things i bought for college that i regret

1. a mesh shower caddy

—— it’s flimsy, there’s no place to hang it up, there’s pockets but things just all fall together anyways, it’s just not worth it. get a plastic one that stands up by itself.

2. tons of notebooks/folders/paper/etc

—— almost everything is done online nowadays. don’t buy school supplies until you know what you need. i could’ve gotten by the past few years with pens, a pencil, and my laptop.

3. a bed skirt

—— dorm beds just aren’t made for these. i thought it would be rly cute and aesthetic but me, my roommate, and both of our parents couldn’t figure out how to get in on without looking weird. also annoying when you have to lift it up to get things out from under your bed (which is a lot).

4. rugs.

—— i cannot explain how disgusting every rug in a dorm room gets. even with vacuums, even if you’re clean. they get gross and you end up throwing it out half way through the year. just get slippers.

#college #collegestudent #collegetips

2024/3/20 Edited to

... Read moreAs students embark on their college journey, balancing budget and needs can be challenging. Many often purchase items that ultimately don't add value or practicality to their daily lives. For instance, a flimsy mesh shower caddy can easily fall apart, making it difficult to organize toiletries. Instead, opt for a durable plastic option that stands upright and offers better functionality. Similarly, the necessity of multiple notebooks and folders has diminished in the digital age. With most coursework moving online, investing in a solid laptop and a few essential writing tools is more than enough. Furthermore, while bed skirts may seem aesthetically pleasing, they prove to be impractical in dorm settings. Students often struggle to lift them up when accessing storage underneath their beds, which is not only tedious but can also diminish the visual appeal they aim for. Lastly, rugs in dorm rooms can quickly accumulate dirt and debris, necessitating frequent cleaning or replacement. Instead, consider using slippers for a clean and cozy feel without the maintenance hassle. Understanding what not to buy is as essential as knowing what to acquire. By focusing on practicality over aesthetics, students can enhance their college living experience while being financially savvy. Avoiding these common pitfalls can lead to a more fulfilling and budget-friendly college experience.

52 comments

Keira's images
Keira

Another thing I would add to this list is buying your materials in advance!!! Idk about you but sometimes my professors don’t update their materials list with our bookstore so I buy things that I didn’t even need. So it just turns into a huge waste of my money 😒

See more(2)
🖤 Darya 🖤's images
🖤 Darya 🖤

I'd add textbooks to this. I didn't buy a single textbook my entire college career; there's a certain 'library' website where you can, ah, borrow them instead

See more(9)

See more comments

Related posts

A clean white desk setup featuring a laptop, red headphones, a pen holder with colorful pens, and a decorative sign saying 'YOU ARE golden'. The image is titled 'THINGS I REGRET in college'.
A pink background with a text box detailing the regret of pushing hard classes to the last semesters, leading to overwhelm. It advises taking summer classes and proper planning.
A pink background with a text box about regretting not advocating for oneself in class or with roommates, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and communicating.
THINGS I REGRET IN COLLEGE 🎧💻
It took me some time to adjust to these challenges I was facing in college especially when you’re now an adult who is alone at college so you have to do things by yourself. Your parents aren’t there to advocate for you or give you advice of how to perform better in class. They aren’t there to pick
Havana

Havana

2603 likes

A desk setup with a laptop, an open notebook with writing, a pen, a pencil case, and a water bottle, illustrating college school essentials.
Three different backpacks are displayed: a black one, a beige one, and a green one, presented as college backpack options.
Three different pencil cases are shown: a pink one, a purple and white one, and a checkered one, suitable for organizing school supplies.
College School Essentials📚
I am not kidding when I tell you that for my freshman year, I bought so many supplies that I didn’t need! Don’t waste your money and buy what you really need. This is what I used and it never failed me! #Lemon8Diary #collegeessentials #BackToSchool #collegelife #collegestudent #schools
Vale Mejia 🎀

Vale Mejia 🎀

4057 likes

A dorm room features a bed with pink 'HOWDY HOWDY' pillows and a pink blanket. Wall decor includes a framed quote and a pink boot illustration. A shelf holds a plant and other items, suggesting a cozy, personalized space.
A pink hanging shower caddy is shown with toiletries inside. Multiple views illustrate its portability, including a clear phone pocket and a person using it in a bathroom. It's designed for organizing personal care items.
A set of pink heavy-duty storage bags with carrying handles and backpack straps. One bag is open, filled with clothes, while others are stacked. A person demonstrates carrying the bags, highlighting their use for moving and storage.
College dorm essentials that I actually needed!
After finishing my freshman yr of college this is all things I wish I had bought that know one never told that I would need for my college form! #dormhaul #dormchecklist #dormaesthetic #dormnecessities #dormstyle Arizona State University Tempe Campus
GABY RAOUF🎀

