Here’s Everything You Need to Go Back to College
By Emilie Moy
Summer might not be ending quite yet, but playtime is over for college students who are heading back to campus. Whether you’re an anxious freshman moving away from home for the first time or a senior enjoying your last year before facing reality, it’s always a scramble to make sure you’re not forgetting essentials like towels or shower slippers. We’ve compiled a handy checklist of everything you need to make dorm life more comfortable without resorting to those crappy milk crates. From chic sweats (because honestly, that’s what you’ll really wear) to nice sheets to your first interview outfit, see below and get your life in order.
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A Grown-Up Book Bag
On an average day, you’re carrying a laptop, textbooks, and, should you be really ambitious, lunch and gym clothes. If you want a bag that can fit everything without having to rely on your ratty old backpack, look to these styles that are both refined and practical. Madewell and Asos have great options if you prefer a neutral shade that goes with everything, or if you like a little color, go for Herschel’s maroon option or COS’s metallic one.
Smart Front Bar Detail Backpack: $50 at Asos, Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Backpack: $55 at Shopbop, The Transport Rucksack: $248 at Madewell, Metallic Leather Backpack: $95 at COS
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Nice-Looking Sweats
If you’re like every other college student, you’ve probably thought about going to class in your pajamas more than once. Instead, try these comfortable sweat options that are still presentable for class. Adidas by Stella McCartney offers athletic trousers that can be worn with your favorite hoodies, while cool joggers go well with a solid crewneck sweatshirt.
Women Stretch Jersey Long Sleeve Pullover: $30 at Uniqlo Freyjas, Pant: $88 at Free People, Adidas by Stella McCartney Essentials Sweat Pants: $85 at Adidas, Outdoor Voices Hoodie: $85 at J.Crew, Zipper Jogger: $50 at Gap, Prevost Sleeveless Top: $68 at Kit and Ace
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Chic, Comfortable Shoes
Trekking to class in uncomfortable shoes can feel like an uphill climb (and on some campuses it literally is). Don’t bother with high heels when sneakers, flats, and ankle boots will cover you for every weather situation. Wear Vans slip-ons or high-top Converse for every day, and mix in Madewell’s metallic flats or these penny loafers from Marais for casual days. And if you want to dress it up a bit, go for & Other Stories’ low-cut leather ankle boots that can be easily worn with jeans or tights.
Vans Snake Leather Slip-On: $55 at Vans, PLAY Commes des Garcons For Converse High Top Sneaker: $105 at J.Crew, Penny Loafer: $118 at Marais USA, Low-Cut Leather Ankle Boots: $150 at & Other Stories, The Lydia Flat: $108 at Madewell
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A Great Jacket
You never know whom you’ll see running between buildings, so invest in a good jacket. Alternate between Gap’s classic trench and Current/Elliott’s denim jacket in the fall, and then switch to Mango’s leather biker jacket or Topshop’s wool coat in the winter.
Mango leather biker jacket: $189.99 at Mango, Current/Elliott The Oversized Trucker stretch-denim jacket: $174 at the Outnet, Gap Classic Trench: $128 at Gap, Topshop Slouchy Boucle coat: $160 at Topshop
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A Dress for Those Frantic Mornings
Maybe it was a bad idea to hit snooze for the third time? But you did and now you need to run out the door in under five minutes, which is where these dresses come in. A shirt dress is the easiest thing to throw on — take this collared version from Madewell or Mango’s belted version. And when it gets a little colder outside, & Other Stories’ double layered cotton dress or Aritzia’s sweater dress will do the trick.
Madewell Swing Out Shirt Dress: $69.99 at Madewell, & Other Stories Carbon Print Dress: $130 at & Other Stories, Wilfred Free Bianca Dress: $175 at Aritzia, Mango Flowy Shirt Dress: $119.99 at Mango
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A Good Suit for Your First Interview
When you finally get that competitive interview, don’t go with a wrinkled shirt and ill-fitting attire. Invest in a tailored suit and then add an affordable white button-up and low heels for a versatile and professional outfit.
