Freshman College Survival Kit: An Easy Diy Care Package Idea

The content that follows is made possible by the support of College Life Made Easy’s readers. Whenever a purchase is made through the links found on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission, which helps us to continue providing valuable information and resources. For further details, please read on.

College Freshman Care Package

A comprehensive survival kit for college freshmen combines must-have essentials with comforting treats, often overlooked or forgotten in the chaos of university life. This thoughtful care package is designed to equip students with the tools they need to stay organized and confident as they navigate the transition from high school to independence. A meaningful dorm gift, it serves as a heartfelt reminder that you’re always there to lend a helping hand, offering emotional support whenever needed.

Freshman College Survival Kit Example Idea

A practical and thoughtful care package is always a hit with college freshmen. A DIY college survival kit, in particular, offers a straightforward and easy-to-assemble option that’s sure to bring a smile to the student’s face. I recently put together a care package for a first-year student and was thrilled with how it turned out. The large flat rate box provided ample space to include a variety of essentials and treats.While it took some effort to arrange everything in a visually appealing way, the end result was well worth the extra time. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of DIY projects – I’ll walk you through all the items I included in the package further down in this post. To add an extra layer of fun, I also created a college freshman survival sign to accompany the care package. This design is sure to generate some laughs and can be customized to fit the student’s personality and style. If you’re looking for inspiration or want to create a kit that’s tailored to guys or students who prefer blue over pink, I’ve got you covered – I came up with five different versions of the survival kit sign in total, all available as free printables!

College Survival Kit DIY Guide

When it comes to crafting your DIY college survival kit, the first step is to gather essential supplies. This begins with securing a sturdy container. One eco-friendly option is to repurpose an Amazon box or any other reusable packaging material you may have lying around. Alternatively, you can opt for a flat rate box from your local post office. This will provide a solid foundation for storing and organizing the items that follow.

What to Put in a College Survival Kit

There are countless ways to customize a college survival kit, and that’s part of its appeal. While many freshman students share similar needs, there’s still plenty of room for personalization. Here are 22 items I included in my own college freshman care package to inspire your ideas:

1. Collapsible storage crate – these versatile containers are perfect for organizing dorm rooms.
2. Small trash bags – often overlooked, these come in handy for quick cleanup and more.
3. Comfy socks – a good pair of socks can make all the difference in college life.
4. Distilled wisdom in the form of a book – I recommend ‘175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College’ for its wealth of ideas.
5. A nice pen – not all pens are created equal, and a quality one is inexpensive.
6. Sticky notes – college students can never have too many!
7. Tape – this little luxury will make you popular in the dorms.
8. Sleep mask – a cheap yet effective way to get some shut-eye when your roommate is studying late.
9. Electrolyte tablets – perfect for when the common cold strikes or you need a pick-me-up.
10. Instant drinks/portable snacks – convenience is key in college life.
11. Travel size lint roller – a small but thoughtful addition to any care package.
12. Antibacterial wipes – essential for cleaning up spills and messes.
13. Small fan – a lifesaver during warmer months when dorm rooms can get stuffy.
14. Wall charger/s – having an extra on hand is always a good idea.
15. Downy Wrinkle Release Spray – ironing clothes in a small space is a hassle, but this makes it easy.
16. Sneaker deodorizing balls – dorms can be prone to trapping unpleasant smells.
17. Extra pair of slippers/flip flops – for those chilly winter mornings or hot summer days.
18. Travel size toiletries – include some essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo.
19. Instant boba drink kit – a fun treat that’s perfect for a college care package.
20. Starbucks Via – another great option for instant coffee lovers.
21. College Survival Guide Book – consider including a relevant book to your student.
22. College Survival Kit Printables – I’ve included free printables to help with creating your own DIY kit, featuring a list and sign tags in various styles.

More College Survival Kit Ideas

As I brainstormed the ultimate college freshman survival kit, I compiled a list of ideas and then whittled it down to the most essential items. While every student is unique, I believe these must-haves will resonate with many. To start, here are 20 DIY care package ideas that will help make the transition to campus life smoother: reusable water bottles from brands like Stanley, stress-relieving face masks from TONYMOLY, and a set of playing cards for late-night dorm room games. I’ve also included practical items like hot cocoa or tea, shower shoes, and a lip balm to combat dry lips. Other essentials include slippers – the cloud kind and smiley face ones are popular right now – a clip-on reading light, dude wipes, and Tide To Go pens for those inevitable coffee spills. Rounding out the list are a stress ball, keychain mace, LED strip lights, board game, command hooks, yin chao to keep colds at bay, popsocket or Popwallet, robe, bedside caddy, and aluminum cups. Whether you’re looking for something small and thoughtful or big and bold, this list is designed to cover all bases.

College freshman survival kit final thoughts

As we wrap up our exploration of creating a college survival kit care package for freshmen, we’ve touched on the essential items and thoughtful gestures that can help make their transition to campus life smoother. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at assembling these types of kits or just looking for inspiration, we’d love to hear about your experiences and ideas in the comments below!

Related care package ideas for college freshmen:

To spread some joy and warmth, consider creating a Little Box of Sunshine gift filled with goodies that bring a smile to someone’s face. This thoughtful present is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s to brighten up a friend’s day or as a pick-me-up for yourself when you’re feeling down. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite treats and mementos. To get started, simply gather some small items like candies, stickers, motivational quotes, or fun trinkets that put you in a sunny mood. Then, place them in a cute box or container and voila! Your Little Box of Sunshine is ready to bring a little bit of happiness into someone’s life.

College Survival Kit: The Perfect Care Package for College Freshman

Meet Charlie Lake, a seasoned expert on all things campus life. As a 2015 graduate and co-founder of College Life Made Easy, she’s dedicated her career to helping young adults navigate the ups and downs of college with ease. Her expertise extends far beyond her own college days – she’s also authored the book ‘175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College’, a comprehensive guide packed with practical advice for making the most of your time on campus. When not sharing her wisdom through blog posts, Charlie can be found crafting care packages and DIY Halloween costumes, as well as doling out valuable tips on organization strategies, scholarships, and dorm room ideas. Her contributions have been featured in major publications, including Redfin and College Ave Student Loans.