GABY RAOUF🎀

744 likes

I Took 5 Years in Community College… and I Don’t Regret It 🌱
Lemon8 Post Caption ✨ I used to think community college meant I was “behind” in life. Now? I honestly think it was one of the best decisions I could’ve made for myself. 🤍 When I first started college in 2022, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew I liked science, but because of my ADHD a
Akia D

Akia D

147 likes

Books I ignored in college & regret now
Remember those dusty books on my college bookshelf? The ones I swore I'd read “someday”? Yeah, well, “someday” is here, and I'm kicking myself for not cracking them open sooner. Turns out, those pages held insights I desperately needed back then - about history, the human spirit, dreams,
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

11.4K likes

🪩High School Advice To Make College Easier🪩
Hey there! I wanted to give some high school advice to make college easier & cheaper from a college student. 🪩I know this is a long post but I promise you won’t regret reading & taking this advice🪩 Before I go in-depth with my advice, let me give you my qualifications for giving said
morgan

morgan

2188 likes

5 things I bought for my kitchen
Here are 5 things I bought for my kitchen that I love!🍊👩‍🍳🔪 #kitchen #amazonkitchen #amazonfinds #kitchengadets #founditonamaon
Kortney and Karlee

Kortney and Karlee

855 likes

A college dorm room with a bed featuring blue and gray bedding, two framed posters of marine life on the wall, and a neon wave light. The text overlay reads "COLLEGE DORM ESSENTIALS FOR FRESHMAN."
A product listing for a mattress topper, showing a white mattress topper with a blue foam layer. Text highlights its two layers and suggests it's a highly recommended item for dorms.
Two product listings for power strips. One is a white tower power strip with multiple outlets and USB ports, and the other is a white wall charger with five outlets and four USB ports, emphasizing the need for many outlets.
College Dorm Room Essentials
These are things you actually need when you move into college. I am going into my sophomore year & these things are going to be with me until i’m out of college so take my advice🙏🏻 ————————— The Essentials: 💌 Mattress Topper - the one i showed is the best one ever, trust me. 💌 Powe
morgan

morgan

5434 likes

A red shopping basket filled with various pink-themed bath and body products, with a person's feet in white and black clogs visible below.
A hand holding two purple bottles of hair care products, identified as shampoo and conditioner, inside a red shopping basket.
A hand holding a large pink bottle of body wash inside a red shopping basket, noted for its pleasant scent.
things i bought from target today!! (pink edition)
I went to target just to get some shampoo and conditioner, then ended up buying so much stuff!! I don’t regret the purchase tho! I’m so excited to use all these products, I’m in much need of a pampering! 😊 #target #targetfinds #targethaul #pinkaesthetic #beautyfinds
mel

mel

2691 likes

college parties (for dummies)
new to the college life? speaking as a current junior here are my best tips/tricks to surviving your first college party!! ⭐️ 1: WHAT TO WEAR - Some parties, specifically themed frat or sorority parties may have specific outlines for what to wear (i.e. ____ vs. _____) (or _____ sports team) or mo
mowglibee00

mowglibee00

1361 likes

A person with split-dyed hair and facial piercings looks at the camera. Overlay text reads: 'AFFORDABLE ART SUPPLIES YOU WON'T REGRET BUYING!'
A large set of 320-color Ohuhu Alcohol Markers in a black carrying case, with one marker and two caps in the foreground. The markers are arranged by color.
A mint green Himi Gouache Paint Set with 24 jelly cups of paint, three brushes, and a mixing palette. The set is open, displaying various vibrant colors.
Affordable Art Supplies You Won’t Regret Buying! 🎨
some of my go-to art supplies that are found on Amazon!! Hope this helped if you are looking for some affordable options. let me know if there’s any questions you have on these products i feel like i have used these all for at least a year and they’re amazing! (not sponsored in any way or form) 🎨🎨
sara carolyn 🖤

sara carolyn 🖤

444 likes

HOW I STAY ORGANIZED AS A COLLEGE STUDENT🖊️📕🤓
I know it can be hard to stay organized in college and doing everything yourself… so I’ve decided to share some tips that I’ve used so far that keep me organized! 🤓 • Planner: I use a planner for school work. What homework I need to do everyday, when work is due, what days I have exams for, and
ava🥂🐆😘

