If everything you’re bringing to CU fits in one suitcase, you’re probably doing something wrong

Packing for college can be a pain, especially if you’re trying to fit it all into the back of an uber from JFK. We all skimped out on at least one of these things before coming to campus, and deeply regretted it shortly into NSOP. You’ll want to scan over Bed Bath & Beyond’s checklist so you don’t forget important things (like pillowcases!), but even our all-knowing housewares store left a few essentials off of its list:

For your social life…

  • Fake ID – Unlike your friends who go to, like, Dartmouth, your social life is going to revolve around bars. After a night of pregaming in Carman and running around to different EC parties, you’re going to end up in line outside 1020 or Mel’s. Here’s the deal: if you don’t already have a fake, find a group to order with when you get to campus. Do not spend more than $100, get TWO IDs, and make sure that shit scans. Also, be wary about shipping your new IDs to the package center–they’ve been known to intercept orders!
  • Contraception – Don’t wild out too much during NSOP–especially when it comes to your health. You can also get free condoms and Plan B at Health Services.
  • Fanny pack – Drag us!!!
  • Cleaning supplies – The floor of your Carman double will get sticky. Invest in a Swiffer, some Clorox wipes, or some cleaning spray and paper towels (we like the smell of Meyer’s). One Bwogger would also like to stress the importance of roach and ant traps for when you don’t clean your floor fast enough.
  • Speakers and Spotify Premium – If we have to hear one more Spotify ad during a pregame we will SCREAM.
  • Corkscrew and bottle opener – Once upon a time, we were first-years desperately running from MoWil to Duane Reade to RiteAid trying to find a corkscrew for an NSOP pregame. Just invest in one now (and make sure you actually know how to use it).

For the rest of your life…

  • Durable umbrella – Needs to be capable of withstanding those MoHi wind tunnels!!
  • Medicine – College is fucking gross. People are sharing drinks, making out in frat basements, and sneezing on each other during Gen Chem lectures. Make sure to stock up on Emergen-C, Dayquil, Nyquil, and other cold medications so you won’t be blindsided when you’re inevitably bed-ridden during one of the first few weeks of school.
  • Amazon Prime membership – For when you realize you don’t even own the book you’re supposed to read for your next Lit Hum class. Use your school email and get it free for the first six months (& Barnard students: use your @columbia.edu alias for an extra six months)
  • Coffee maker – It’s expensive to buy coffee every day, and the dining hall coffee is pretty bad. We suggest a french press or pour-over set up for those of you who don’t mind putting a little effort into your coffee-making, or a programmable Mr. Coffee to wake you up in the morning if you need some extra motivation getting to your 8:40. Don’t get a fucking Keurig–the coffee is gross and they’re bad for the environment. An electric kettle is a good idea, but Housing gets pissed if you blow a fuse using one (which we did multiple times while living in Carman).
  • Stapler and scissors – Listen to the wise words of Bwog alum Joe Milholland.
  • Extension cords – So you can lie in bed and look at your phone at the same time–you don’t know if there’ll be an outlet by your bed!! Make sure you do something about these when your RA comes into your room looking for drugs and candles mid-semester.
  • Scale – For people who live far away and need to take a plane back home.
  • A lot of socks and underwear – Because you will lose them when they get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the washing machines.
  • Air mattress – You can rent that shit out on Barnard Buy/Sell/Trade like a damn Airbnb.