What to Bring to College: Don’t Forget Your Raincoat

Trust me – after three years on campus, a good raincoat is essential for college life. When you’re rushing across campus for an 8 AM class in a downpour, that flimsy dollar store umbrella won’t cut it. Your laptop, textbooks, and notes are too valuable to risk getting soaked.

Add “waterproof raincoat” to your college checklist right now. You’ll use it way more than you expect – running to the dining hall, walking to study groups, or making that sprint to the library during finals week. Plus, most dorm laundry rooms are in the basement or a separate building. Nothing’s worse than carrying your laundry basket through the rain with no protection.

Pro tip: Get a packable rain jacket that can live in your backpack. When surprise storms hit between classes, you’ll be covered while everyone else is using their notebooks as makeshift umbrellas.

This advice is based on my experience helping countless freshmen build their what to bring to college lists. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way like I did freshman year.