ava🥂🐆😘

260 likes

A store aisle displaying various home organization items like white storage bins and baskets, with text indicating "Things College Students ACTUALLY NEED" from a popular retail store.
Two tall, narrow storage units with three woven-look drawers each, in pink and peach tones, suitable for under-bed storage in a dorm room.
Stacks of folded bath towels and hand towels in light pink/beige, some tied with ribbons, displayed on a shelf in a retail store.
Things college students ACTUALLY need, TJmaxx
When I went to college, I bought so much unnecessary things that I thought I HAD to have.. I wished I would have bought essentials like these! I took a toaster, like what?!? What is something you wished you would have gotten for your dorm? #lemon8challenge #letschat #roomdecor #collegest
Harls

Harls

854 likes

Graduated UC Berkeley with 4.0 CS but I regret…
#college #collegeprep #uni #student #study
asksia.maria

asksia.maria

82 likes

A stack of five books titled "Funny You Should Ask," "Milk Fed," "Earthlings," "Nightbitch," and "The Atlas Six" in front of a fireplace, with the overlay text "Books I ignored in college & regret now."
The book cover for "Mindset" by Dr. Carol S. Dweck, with text explaining why it was ignored in college and why it is loved now for changing perspectives on learning and achievement.
The book cover for "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves, with text explaining why it was ignored in college and why it is loved now for providing tools for emotional management and well-being.
4 books I ignored in college and regret now
Okay, I've gotta admit something. There are a few books I *really* wish I'd read in college. Like, seriously, why didn't I?! 🤦‍♀️ It's not like no one told me to – these titles were everywhere! But for some reason, I just...didn't 🙈 And now? Now I'm kicking myself. Becaus
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

1103 likes

A person holds a stack of colorful notebooks, a tumbler, and a stethoscope, with the text overlay "SCHOOL SUPPLIES I BOUGHT FOR NURSING SCHOOL" at the bottom.
An image of a black L-shaped home office wood corner desk with a laptop and plant, accompanied by the text "A DESK IS A MUST HAVE FOR STUDYING AT HOME!".
A package containing three mini snap-in bookmarks with Hello Kitty designs in pink, white, and purple, with a text overlay stating they are used for planners and notebooks.
Things I Bought for Nursing School Pt. 1
Here’s part 2 of school supplies that I bought for nursing school! This is all for THEORY/LECTURE #nursingstudent #nursingschool #schoolsupplies #haul #studentnurse #collegelife #college
Dajee Haskins

Dajee Haskins

145 likes

A store display features multiple dark gray plastic drawer units with a woven texture, stacked on shelves. An overlay reads, 'WHAT I BOUGHT VS HOW I USED IT IN MY COLLEGE APARTMENT,' indicating their purpose for college organization.
Two light gray plastic drawer units are neatly placed under a bathroom sink, providing organized storage for toiletries. The image highlights 'The perfect under-the-sink storage' for a college apartment bathroom.
A close-up shows a light gray three-drawer plastic unit with a woven texture, positioned under a counter. The text 'Organized and affordable' emphasizes its practical and cost-effective solution for college apartment storage.
What I bought vs how I used it in my apartment
I LOVE these plastic drawers for my college apartment. They are so affordable, hold so many things in the drawers, and are so easy to clean and move. You can buy yours from Walmart, Target, big lots, and I’m sure many other places. They are so worth it to stay organized and keep everything put away
Caitlynn.Osting

Caitlynn.Osting

3019 likes

things i “regret” buying
everything is def worth it :) #products #favorite thing i bought 🫶🏻🫶🏻 #favs #shareyourthoughts
Giorgia G

Giorgia G

3345 likes

Buy Or Bye: College Dorm Edition
As An Incoming Junior In College And With Freshman Starting To Buy Things For Their Dorm, Here Is A Few "Buy Or Bye" Items (From Personal Experiences) ✨Drying Mat: Your Shower Caddy And Shower Shows Are Going To Be Wet And Especially If You Have Community Showers, You Don't Want To L
Jasmine Smythe

Jasmine Smythe

1449 likes

college checklist!!
i’m moving on to campus in 2 weeks!!these are some things that i bought, if anyone wants to leave any tips that would be helpful!! #college #freshmanyear #freshmanincollege #collegetips #Lemon8Diary #lemon8diarychallenge
bri

bri

126 likes

College Dorm Finds at Kohl’s
Every year Kohl’s has a great selection of back to college items! And if you shop at the right time, you can get things on some pretty great sales! I’m now going into my senior year of college, but my freshmen year I bought a ton of things from Kohl’s! Even my sophomore year I bought a handful o
Kendra

