ULTIMATE COLLEGE PACKING LIST: ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS

When I first received my college acceptance letter, my immediate thought was all about dorm shopping. The excitement of moving onto campus was palpable! However, packing and figuring out what to bring can quickly become overwhelming. You’ve probably scoured countless college packing lists and Pinterest boards by now. While some lists are thorough, they can include items you may not actually need (bed risers, for instance, are rarely essential). After spending the past three years living in dorms, I’ve figured out exactly what’s necessary and what’s not. Below, I’ve put together a detailed list of must-haves, items you might find useful, and things you can buy once you arrive. I’ve also included a list of things you should avoid bringing to college. You can thank me later!

DORM ROOM ITEMS

BEDDING

  • 2 Pillows and Pillowcases: Essential for comfort and support.
  • 1 or 2 Decorative Pillows (Optional): For added style and comfort.
  • Duvet Cover: Easier to wash than a comforter and keeps your duvet clean.
  • Twin XL Sheet Set: Ensure it fits your dorm’s extra-long bed.
  • Mattress Cover: Protects the mattress from spills and unknown previous use.
  • Mattress Pad: Adds extra comfort to often uncomfortable college beds.
  • Throw Blanket: For extra warmth and coziness.

STORAGE

  • Charging 3-Drawer Cart on Wheels: Doubles as a nightstand with ample storage and a built-in charger. Durable and long-lasting.
  • Under-Bed Storage Drawers: Maximize space by storing items underneath your bed. Adjustable bed height is ideal.

DINING

  • Water Filter: For cleaner, healthier drinking water. I recommend the LARQ bottle, which cleans itself and has a great filter.
  • Utensils: Bring 2 of each – forks, knives, spoons, etc.
  • Plates: 2 to 4 should suffice.
  • Bowls
  • Glasses and Mugs
  • Microwave-Safe Food Containers
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Electric Kettle
  • Chip Clips
  • Ziploc Bags
  • Coffee Maker: A single-serve Keurig is compact and easy to use.
  • Mini Fridge: If your school doesn’t provide one.
  • Microwave: Check if your school provides one; otherwise, discuss with your roommate.
  • Blender: A compact one like the Magic Bullet is ideal if allowed.
  • Toaster: Verify if allowed by your school.

ROOM ITEMS

  • Desk Lamp: A model with storage and a charging station is practical.
  • Organizers: For makeup, desk supplies, etc., but don’t overdo it.
  • Bedside Fan: Check if air conditioning is available in your hall.
  • Laundry Basket
  • Full-Length Mirror: A basic, inexpensive mirror will do; transporting mirrors can be tricky.
  • Power Strip
  • Hangers: Slim hangers save closet space.
  • Shoe Organizer
  • Steamer: Useful for keeping clothes wrinkle-free, especially if you’re in a sorority.
  • Sewing Kit
  • Makeup Mirror
  • Calendar

BATHROOM

  • Shower Caddy
  • Shoes for the Shower
  • Toothbrush Holder
  • Bath Towels (2)
  • Bath Mat: If you have a private bathroom.
  • Toilet Paper: Provided if in a shared bathroom; otherwise, bring your own.
  • Bathroom Cleaner
  • Toilet Scrubber
  • Hand Soap
  • Robe
  • Loofah
  • Shower Cap

DORM ROOM DECOR

  • String Lights
  • Sunset Lamp: Affordable and adds a warm glow.
  • Photos/Posters/Canvases
  • Command Strips: Use cautiously to avoid wall damage and potential fines.
  • Cork Board: Great for displaying photos and notes.
  • Push Pins
  • Wall Hooks
  • Succulent Plant: Low-maintenance and adds a touch of greenery.
  • Rug

SCHOOL ITEMS

  • Backpack
  • Calculator
  • Planner or Google Calendar: For keeping track of assignments and events.
  • Stapler
  • Index Cards
  • Notebooks
  • Pens, Pencils, Sharpies: Everything you need for taking notes.
  • Scissors
  • Scotch Tape
  • Desk Organizer
  • Tote Bag
  • Binder
  • Folders
  • Sticky Notes
  • Laptop
  • Laptop Charger
  • Flash Drive
  • Headphones
  • Portable Speaker (Optional)
  • Camera (Optional)

CLEANING

  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Trash bags
  • Trash can
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dryer sheets
  • Paper towels
  • Vacuum
  • Broom/dustpan
  • Stain remover

PERSONAL ITEMS

Quick Tip: If you’re tight on space after packing, you can always pick up essentials like shampoo and body lotion at a local drugstore near your college once you’ve moved in.

