Writing tools, such as pens and notebooks, a dictionary, the books you need for your classes, a calculator, and a planner for writing down homework assignments are essential. Purchase these things well before the first day of school, along with something to carry everything in. You can't prepare for every possible need, but carrying too much can be better than too little. If you're uncertain, visit the student center at your school and request a list of items you might need for specific classes. Remember your laptop or any handheld device you'll be using in the course of your classes.
Textbooks will play a big part in college life. You may not always need them on the first day, but bring them with you anyway. Textbooks are typically purchased before the first day of college, so you should have them in your book bag and ready to go. As you attend your classes day by day, you will learn what books you can leave at home and which you will need to bring regularly.
More than anything else, a class schedule can be a lifesaver on the first day of college. A map of the school is often overlooked, but having one handy can save you time and prevent missed classes. Armed with a schedule and a map of the school, you will have a better chance of finding your classes and arriving on time.
Students going away to college need to ensure they've packed clothes appropriate to the area where they will be attending college, medications and toiletries. You don't want to wake up on the first day of college and realize you've forgotten medications you might need to function or that you don't have a toothbrush. Other things to bring with you if you are living away from home include a phone, TV, a desk lamp and alarm clock.
If you're driving to college and plan to use the parking lot, make sure you have a campus parking sticker affixed to your car. Carry cash in case you want to use vending machines or you need to pick something up at the campus bookstore. You may even want to pack a few snacks of your own, in case you need to eat on the run.