Kendra

864 likes

A flat lay image shows an iPad on a wooden surface, displaying its home screen with various apps and widgets. The image is overlaid with the text "IPAD ACCESSORIES I don't REGRET buying," and decorative icons like books, sparkles, a pen, a bow, and a flower are visible.
An e-commerce product image displays a foldable tablet stand in a dark gray finish. The main view shows a tablet on the stand, while smaller insets illustrate its adjustable angles and compact folded form, highlighting its versatility.
An e-commerce product image features a white stylus pen, positioned diagonally over a light blue graphic representing charging. The pen has a minimalist design with a small black cap at one end, emphasizing its wireless charging capability.
- iPad Accessories I DON’T Regret Buying 💡💓📌
1. Tablet Stand: This minimalist stand protects my tablet on all sides, and I love that it’s rotatable to 360 degrees. It’s fully adjustable to any angle I need, with a magnetic cover and built-in pencil holder. Perfect for work and relaxation alike! 2. Stylus Pen: With wire
Brooke˚₊‧♡ ‧₊˚

Brooke˚₊‧♡ ‧₊˚

1412 likes

An iPad displays the App Library, categorized into Creativity, Utilities, Games, Productivity & Finance, Entertainment, Health & Fitness, and Social apps. The title 'Apps I Paid For (And Kinda Regret)' is overlaid, introducing the topic of app purchases.
An iPad shows the Procreate app interface with several digital artworks. Text explains the app is powerful for artists, but the user rarely draws, leading to regret over the purchase.
A hand holds a smartphone displaying the One Sec app, showing a summary of prevented app openings and time saved for Instagram and TikTok. The text describes the app's purpose and the user's regret due to overriding its function.
Apps I Paid For (And Totally Regret 😅)
Not every app purchase is a win 👀. Procreate (as much as I admire it) just isn’t for me because I rarely draw. One Sec sounded perfect for building better habits, but I didn’t actually use it. AutoSleep gave me too much data that I eventually ignored. And Paper? Let’s just say my scrapbooking era n
Ayesha 🍋

Ayesha 🍋

663 likes

A woman with her eyes closed, gently holding a baby sleeping on her chest. The image has text overlay "Things I regret as a first time Mom" and emojis of a pregnant woman, a baby, and a woman holding a baby.
A close-up of a person's leg in a hospital bed, with blue text boxes discussing the regret of not preparing for an unexpected or emergency C-section and the painful recovery.
A close-up of a person's skin, possibly a neck or shoulder, with blue text boxes detailing the regret of not researching enough on breastfeeding, its difficulty, and the baby's demanding nature.
Things I regret as a mom
If you are having a baby soon, are pregnant, or your baby it’s already here please research about everything you can think of. Don’t ever just listen to people’s opinions and/or experiences. Every baby/kid it’s different, every pregnancy it’s different. Always consult to your OBGYN and pediatrician
Lifestyle | Motherhood 🥥🤎

Lifestyle | Motherhood 🥥🤎

218 likes

Things to get for your College Dorm (boho edition)
These are all things I have or plan to get for my dorm that I didn’t get my freshman year, all of these I find essential or essential for some, but definitely take a look! Pro tip! When hanging up LED lights, if you put painters tape where u want them, and then the LED’s overtop, you won’t rip
Hailey<33

Hailey<33

107 likes

A young woman in a skeleton hoodie takes a mirror selfie in a bathroom, with text overlay "What I bought for COLLEGE as a PSYCH major."
A collection of pink-themed school supplies, including highlighters, gel pens, mechanical pencils, and a matching pen case, arranged on a white background.
Several pads of transparent, pastel-colored sticky notes are displayed, with one pad shown being used to highlight text in a book.
What I bought for COLLEGE as a PSYCH major
I wish everyone going the best of luck with college/university!
May

May

49 likes

College move-in prep!🌿✨
I am going into my junior year and in my first on campus apartment and I literally cannot wait! These are just things that I’ve bought for this year, not everything I already have and will be bringing along again! #collegeorganization #collegeapartment #collegelifestyle #collegestudent #co
hope janae

hope janae

595 likes

My Go-To College Essentials!✍️💞
Hello beautiful people! 🫶 It’s about time I created a post about my college essentials! These are a few things that I use almost every day that I would love to recommend to all of my girls in school! 🎓💖 LOVEVOOK Amazon Backpack🎒 In the past, I’ve tried many popular backpack brands from North
Remi Love🌸☺️

