic

From spoons and forks to cups and plates, you want to stock up on plastic. There won’t be room to wash dishes in the dorm, so it’ll mean using the same dishes every day or not eating. You can get plastic utensils and plates at dollar stores so that you’re not spending a lot of money.

When you go to college, you are leaving most of the things that you own behind unless you rent an apartment or a home. There are a few things that you’ll need to have with you, such as change for doing laundry and tools to eat with. Once you determine how to store the things that you need, then college life can be a fun time.

Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and business. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2