Getting ready for college can be scary, and even more overwhelming is the task of purchasing everything you need for an entire year in a strange new place. Sifting through the myriad of lists filled with things you “definitely need” can be tough in an overly consumeristic world, but sticking with the basics–at least at first–is the way to go if you want to save money while being as prepared as possible.

Personal care items

It’s incredibly important to have a strong stockpile of personal care items while you’re in college to maximize your health and hygiene, especially when your body (specifically your immune system) is going to be shocked by the change in location and the presence of so many other people. College students are very vulnerable to illnesses, and without your parents living with you to remind you to take care of yourself, it’s time to take charge of that yourself. So be sure to remember to bring enough medicine, shower supplies (including shower shoes, a caddy, and soap), hair products, lotion, nail care, oral hygiene products, makeup, and towels.

Dorm essentials

Creating a home away from home is key in enjoying your college experience and getting comfortable in a new environment. You’ll definitely want to make your dorm a space that you feel happy in, and that starts by decorating your dorm to best suit you. It is undoubtedly worth investing in some sheets, blankets, and decor that you love. Of course, getting a good night’s sleep is priceless, so you’ll want to make sure you have a good mattress topper, pillows, and anything else you might need to sleep (like blackout curtains or a fan). With the limited space available in a dorm, taking advantage of every square foot is a great idea. To do this, you might want an organizer for the back of the door, storage for under your bed (and bed risers if applicable), drawer organizers, and a storage ottoman. To make your room a functional space, consider adding a full-length mirror, floor lamp, white board, and wall calendar.

School

Of course, secondary education is meant to educate, so buying good school supplies is a great way to prepare yourself for the tough courses waiting for you. You’ll need a sturdy backpack (ideally one that has comfy straps, plenty of pockets, a place for your laptop and water bottle, and a look you love), a supply of writing utensils, a few notebooks, and anything else you use to study, like flashcards and highlighters. You may also want to look into major-specific tools, like purchasing software (for computer science, engineering, art, or anything else) or getting specific supplies to best suit your needs.

Clothing

Depending on the climate at your chosen university, you might need different clothing. Generally, though, you’ll want to consider what you might need to be prepared for anything you might do. You’ll probably want to pack a coat, sweatshirts, raincoat, swimsuits, formal outfits, exercise clothes, casual outfits, pajamas, a variety of shoes, and any accessories you might need (like hats, jewelry, or other weather-related gear).

Cleaning supplies

When someone first moves out of their childhood home, they are usually most unprepared when it comes to cleaning supplies, since this is likely their first time taking care of cleaning independently. In college, you’ll want to have a checklist for these crucial supplies: laundry detergent, dryer balls or sheets, paper towels, a small broom and dustpan, disinfectant wipes, trash bags, Windex, and air freshener. (Some schools give students access to cleaning supplies, but it never hurts to have some of your own, just in case.) You’ll want to keep your living area clean, both for your own comfort and for any visitors you might have.

Electronics

Technology has grown to become necessary in most aspects of life, so you’ll want to be sure that you have everything you might need. A laptop (and/or iPad) is an obvious necessity, as well as your phone, phone charger, and earbuds. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring over-ear headphones (in addition to the earbuds), mouse, camera, flash drive, and flashlight.

“Before the end of the school year, I will be buying a new computer,” says senior Ashley Jilek, who will be attending Penn State’s main campus in the fall.

Documentation

If you’re going to be applying for jobs or having any sort of conversations with your college counselors that require documentation, it’s a good thing to have on hand. You should have a special folder or safe place to keep it in to be sure you know where it is and that it is not at risk of being harmed or tampered with. You might need your birth certificate, driver’s license, student ID, social security card, checks, banking information, car registration and insurance, and other insurance information. (However, if you’re worried about the safety of these items while you are in college and you won’t be far from your family, you could manage with leaving some of them at your family home.)

Miscellaneous

Some other things you might need include cups (or mugs), an umbrella, band-aids, a small duffel bag or weekend travel bag, tissues, ear plugs, sleeping bag, push pins, batteries, games, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

As you continue to navigate through the journey of transitioning from a high school student to a college student, remember to stay calm but be prepared for the life ahead of you.

Senior Katlyn Grier says, “I love buying stuff for college. And I know it’s a little scary but ask people who go to your college what’s best to buy. And ask older cousins or friends. People in college or who have experience are best to learn from when it comes to buying dorm supplies, cause you never want to over-buy.”