University will be back in session again soon and a wide array of students will be inhabiting dormitories for the first time since Covid-19 interrupted our normal lives. This can leave many parents struggling to know exactly what they should pack for their students. There are lots of essentials you need, but there are quite a few things that you can send your student with if you want to make life a little easier. These ten ideas are just scratching the surface, but they can help make lives easier and safer as we navigate new normals.

1. Laundry Pods
Laundry pods are perfect for college kids. These pods take up less space in a dorm room, which is already one big bonus to having your child stocked up in laundry pods. They also make it easier to tote to the laundry mat when it is time to do the laundry. Your student can even just grab a few and leave the container behind to make life easier. Pods merely require you to toss the pod into the clothes when washing as well, which will help students that aren’t exactly ready for all of the measuring that goes into the laundry. Most pods will have everything needed to get the clothes smelling fresh while cleaning away germs, which can help keep your student protected while we continue to worry about covid.

2. Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Another big must is noise-cancelling earphones. Usually, students can feel confident about spending time in the library while studying, but this might not be the case if there is an issue with covid-19 on campus. The noise-canceling earphones will allow your student to study in their dorm room without having to worry about what their roommates are doing. The earphones can also be used in the library when attention spans are low, which can help improve grades even more. Many earphones will double as entertainment devices as well, which will make it easier for your student to enjoy music and movies without disturbing the people around them.

3. Cleaning Wipes
Cleaning up isn’t a favorite activity for most people, and it might feel like pulling teeth to encourage your student to do so. Sending them to college with cleaning wipes might be one of the best ways to inspire them to actually clean up though. The wipes won’t take up a lot of space and are easy to pull out and wipe down a surface, so students won’t have to put in a lot of effort. It will also make it easier for students that do feel anxious about outbreaks to clean up without cutting into their study time.

4. Laptop
You’re probably already planning on sending your student to college with a laptop. In this day and age, it is very hard to get by without one, especially for a student. However, laptops currently have been even more important when it comes to college students. If your child is stuck in a lockdown situation when school begins, then their laptop is going to be their mode of getting to class until their in-person classes resume. Their computer will also be their best means of researching, turning in assignments, and so much more. Apart from that, the laptop will become a way of communication with friends and family, as well as entertainment when they cannot go out.

5. Privacy Screen
Privacy screens are a pretty handy thing to have if you share a space with someone. There are privacy screens that take up very little space on the market as well, which might be one of the best options for your student. You can also create your own privacy screen if you enjoy customizable projects or you want to save a little money. A privacy screen can bring a sense of comfort to your student as they will be able to put it up when they want to be alone. However, it can also prevent the spread of cold and flu germs, which might bring some peace of mind to you, your student, and your roommate.

6. Covid-19 Tests
Getting a student to go to the doctor can be tough. Sometimes they don’t have the money to do so, sometimes they don’t know where to go, and so on. So, if you’re worried about your student catching covid-19 then it might be in your best interest to send them with a few tests. These can be purchased over the counter and done in the comfort of the dorm room. Most of the testing packets come with two tests, so if a negative result occurs and symptoms persist students can test again. These tests are pretty affordable as well and will bring peace of mind to those that are suffering from symptoms and are worried about the spread.

7. Snacks
Snacks are always a great thing to send to students. Most students are on a pretty tight budget when it comes to food, so having the extra items in their dorm can help bring peace of mind and comfort. Extra snacks are also great to have when it comes to the first couple of weeks of college. At this time, students are just adjusting to campus and are still learning to navigate where everything is. So, they might not be able to get to the cafeteria as easily as they would like and may not know where vending machines or snack shops are. These snacks might also come in handy in a lockdown situation when everyone is trying to navigate when they can eat.

8. Reusable Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles are becoming commonplace for most people now. So, you might want to make sure that your student has a couple on hand. Reusable water bottles tend to encourage people to drink more water instead of relying on other drinks that might seem more convenient while they’re on the go. The bottles can be toted around to classes, work, and anywhere else a student goes. On top of that, they’re easy to fill up and keep in the dormitory if your student is limiting their trips out of their space due to restrictions. Bottles are easy to clean as well and can make your student feel more secure as no one else will have touched the bottle they use.

9. Fast Charger
Students tend to be on the go quite a bit, which is why a fast charger is a great way to bring even more convenience to their life. Often enough, phones can be a big asset for classes. Students can take notes on them, record lectures, and so much more. This can help with studying, ensure a student can help those that miss class, and so on. Due to this, batteries might not last as long as they would when just in your student’s pocket on idle. A fast charger can help keep the device going in between classes. This can ensure your child has a full battery in case of an emergency.

10. Extra Masks
Another great thing to have on hand is extra masks. Reusable masks are always the best options as they’re better for the environment and they won’t cost an arm and a leg. However, you might also want to invest in a box of disposable masks too, just in case your student cannot get to the laundromat as often as needed. Many schools will still require students to wear masks, so extras will always be beneficial. Even if your student is vaccinated, there is still a risk of contracting the illness, so the excess masks can bring even more peace of mind to everyone.

It isn’t going to be an easy year for students or their parents, but things are beginning to look up. Ensuring your student is prepared for life at college while also adding in a few extra precautionary items might help everyone to feel more comfortable about their time away from the home and in a new environment.