College Freshman Must Haves

Summer is winding down, which can only mean one thing: school is back in session. A new class of freshmen is gearing up for what could be the best four years of their lives. To help you navigate this exciting first year of college, The Quintessential Gentleman has compiled a list of must-haves. From fashion picks to essential tech, we’ve got you covered for anything the semester might throw your way.

Dorm Life

Welcome to your new home! The dorm room is every student's sanctuary. It's where you sleep, meet new friends, pre-game, and nurse hangovers. Your freshman dorm room will be the backdrop to some of your best college memories. To ensure your home away from home is perfectly equipped, grab these essentials.

A downside of any dorm is space. When having guests over they’ll need a space to sit and grabbing a Bean Bag Chair gives them comfort and turns your room into the hangout spot.

On the theme of saving space, bringing a full iron is a terrible idea. Not only are you wasting valuable space to store but then you actually have no place to iron the clothes. Picking up a Steamer gives you everything you want in an iron without taking up all the space. Also as a bonus, it has an iron feature. Thank me later.

The dining hall is your best friend in college, but it isn’t always open. To avoid starving on those long nights a Hot Pot can cook and saute all your meals without needing a stove. Add a steamer to it and now you have your own hibachi. 

Sugar, spice, and everything nice all combined to create the Mini Fridge Caddy. Able to hold all your ingredients, utensils, and dishes while saving so much space.

Sneaking in those between class naps will become a part of your schedule. Having the perfect pillow to pair along with that is the Marlow Adjustable Pillow. By choosing between full zip, mid zip, or unzipped you can change the firmness of the pillow. Throw in the fact it has cooled memory foam and now it’s just a matter of if this is a power nap or are we gonna be here a while?

The luxury of having your own bathroom is sadly gone. If you're lucky then you have a suite bathroom if you're unlucky then it’s communal, either way, each one is dirty. Having a Soap Holder is essential to avoid the only thing keeping you clean from becoming dirty.

Trapped in a building with strangers sounds like a dream for germs. An Air Purifier keeps the air you breathe clean ensuring you avoid the freshman flu.

Fashion

Whether it’s a need to be comfy for class or having a class for an event, the freshman-year wardrobe needs to be all about versatility. From a tee and jeans that can be dressed up with the right accessories, to versatile pieces like a blazer and slacks that easily transition from day to night, having a mix of practical and stylish options is key.

Class Swag

We get it, keeping on the pjs from last night to go straight to class is an easy option. It is just class, but why be comfortable and non-stylish when you could be both?

If we’re talking about cozy, where else would we start if not for the hoodie and sweats? An unmatched duo, affording the comfort you so desperately need while not taking away from the style you deserve. Trapstar London’s hoodie and sweatpant sets give you both style and comfort while not breaking the bank. 

Dad shoes have been trending for the last few years and it’s easy to see why. The  New Balance 1906R has a plush sole, shock-absorbing midsole, and a supported heel. Giving you the feeling of walking on clouds. Dads knew what they were doing buying New Balances.

To complete the equation, is the backpack. The Bagsmart Book Bag provides ample room to carry your textbooks and laptop.

School is my runway

Clubs, parties, campus events, and those random hangouts with friends are all a part of the vibrant college experience. To make the most of these social gatherings, a killer fit is needed. 

Baggy jeans are all the rave and Jaded London’s Jean are leading the trend. Coming in almost every wash imaginable, the amount of different ways to style the jeans is endless. 

Pair that with the Stray Rats Sacrifice tee to add some personality to a graphic tee. 

The Converse is a classic that needs no introduction. The  Chuck 70 Leather is an upgrade to the silhouette adding a premium leather upper that not only makes the shoe last long but also adds an edgy look to the shoe.

Instead of stuffing your pants add a little flair to your outfit, and use the Le Labo Tote. The extra space will be needed to carry everything you gather on your adventures.

Suiting

Lastly, but arguably most important is a suit. For many, this is the first time you’ll be wearing a real suit, and to avoid looking like you put your dad's suit on, here are some tips to get the perfect fit.

The first is to know your measurements. Visit a tailor to get your chest, waist, hips, inseam, and sleeve length measurements. This allows for a better understanding of how a suit will fit. Also know that a suit comes in different fits with their being slim, regular, and relaxed. For a fit that works for most, Joseph Abboud offers a great regular-fit suit.

Next is to choose the right fabric and color. There are 4 common fabrics: wool, cotton, linen, and synthetic blends. Wool is a versatile and durable fabric that works well in various climates and occasions. Cotton and linen are more breathable and casual suit types. Finally, synthetic blends are the cheapest but typically the worst quality. In addition to the four fabrics, there are four essential colors to own black, navy blue, gray, and brown. Owning them opens up endless potential for the amount of variations to wear. The Navy Havana Suit by Suitsupply is a great option to start with. 

Lastly, is to invest in quality. Consider a suit an investment. This is what you’ll wear to internship opportunities, job fairs, grad school fairs, and ceremonies, so owning a quality suit makes a huge impression on people. Joseph A. Bank offers a quality suit without breaking the bank.

Make Class Easy

Everything they said wouldn’t fly in college absolutely does, which sounds great but trust us it’s not. That leaves the responsibility of all your work on you, and to make sure that work is not only done but done well use these supplies.

Although we live in a digital age, there will be times when a physical copy is necessary. Having a printer is essential. Whether it's printing out last-minute essays, important notes, or class handouts, a reliable printer can save the day. It's not just about convenience; it's about being prepared for those unexpected moments when a professor requests a hard copy or when you need to review documents in hand.

To pair with your printer get a stapler. It may seem like such an insignificant item now, but when it’s needed a stapler’s value can’t be understated. Surprisingly, schools tend to be the rarest place to find one, so to avoid that stress just bring your own. 

Running out of battery while working is a headache. To prevent that use Battery Packs. These portable chargers are essential for keeping your devices powered up, whether you're in the middle of a lecture, studying in the library, or on the go between classes. A reliable battery pack ensures that your laptop, tablet, or phone stays charged, so you can focus on your work without the constant worry of finding an outlet.

A Portable Monitor is a game changer. It provides the extra screen space needed for multitasking, making it easier to work on assignments, research, and projects simultaneously without having to switch tabs.

Behold, the future is now upon us with the Rocket Smart Notebook. This innovative tool combines the traditional feel of writing with the advanced functionality of digital technology. With the Rocket Smart Notebook, you can jot down notes, sketches, and ideas just like in a regular notebook, but with the added benefit of being able to digitize and store your work in the cloud. Lastly, it's reusable so you’re not wasting piles of paper.

As you embark on your freshman year, having the right essentials can make all the difference in navigating college life with ease and style. From versatile wardrobes that keep you ready for any occasion to tech tools that enhance your productivity, these items are designed to help you make the most of your college experience.