  • Hair Dryer
  • Straightener/Curling Iron
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Hair Products
  • Body Wash, Razors, Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Makeup
  • Sunscreen
  • Nail Clippers & Files
  • Nail Polish & Nail Polish Remover
  • Tweezers
  • Q-Tips
  • Pads & Tampons
  • Perfume
  • Body Lotion & Skincare
  • Ear Plugs: Dorms can be noisy at night, so having a good pair of earplugs can be quite helpful.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

  • Umbrella
  • Luggage/duffel bag
  • Lock for the gym
  • Medicine – like cough syrups, Advil, and others.

CONCLUSION

Packing for college can be overwhelming, but with a well-planned strategy, you can ensure you have everything you need for a successful academic year. By following the ultimate college packing list outlined in this guide, you can efficiently organize your belongings and minimize stress. Remember to prioritize essentials, consider your dorm’s amenities, and pack with versatility in mind. With a thoughtfully packed suitcase, you’ll be ready to embark on your college journey with confidence.

The 8 Best Razors for Sensitive Skin in 2023

It’s already summer and you know what that means. It’s time to go to the beach, put on our sexy bikinis, lay on the sand, and tan ourselves. Feeling comfortable and pretty at the same time must be so wonderful. However, many people with body hair seem to not enjoy these days as much as people with less hair. That’s why shaving can help you feel the best in your body. But there are some people who get irritated immediately after shaving and it’s so unbearable. Let us help you with our list of 8 best razors for sensitive skin.

Why Do People Shave

Personal preference: You probably have seen many people, especially women, shave their bodies frequently. And even more frequent in the summer.  Most of them choose to shave simply because they prefer the look and feel of smooth, hair-free skin. It can be a personal aesthetic choice or a cultural norm.

Hygiene: Removing hair can help maintain cleanliness and prevent odors. Shaving in those areas helps as sweat and bacteria can accumulate there and they can cause hygienic issues.

Comfort: Shaving can provide a more comfortable experience, especially in hot weather. It does wonders in reducing sweat retention and allowing for better application of skincare products.

Enhancing the effectiveness of skincare products: Shaving can help skincare products, such as moisturizers and serums, penetrate the skin more. Since hair, particularly facial hair can block the skincare product to absorb in your skin so shaving it might benefit your skin.

Performance in sports: Athletes, particularly swimmers and cyclists, often choose to shave their body hair to minimize drag and escalate their performance.

How to Shave

Preparation

Trim long hair: If your body hair is long, use scissors or an electric trimmer to shorten it before shaving. This helps prevent clogging the razor and makes the shaving process easier.

Exfoliate

Before shaving, gently exfoliate the area with a scrub or loofah to remove dead skin cells and help prevent ingrown hairs.

Wet the skin: Wet the area with warm water or take a warm shower to soften the hair and open up the pores, making it easier to shave.

Apply Shaving Cream or Gel

This creates a protective barrier between the razor and your skin, reducing irritation. If your skin is sensitive, this step is probably one of the most important steps of the whole process so don’t forget to buy shaving cream or gel beforehand.

Shaving Technique

Remember to choose the correct razor for each part of your body for the best result. There are specific types of razors on the market like razors for bikini areas, facial parts, etc.

Hold the razor at a comfortable angle (around 30 degrees) and use light, gentle strokes.

Shave in the direction of hair growth for a more comfortable shave. If you want a closer shave, you can shave against the grain but be aware that it may increase the risk of irritation.

Rinse the razor frequently to remove hair and shaving cream buildup.

Rinse and Apply

Wash the shaved area with warm water to remove any remaining shaving cream and hair.

If needed, put on shaving cream and shave again for missed spots or to achieve a closer shave.

Aftercare

Wash the area with cool water to close the pores and avoid any possible irritation.

Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Apply a moisturizer or soothing lotion to hydrate the skin and reduce any potential irritation. Don’t forget to use oil for razor bumps to avoid any bumps on the shaved area.

Top 8 Razor for Sensitive Skin

Gillette Venus Embrace Sensitive Razor

This product is specially made for women with sensitive skin. Each blade refill lasts up to one month and the handle is very ergonomic as it’s designed with a soft-grip gel to comfortably fit your hands. Gillette Venus razor is also Made with protective elastomer comfort cushions around the blades, providing users with a very soft shaving on the skin.

