Items I Bought in College that I Use Now

So, with Back to School season now officially in FULL SWING, it’s time to start stocking up on items that may be beneficial to you throughout the year. Personally, I find the Back to School season a time for EVERYONE to purchase things that they could use throughout the year, whether it be a doorbuster deal on a new fan, a notebook(s) for work, a fresh new set of pens, or even a brand-new pair of shoes. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!), I always love the Fall/Back to School season and always am sharing content on it all!!!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Most of the items here are such that I bought in my school years that are still beneficial to me today, along with items that I would buy from the shelves and shelves of Back to School merchandise. Hopefully you can find something of use for yourself, too!

Items I Bought in College that I Use Now

Whether you’re in college or not, these are some of the items that I would recommend purchasing this upcoming Back to School season!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Bought for my College Apartment

It can be SO daunting when you are deciding what you need to get when moving into an apartment. College apartments are so exciting at the same time – it is a symbol of freedom and independence especially from the dining hall food haha. I lived in my beloved college apartment on-campus for my Junior and Senior year of college. I had so many great experiences in my college apartment, and I know you all will in yours too. That being said, I have made a massive college apartment list, in order to help y’all when shopping and packing for yours.

Please note that this master list is catered to a furnished apartment. All furniture items that are needed will probably be determined by yourself based on your own apartment needs and desires. Happy shopping and best of luck!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

The Ultimate College Apartment List

Bedroom

  1. Mattress pad and/or topper
  2. Bedding
  3. 2+ sets of sheets
  4. Pillows
  5. Pillow cases and/or covers
  6. Rug
  7. Mini fridge (if needed)
  8. TV (if desired)
  9. Dresser organizers
  10. Jewelry tray(s) and/or necklace rack
  11. Jewelry organizer(s)
  12. Perfume tray (if desired)
  13. Makeup organizer(s)
  14. Hair tools
  15. Hair brushes
  16. Hair tools/brushes organizer(s)
  17. Alarm clock
  18. Throw blankets
  19. Heated blanket/weighted blanket (if applicable)
  20. Lamp(s)
  21. Decorations

Bathroom

  1. Toothbrush holder
  2. Storage containers and/or organizers
  3. Over the shower rack
  4. Bath towels
  5. Hand towels
  6. Wash cloths
  7. Bath matts
  8. Medicine
  9. First Aid kit
  10. Bandaids
  11. Mini trash can
  12. Mini trash bags
  13. Cleaning supplies
  14. Plunger
  15. Decorations

Work Space

  1. Textbooks
  2. Book shelf
  3. Desk chair pillow and/or back relief
  4. Notebooks
  5. Chargers
  6. Computer mouse
  7. Monitor(s) (if desired)
  8. Mousepad
  9. Planner/to do list (if needed)
  10. Pencils
  11. Pens
  12. Calculator
  13. Sticky notes
  14. Index cards
  15. Stationary
  16. Erasers
  17. Pencil lead
  18. Pencil sharpener
  19. Tape
  20. Tape dispenser
  21. Stapler
  22. Staples
  23. Mini trash can
  24. Mini trash bags
  25. Desk lamp
  26. Note pad
  27. Books
  28. Checkbook
  29. Stamps
  30. Envelopes
  31. Files
  32. File holder
  33. Folders
  34. Binders
  35. Backpack
  36. Notebook paper
  37. Printer paper
  38. Printer (if applicable)
  39. Printer ink
  40. Decorations

Closet

  1. Mirror
  2. Shoe rack
  3. Hangers
  4. Storage bins
  5. Clothing Rack (if needed/desired)

Kitchen

  1. Set of utensils
  2. Plates
  3. Bowls
  4. Paper towels
  5. Paper towel holder
  6. Soap dispenser
  7. Dishwasher detergent
  8. Sponges
  9. Dish soap
  10. Hand soap
  11. Cups
  12. Wine glasses (if of-age)
  13. Can opener
  14. Wine bottle opener (if of-age)
  15. Beer bottle opener (if of-age)
  16. Scissors
  17. Kitchen knives
  18. Cutting boards
  19. Ziploc bags
  20. Aluminum foil
  21. Plastic wrap
  22. Trash can
  23. Trash bags
  24. Magnets
  25. Brita water filter
  26. Recycle bin
  27. Water bottle(s)
  28. Mugs
  29. Tumbler(s)
  30. Kitchen appliances (my favorite include – my mini Keurig, my Instant Pot, my Crockpot, my Ninja Air Fryer, my KitchenAid Hand Mixer, and my Fondue Makers)
  31. Toaster
  32. Blender/food processor
  33. Pans
  34. Pots
  35. Skillets
  36. Cooking utensils
  37. Spices
  38. Non-perishable food items
  39. Casserole dishes
  40. Dutch oven
  41. Tea towels
  42. Placemats
  43. Tablecloths
  44. Table runners
  45. Cooler/lunch bag – my favorite is the Scout Pleasure Chest!
  46. Napkins
  47. Food storage containers
  48. Ice cube tray
  49. Ice packs
  50. Microwaveable bowl with lid
  51. Measuring cups
  52. Mixing bowls
  53. Decorations

