Back-to-school season is coming fast whether you’re a nervous freshman moving into your first dorm or an experienced senior who’s seen it all. Dorm life is its own wild adventure: late-night chats, last-minute homework sessions, and figuring out how to make “meals” (yes, microwavable mac n’ cheese totally counts).

While you can’t control your roommate’s 2 a.m. phone calls or the fact that the laundry room totally eats socks for fun, you can set yourself up for success with helpful tips and sharp gear to make your back-to-school experience a whole lot easier.

1. Your Bed is More Important Than You Think

Dorm mattresses? Terrible. A good mattress topper, comfy sheets, and a throw blanket will change your life. You’ll thank yourself on those mornings after a late night of studying (or scrolling).

2. Snacks + Caffeine = Lifesavers

The long campus coffee lines should honestly be illegal. A small coffee maker in your room means caffeine on demand, and suddenly you’re everyone’s favorite neighbor during finals week. And for snacks? You WILL get hungry between classes (or even during that boring lecture-filled class every week). Pack protein bars, small popcorn bags, fruit snacks, or string cheese for an easy snack on-the-go. Bonus: it’s quiet enough so you won’t be chomping loudly in class.

3. Get a Backpack You Actually Like

Your bag is going everywhere with you: classes, the library, that one friend’s apartment across town. It genuinely starts to feel odd if you don’t have it with you. The Black Clover Tango Backpack & Sling Bag are two necessities guaranteed to change your campus experience. They’ve got enough pockets to keep your life together, including your heavy books, notebooks, keys, and the laptop you absolutely will need.

5. Easy-to-Forget Technology

Having a laptop or even an IPad for class is a no-brainer. However, don’t forget these must-have items to make life easier: multiple chargers, noise-canceling headphones to lock in while studying, and maybe a portable speaker for when it’s your turn to host.

6. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

It’s tempting to bring your entire closet, but you won’t wear most of it. Free campus gear is given out like candy, and you will definitely have a go-to sweatshirt to live in. Bring the versatile pieces you’ll wear all the time such as The Lucky Eagle Tee or the Golfaholic Tee – you can dress up for class or down for game day with staples like these.

7. Don’t Skip the Social Stuff

Yes, you’re here to gain an education, but college is also about the memories you’ll talk about for years. Creating connections with your classmates creates a unique community experience that you can’t really find anywhere else. Join a club, go to the big game, or say yes to a spontaneous coffee run. Throw on a Collegiate Hat to show off your school pride whether you’re at an event, cheering in the stands, or just trying to look good for that 8 a.m. class.

College life is a mix of little routines and big moments. The right gear and a little planning will make your life easier and actually enjoy the experience. From your Black Clover collegiate gear to the classroom habits you build now, set yourself up for a semester that feels as good as it looks.