Remi Love🌸☺️

554 likes

A white Shih Tzu dog wearing a pink sweater and hair clips, sitting in a car seat with a blanket. Text overlay reads 'Things I'm glad I bought before getting my Shih Tzu' and 'HI, I AM SOPHIA'.
A package of unscented pet wipes for dogs and cats, designed for cleaning, deodorizing, and hydrating. The packaging highlights hypoallergenic and thick, durable features.
A bag of high-protein dry dog food for small breeds, featuring lamb and rice formula. The packaging shows a small dog and ingredients like meat and vegetables.
Products i don’t regret buying for my Shih Tzu 🐶🩷
When I got my Shih Tzu Sophia 🐶 I wanted to make sure I had everything ready for her before bringing her home. These are some of the products I bought that made having a dog so much easier. From grooming to feeding and everyday essentials, these are things I honestly recommend for any new dog ow
SimplyRollins

SimplyRollins

12 likes

A storage unit filled with moving boxes, black trash bags, a grey cabinet, and other household items, with text overlay "Things i bought BEFORE MOVE IN!!".
A grey corduroy modular sectional couch with an L-shape chaise, designed for a modern living room or bedroom. It is presented as a popular item.
A black velvet upholstered queen bed frame featuring a vertical channel tufted headboard and strong wooden slats, suitable for a bedroom.
Things i bought Before moving in to my apartment!
I couldnt add allll of it but TRUST when i move in i will post EVERYTHING! I got most of my furniture from TEMU😭 dont judge #my own apartment #Lemon8Diary #fyp #firstapartment #brokecollegestudent
Meir Maree

Meir Maree

47 likes

Things I bought for my dorm room
This is my freshman year of college and I made sure I bought things that would be put to good use! If you have any tips or ideas please share them for me!! (That’s not my room btw) #dormchecklist #dormliving #dormnecessities #dormhaul #dormfinds
Maylee E

Maylee E

14 likes

Things I bought for esthi school 🎀
All of these were found on Amazon! I don’t use my keyboard and mouse that much but absolutely love how my locker turned out with these cute decorations. #amazonfinds #amazonmusthaves #schoolsupplies #estheticianschool #estheticianstudent
keeganesthetics

keeganesthetics

0 likes

A person in nurse scrubs with a stethoscope, holding a phone covering their face, and a green bottle, with text overlay 'Things I've bought As a new nurse'.
White wireless earbuds and their charging case, with text overlay 'perfect for locking in when studying'.
A package of multi-colored highlighters and individual highlighters, with text overlay 'the best highlighters'.
Things I’ve bought As a new nurse
#fyp #nurse💉💊 #Lemon8 #lemon8challenge #college
COLLEGE EXAMS

COLLEGE EXAMS

17 likes

Three orange insulated tumblers are displayed, promoting a 'Pumpkin Spice' limited-edition collection. Overlaid text reads 'What I ordered And what I think..', suggesting a review of the items.
A brown cardboard box, likely containing the ordered item, sits on a black stovetop. Overlaid text states 'How it arrived!', indicating the unboxing stage.
A hand holds an orange insulated tumbler with a straw, against an outdoor background. Overlaid text describes it as a 'perfect fall cup' with a 'cute color' that 'keeps water cold' but 'isn't spill proof'.
Impulsively bought a Stanley:)
Now that I have it in my hands, i genuinely don’t regret buying this cup! I’m probably going to use it all during fall. What do yall think about Stanley’s? I love them, just wish they were spill proof so I could take them to work like and comment how you’d decorate this Stanley! #stanley
Tori

Tori

770 likes

A flat lay image showing a laptop, AirPods case, jewelry, and two drinks on a wooden table. The text overlay reads "Things I regret buying as a student" and "$$$", setting the theme for the article about student purchases.
An overhead shot of a desk with headphones, several highlighters, and pens. An orange text box warns against "A MILLION HIGHLIGHTERS," stating that one or two colors are sufficient, aligning with the article's advice.
A tablet displays a digital planner with a 2025 calendar. An orange text box advises against "EXPENSIVE PLANNERS," suggesting that Google Calendar or a cheap notebook is more practical, reflecting the article's point.
College things that are actually a waste 🤷‍♀️
Things I regret buying as a student (save your $$) Hot take: most “student starter pack” videos are ✨aesthetic scams✨ Pretty? Yes. Necessary? Nope. Here’s what I personally regret buying as a student: ❌ Too many pastel highlighters (I only ever used 2 colors) ❌ Fancy planners (Google
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

24 likes

See more