Living Area

  1. Couch cover
  2. TV
  3. Throw pillows
  4. Board and/or card games
  5. Rug
  6. DVD’s
  7. Game console (if applicable)
  8. Decorations

Laundry Room

  1. Laundry detergent
  2. Fabric softener
  3. Dryer sheets
  4. Anti-wrinkle spray
  5. Iron
  6. Ironing board
  7. Clothes Hangers (1-4)
  8. Hair remover roll(s)
  9. Vacuum
  10. Cleaning supplies
  11. Laundry basket
  12. Hamper
  13. Swiffer
  14. Swiffer wipes
  15. Broom

Miscellaneous

  1. Device chargers
  2. Air purifier and/or humidifier
  3. Fan(s)
  4. Storage bins and/or plastic storage drawers
  5. Plants (if desired)
  6. Febreeze/Glade
  7. Candles and candle lighter (if allowed and desired )
  8. Scent plug-in’s
  9. Command strips and hooks
  10. Fake plants (if desired)
  11. Craft supplies (if desired)
  12. Holiday decorations (if desired)
  13. Clorox wipes
  14. Essential oil diffuser (if applicable)
  15. Speaker(s) (if applicable)
  16. Face masks and/or face shield
  17. Multiple bottles of hand sanitizer
  18. Door wreath/welcome sign
  19. Door mat

Here’s to making memories in your own apartment very soon!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Why I Lived on Campus All Four Years of College

When it comes to deciding where to live in college, it can be pretty daunting. One of the best decisions that I made was to live on my college campus all four years of my college experience. I lived in a dorm for two years and then an on-campus apartment for the next two years. So, I will be sharing today why I decided to live right on campus throughout my college years!

Before I dig into the reasons as to why I chose to live on campus all four years of my college experience, I want to make a few remarks. Everyone has their own decisions to make when it comes to making that decision. For me personally, it was best for me to live on campus for all four years of my college experience. However, that may not be the best decision for someone else. While it was the best way for me to go, it may not be for someone else.

Proximity to Campus Life & Classes

It is always super nice to be able to roll out of bed and be in class 5 minutes later without any worry of being there late! I have found the proximity of living on campus to be great not only for getting to class but also for being in the midst of all of the robust campus life fun. The easy walk to be able to simply get to class without needing a car or to an on-campus event is pretty great. Not to mention, having free food at the dining hall is pretty nice at times too, even when it may not be the best. When I lived in the dorms, I could easily eat there whenever I wanted to on a meal plan, but I chose not to once I moved to my on-campus apartment. I have been able to meet and see so many people within my college campus that I would not have been able to meet and see if it wasn’t for living on campus!

Safety

One of the biggest reasons that I decided to live on campus was for the safety aspect. My college is pretty small and requires that people check with the security guard at the main gates before coming in. There are also other security restrictions, like automatic locks on all the doors, that allow for me to feel extra safe. Something that I feel I would not have as much living off campus.

Living with Classmates

As someone who is about to graduate from college, I have loved being able to live right next door and across the hall from all of my friends and classmates. Whether it be a dorm or an on-campus apartment, it is so nice to be right then and there with all of my friends, too. Once I graduate, I won’t be able to walk across the hall to see my friends, so I am glad I got to enjoy this perk of on-campus living while I could!

Through it all, living on campus has been extremely convenient for me! Whether it be an easy breeze walk to class, quick access to meals, or close proximity to everything on my college campus, having a place to call my own right beyond the gates of my second home has been oh so sweet!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Lilly Pulitzer Inspired College Apartment

Hey y’all! I am SO excited for today’s post, which is an Apartment Reveal of my on-campus college apartment!!! This is my second year living in this gorgeous apartment that I LOVE to call my home, but I definitely did some decorating here and there since moving in last week. Decorating is one of my favorite hobbies and if I could do it ALL DAY EVERYDAY, then I would. I get such an adrenaline from shopping for decor, especially on a budget. Keeping this in mind, the majority of things in my apartment are from Marshall’s/Home Goods/TJ Maxx, The Dollar Tree, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shops, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, small businesses such as The Redheaded Camel, The Local Squirrel, and Pamlico Paper Company, gifted to me, things that I already had, secondhand finds, and DIY. My apartment was furnished for the most part, which is an extreme blessing! Hopefully, I can provide you with some decoration inspiration for your own place. Enjoy!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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