Most customers have a very positive experience with this item. They claim that this product is cheap yet does wonders in shaving most parts of their body. Many people even say that this is one of the best women’s leg razors after using it since it leaves them with smooth, hairless legs. The price is reasonable so if you’re on a budget, you should check it out.

Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Care Razor

Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up is a beauty tool that shapes eyebrows, removes fine hairs and even smooths skin by gently exfoliating. This item is specifically used for facial hair, making them a must-have item in every woman’s skincare collection. It’s a slim, portable-sized travel razor that lets you take it wherever you go, so you’re always ready for a last-minute touch-up.

Those who have used Schick Sensitive razor love how it glides on their skin every time they use it. With each gentle swipe, the tool effortlessly removes the pesky peach fuzz and dead skin cells. The sleek design and ergonomic handle allow for precise control and maneuverability, making the entire process a breeze. There are complaints that its blades are not sharp enough and go dull quite quickly.

BIC Soleil Sensitive Advanced Disposable Razor

This is a women’s sensitive skin razor with five flexible blades for a smooth shave. You can use this versatile razor for the bikini area, facial parts, legs and hands. It’s a package with pivoting head and anti-slip handle for added confidence and control while shaving. It’s also enriched aloe for an enhanced glide and helps protect skin from irritation.

People like the fact that this lightweight razor gives a close shave. With just a few swipes, the shaved area is gonna be hairless, soft and smooth for at least 3 days. While being a very affordable yet sensitive shaving product, users are satisfied with its blades as they say that they’re pretty dull.

Flamingo 5-Blade Razor for Women 

This 5-blade razor from Flamingo has blades that are made from high-quality stainless steel for a really close, comfortable shave and lasting results. The blades are also surrounded by a water-activated 360° comfort system with aloe and shea butter which helps protect skin from irritation and provides an easy glide.

This razor is a game changer for most women with sensitive skin. If you’re finding a perfect razor for the bikini area, you can stop finding it now because this is the one. But the holder doesn’t work easily so you have to be careful every time you hang it up because the head might fall off.

Oui The People Razor

Oui The People is a brand that was founded by Karen Young, a woman who really hated shaving as it messed with her skin and even left her skin irritated. The brand is focused on inclusivity, especially for those with special skin conditions, making it so reliable and safe for literally everyone.

Priced at $75, the razor is quite expensive but if you think about it, it’s quite worth the money. The Oui the People razor is environmentally friendly and also provides you with an incredible luxe and sophisticated shaving experience. It also has a very safe yet beautiful, luxurious design with rose gold painted all over the razor. If you’re planning on buying a product that is gonna last for months, this is the one.

Billie Razor Starter Kit

This is probably one of the best razors for beginner girls on the market. Meet the multi award-winning, cult-favorite, most-wanted razor that changed everything. It has 5 super sharp blades wrapped in comfy aloe moisturizer and a curve-hugging pivoting head, giving the best shaving experience ever.

People who have experienced this item say that They have tried a lot of different razors in their life and this razor is by far the best and smoothest shave. Even when you have to shave frequently, you will never have to deal with razor burn. The blades of this item are quite sharp so you need to be more careful while shaving.

Bushbalm The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer

For those who opt for electric products, you should check out this item. This item is amazing in cleaning areas with thicker, longer hair. You can use it anywhere you want, from the underarms to the bikini area. It’s also waterproof, has up to five hours of battery life, and comes with a USB cord for charging making it convenient yet effective in shaving.

Bushbalm electric trimmer is praised for its design as it is easy to hold and control and it can be adjusted to three settings, which is very approachable to every customer. Some online reviewers say they struggled with that a bit since electric trimmers are quite new to many people.

Athena Club Razor Kit

Another shaving kit for beginners is from Athena Club, a quite reliable brand that is focused on body care products. This razor kit is very convenient because they take the hassle out of constantly having to repurchase new razors or blades. It’s super affordable, comes with refill blades and a magnetic hook for storage, and the razor itself allows for an incredibly close shave.

The blades bring customers a very close shave with their sharpness, making every surface on your body smooth like baby skin. However, the product is not gonna work its best on those with dry skin. The lubricating strip, which is a hyaluronic acid serum strip, doesn’t do much in terms of helping the razor glide. Overall, this is still a very amazing product at a cheap price.

Shaving is optional since body hair is normal and everyone, even your favorite celebrity, has it too so don’t be shy about it. Everyone’s body is not the same, we all have different rates of hair growth, body hair so you can adjust your choice based on your needs. If you haven’t found any product that glides smoothly on you, you can check out our list.