What to Bring to College: Winter Accessories You Don’t Want to Forget

As a senior who’s survived multiple winters in the dorms, trust me – pack those hats, gloves, and scarves. You’ll need them not just for the brutal walks to 8 AM classes, but also for those spontaneous midnight snowball fights and winter festivals. Most freshman college checklist guides focus on bedding and school supplies, but winter gear is essential.

The dorm-to-class walk feels way longer in December than it did during orientation. A warm hat prevents heat loss, touchscreen gloves let you check Canvas without freezing your fingers, and a good scarf blocks those surprise wind tunnels between campus buildings.

Pro tip: Pack multiples. Winter accessories have a way of disappearing in shared laundry rooms, and you don’t want to wait for your next trip home to replace them.

This advice is part of a comprehensive college checklist for incoming freshmen planning their dorm essentials.