Forgettable Items

[GPhiBLtColonel]

I couldn't live without a phone answering machine and a microwave and toaster oven and a coffee machine!!!
or at least an electric teapot

You might also want to bring a padlock -- combo or key type...

[AXOLiz]

Originally posted by SoCalGirl
Duct tape and WD40!!! Universal truth. If you have these, you can fix just about anything!

My mom was trying to put together a care package for my sister's friends who were going off to college, and when I told her to put in duct tape, she thought I was nuts!! You can use it for EVERYTHING though - last year my roll did everything from hang up mini blinds to fix my roommate's pants for Greek Week.

I'd also recommend a good can opener. I was pretty annoyed when I had one can of soup to eat and nothing to open it with. I'd also stock up on various canned goods for the times when you don't want to leave your room but want something healthier than vending machine food. Along with that, get one of those big microwavable latte mugs (you know, the HUGE coffee cups) and a couple metal soup spoons. You can cook anything in those mugs, and they're big enough to hold almost any kind of food or drink.

I'm also a fan of the big rectangular Rubbermaid containers with lids. You can get them in a variety of sizes, they're great for moving since they're sturdy and have handles, and they're only around 4 or 5 bucks each. I used one for a table and had another one that frequently held ice and beverages when we had parties in my suite.

Another thing that came in handy for me was my AXO keychain bottle opener. I was the hero of many parties with that thing.

[GPhiBLtColonel]

....one other must-have -- though you should be of legal age to use it! -- is a cork screw!

also a couple of boxes of various size ziplock baggies will come in handy!

[MeLikey]

Don't forget an iron & ironing board (the ones that stand a little off the floor---they don't take up too much space)
Going along with that, make sure you know how to iron!!! I couldn't believe how many of my friends didn't know how to iron...they said they just shake their clothes out and they're fine. I had to iron my guy friend's shirt for him before we went clubbing (that was the only time I agreed to do it!)

I recommend those plastic storage containers that easily fit under your bed...my bed's on cinder blocks and I have 1 container filled with random school supplies and then another with just my t-shirts.

I always bring a conainer of computer paper (never can have too much when it comes to English 101).

I also have a little tub for hand washing clothes...I have way too many delicate clothes that require hand washing.

Also bring a little hamper (I have the one that folds up easily, it's netted)...as well as a laundry bag to easily carry clean clothes to and from the laundry rooms...freshman and sophomore years I had a laundry basket for clean clothes but that takes up way too much room.

Bring a calendar and carry a small date planner with you to class.

Last year my mom had ordered me this big clear plastic thing that you can hang up on the wall. It has pockets for 4x6 pictures and then there are 2 rows at the bottom for 5x7 pictures. This is good if you're a big picture person as I am, because you can easily switch pictures without having to put tape on them. When my sisters saw it last year they all wanted one!

Also bring a LIGHTED makeup mirror for your dresser. A lighted one is better if you're getting ready a lot earlier for class than your roommate is (so you don't have to turn on the light).