This is not a complete college supply list. However, it is a good baseline of the bare essentials. This college survival kit is special because it fits inside a single quart sized Pyrex Cup. These items may be small, but they are nonetheless essential to survival.
- Quart Pyrex Cup - This is the one item that should be included in any kitchen set. It is microwave safe and large enough to accommodate most human quantities of Ramen Noodles and Easy-Mac. The only down side is that it is not really disposable, the ease of washing it makes up for this fact.
- White Towel - In homage to Douglas Adam’s Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, you should always know where your towel is. It is useful for dusting television screens, drying spills, and surrendering.
- Duck Tape - It has a light side, a dark side, and holds the universe together. It’s nice to have some with you at all times.
- Mini Mag-lite - A year at college will involve two particular elements: hours after the sun has gone down and consciousness. They will frequently react and result in stumbling around and banging into things. This reaction can be avoided by having a source of light.
- Black Sharpie - These are commonly used for labeling things, signing shirts, and redacting sensitive data.
- Whiteout - This is useful for correcting a few of the numerous mistakes that are made in college.
- Cell Phone - A piece of cellular technology is essential in the college world. It is needed for communicating with friends and ordering pizza
- Power Splitter - There are not enough power outlets in any room, and dorm rooms are the worst offenders. This three way splitter gives you at least two more. Several surge protectors are preferable, but do not fit in the Pyrex.
- Chapstick - There are few colleges that do not have some form of cold weather. There are even fewer for which it is impossible to remain indoors and avoid said cold. Therefore chapped lips are a fact of life.
- Gum - In all likelihood the statement "you stink" will be accurate at some point in time during the year. This will at least remove one source of odor.
- Playing Cards - A single deck of cards can provide quite a bit of sanity in between homework, studying, and terrible meals. Halo is preferable, but did not fit.
- Mini Stapler- Stapling papers together is a task that goes hand in hand with writing them.
- Quarters - Rather than being the “stinky kid” at an institution of higher learning, bring quarters and do some laundry. These multipurpose pieces of metal can be used to acquire beverages and munchies.
- Multi-tool - If you’re not one to carry a complete set of tools to college then acquire a Leatherman or equivalent (I prefer the Wave). If you are going to bring a set of tools, then you probably have one already. When armed with such a tool it is easy to find a MacGyver-esque solution to every dilemma that will arise. A proper multi-tool will at least involve a knife, screwdrivers, and pliers.
- Thumb or USB or Flash Drive - A T/U/F drive is handy for transporting a significant portion of your life from computer to computer.
- iPod - This is another item that is necessary for psychological reasons. It has the ability to supply the continuous auditory stimulus craved by most college students as well as provide a bubble of sanity while attempting to be productive.
- Credit or Debit Card - A plastic source of money is necessary for ordering things online and protecting your funds from skulking thieves. However, if you lack financial responsibility, don’t bother.
- Spoon - The spoon is the perfect utensil for college studenst. Enjoy any banquet from Ramen Noodles and Instant Oatmeal to Easy-Mac with this tool.