J.Crew Blazer: $288 at J.Crew, Uniqlo White Shirt: $29 at Uniqlo, J.Crew Pants: $158 at J.Crew, Zara Heels: $49 at Zara
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A Sleek Tote
Who doesn’t love a roomy bag that fits all of your things? For a chic alternative to a backpack that also comes in handy for your interviews go for a sleek tote. Shopbop’s black version is classic while Baggu has a luxe suede option.
Bop Basics Basic Tote: $138.60 at Shopbop, Suede Embossed Croc Shopper Bag: $63 at Asos, Silence + Noise Modern Tote Bag: $59 at Urban Outfitters, Basic Tote Midnight Suede: $160 at Baggu
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Organizers for Everything
When you’re living in a tiny dorm room, you want to maximize as much of your space as possible, especially if you’re sharing it with a roommate. This compact bookshelf can be folded up and reused throughout your college years, while washed wooden boxes are an upgrade from those cheap plastic milk crates. And if you prefer to store things under your bed, zippered cases will keep the dust off your clothes.
Java Solid Wood Stackable Folding Bookcase: $79 at the Container Store, Mirrored Makeup Storage: $50 at Pottery Barn, Gray Underbed Storage Bag: $14.99 at the Container Store, Whitewashed Wood Bins: $12.99 and up at the Container Store, Target Room Essentials laundry hamper: $8 at Target, Amazon Basics Velvet Hangers: $23.74 for set of 50 at Amazon
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Sensible Gear for the Communal Shower
Sharing a shower with many individuals is a rite of passage. A sleek caddy and nice shower shoes go a long way to making your bathing experience pleasant while a bathrobe is especially essential for navigating hallways.
Bamboo shower caddy: $15 at DormCo, Andara Robe: $95 at Gilt, Nike Benassi Slides: $30 at Nike
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Nice Bedding
The standard twin extra-long dorm bed isn’t exactly the most comfortable way to sleep but make the best of it. Get soft sheets, a fluffy comforter, and supportive pillows for a better night’s rest.
Berkshire Winter Down Comforter: $249 at One Kings Lane, Sleep Better Pillow: $13.43 at Amazon, Percale Bedding: $35 and up at Zara Home, Chenille Throw: $31.96 at Pier 1
Real Kitchen Supplies
As tempting as it may be to use paper plates and cups, it’s wasteful. Get an inexpensive set of cutlery and plates for your first apartment. Supplement with good Tupperware and a nice water bottle on days when you feel like bringing lunch to campus.
Silverware Set: $12 at Ikea, Retro 10-Piece Food Storage Set: $30 at Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon Basics Dishes Set: $48 at Amazon, S'well Sparkling Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle: $35 at Saks
Grown-Up School Supplies
You’re going to spend a lot of time in the library so drown out distractions with a chic set of headphones. And while the bulk of your notes will be on your laptop, at the very least write down reminders in a planner — studies show it helps you learn better.
Foray Liquid Highlighters: $11.99 for 12 at Office Depot, Pilot G2 Gel Ink Roller Ball Pens: $11.89 for 12 at Amazon, Molami Plica Headphones: $100 at Shopbop, COMME des GARÇONS x Côte & Ciel laptop case: $75 for SSENSE, Marble Planner: $36 at Poketo, Broken Mirror Pen Case: $16 at Marc Jacobs
Little Things to Make a Dorm Room Less Sad
While dorms have certainly gotten fancier over the years, they’re still a blank, impersonal space. Take advantage of your newfound decorating freedom and add personal accents like this patterned rug from Ikea or a throw pillow from One Kings Lane. And this cool chair from Urban Outfitters will make guests feel welcome.
Original Modern Paintings In Blue and Purple: $75 at Etsy, Splatter 20x20 Cotton Pillow: $50 at One Kings Lane, Plum & Bow Gold Butterfly Chair: $69 at Urban Outfitters, Nordis Rug: $90 at Ikea, Nate Berkus Round Geo Vase: $17 at Target
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