Fun College Essentials

There are so many “college essential” lists filled with basics on what you should bring/pack going back to school. My list doesn’t consist of a mattress pad or what organization bins you will need….. instead my list highlights the things you don’t think to bring to college! Here are some of my favorite:)

1. Disposable Camera

THIS IS ESSENTIAL! I had never thought too much about taking film pictures until my sophomore year. Many people mock disposable cameras with the attitude of “just use your phone”. I swear some of my favorite pictures of my friends and me come from film because it really does capture the candid moments without a million redos. My best advice is to buy a couple at the start of the year (they are $10 from Walgreen/CVS) and have them everywhere; on your desk, in your purse or anywhere where it can be easily accessible. Then the fun part: take pictures of anything and everything!!

My favorite thing to do is wait until the end of the semester or school year to get my film developed because it is a great way to look back on the many memories of a fun year. The most random picture can capture an important moment in time and you can relive the emotions.

My friend Kaleigh makes a scrapbook with all of her film pictures at the end of every school year and I loved this idea. This is such a great habit to get into especially if you are in college. It’s a perfect way to have a time capsule and not have pictures get lost in your camera roll.

For my disposable picture scrapbook I like to use paint pens to doodle and add… Its so fun to make the pictures your own. It’s nice as I start my senior year having a scrapbook full of film pictures of every year of college. You don’t even have to be in college to start this! There is something so special about capturing the natural moments and having a scrapbook to reflect back on the year.

2. Liquid IV

Now this is a MUST if you are going to be drinking in college. Liquid IV is an electro light powder that you mix with water. It has been a game changer and I wish I would have started sooner. Hangovers are the actual worst. The worst.  Along with my friends, we have had a fair share that have had us crippled. I once had a 24 hour long hangover and it actually traumatized me:)

My trick with Liquid IV is a little bit excessive but it works wonders. I always pour one of the Liquid IV’s into a cup of water before I have my first drink. This has become a habit with my roommates and me.  Once I finish it I will have a couple of drinks….

Then after a fun ~responsible~ night, we pour one more Liquid IV mix into water before bed. I normally eat while I drink my second Liquid IV and then pass out.

Works wonders!!

3. Workout Bands

When I would go to the gym I always brought my bands! I barely touched the machines because I just love band workouts. I always felt more inspired to workout using them. They are such an easy piece of equipment that takes up no space, can be used anywhere and deliever a killer fullbody workout.With gyms being closed I had to adapt to working out at home just like everyone else. For me it was pretty easy. Work out bands are a college essential I highly recommend!! On my Pinterest Board I have a whole board dedicated to band workouts!

https://www.pinterest.com/erinthumann/band-workouts/

4. Bucket List

BUCKET LIST!! This is one of my absolute favorite things to do with my friends. We started my sophomore year and have made one each year since. It can be the most random things on the list, anywhere from going to a unique place for happy hour or mattress surfing in your sorority house. Some of my best memories were the low-key nights where nothing was going on so we checked stuff off of our bucket list. It’s also so fun to write out and decorate your list! Sounds childish but it truly brought us so much joy! I would attach my bucket list but it’s going to stay between me and my friends;)

5. Write a letter to yourself:

On my first day of high school, my english teacher had us write a letter to ourselves. When I graduated I was able to get my letter back and it was so meaningful. I was able to reflect back and see exactly how I was feeling and what was going on in my life at that time. So many things change, even in a month, so it’s nice to write your future self a letter to look back on. You can actually write yourself a letter and hide it somewhere or there is this website I found that I use. You can pick the date to have your letter emailed back to you.  Mine is set for when I graduate!!

https://www.futureme.org