When I moved in freshman year, I thought I had everything I needed. Turns out, I was wrong. I had enough clothes to start my own thrift shop, and enough food to get me through Armageddon; yet, when it came time to get ready for a party, I realized I was missing a few essentials that I had never even considered bringing. Here’s a list of the four things I wish someone told me to bring:
A Sombrero
Let me just say- sombreros are amazing. An essential part to college night life are the themed parties. For me, the sombrero is the holy grail. Not only does everyone manage to simultaneously look ridiculous and adorable, but they are guaranteed to provide you with a good time. Think about it like this, if you ever happened to find yourself browsing a friend’s recently tagged pics on Facebook, and they’ve got a sombrero on; you think to yourself- “Wow. It looks like (insert name of friend) is having a great time.” That’s because they ARE having a great time. If you’re worried about adding more things to your already cramped dorm room, do not worry. Sombreros are a great little decoration to have hanging from the side of your desk. They spice up your room- ¡Arriba!
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots are by far the sneakiest shoes a girl can own. You must be thinking, ”What in the world does she mean by sneaky?” I’m talking Taylor Swift by day, Ke$ha by night. You can pair them with your new sundress for a lunch date with the cute guy from the swim team on Friday afternoon for an innocent meal, only to find yourself in the midst of debauchery twelve hours later. You’ll be on the dance floor of the “Cowboys and Indians” party shaking your goods in a scandalous pair of denim cut-offs.
Duct Tape
I brought one roll of gray duct tape with me when I moved in freshman year, and I lost that some time during move in. I didn’t think anything of it until I realized how many things needed to be taped, hung, fixed– but more importantly– how many dresses needed to be made. Yes, I said dresses. I guarantee that by the time that first Anything But Clothes aka ABC party roles around, you’ll appreciate duct tape more than any handyman, architect (or whatever profession uses copious amounts of the stuff) ever could. I’m not too keen on arts and crafts, but the masterpieces I’ve seen some girls create with a couple of roles of colorful duct tape makes me re-evaluate New York Fashion Week. If you are too lazy or just not inclined to being the crafty type, you can be like me and duct tape a random part of your body on your way to a rave or electro/dub show.
The Perfect Clutch/ Satchel
Last year, my roommate had a love affair with her clutch. It was adorable- pink leather with a wristlet that fit around her hand perfectly. It was not gargantuan, but it was big enough to hold all the essentials; phone, ID, lip gloss, digital camera. My roomie and I grew so fond of her clutch, that one night, we even named it Kate. Time went on, fun was had, and my roomie, Kate and I became a trio. It got to the point where we’d frantically run around at a party asking people “WHERE IS KATE?” to which they would respond “Well, what does she look like?” Crazy, weird, but true. The perfect clutch or satchel will keep your belongings safe, put you at ease, and become your best friend.