Entering college marks a major life transition—whether you're a first-year student learning to navigate campus life or a returning pro fine-tuning your routines. I believe that preparing for college goes beyond textbooks and dorm décor [although I’ll share some must-haves on that front too]. Living on your own requires mental resilience, physical strength, and a commitment to your overall well-being. It's about equipping the whole you to navigate this exciting journey.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential college must-haves, enriched with holistic solutions to support your well-being every step of the way.
MENTAL PREPARATION
College life can be overwhelming, but you can create stability and clarity with the right mindset and support. Essential Oils to Support Focus & Emotions:
Peppermint: Sharpens alertness and is great for mid-study energy slumps.
Lemon: Promotes clarity, optimism, and motivation.
Rosemary: Boosts memory retention and concentration.
Adaptiv® Calming Blend: Helps manage anxious feelings and adjust to change.
Holistic Habits: Practice mindfulness through journaling, prayer, or 5-minute daily meditation. Use essential oils in a diffuser or apply to wrists for emotional support during classes or exams.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION
With new environments come new germs. Staying healthy in college requires a proactive approach.
Essential Oils to Support Immunity:
On Guard® Protective Blend: Defends against environmental threats. Use in a diffuser, throat drops, or hand spray.
Tangerine Essential Oil: Uplifts mood and supports immune function with antioxidants.
PB Restore (Pre + Probiotic): Helps maintain gut health and immunity under stress.
MetaPWR Advantage: Supports energy, metabolism, and cellular health for busy student life.
Nutritional Support:VMG+: A food-based multivitamin packed with essential nutrients to bridge diet gaps.
EO Mega+: Omega-3s for brain, heart, and joint health—perfect for staying sharp and active.
Movement Matters:
Incorporate stretching, walking, yoga, or gym time 3–4 times per week. Staying active is key to both focus and immunity.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aromatherapy & Atmosphere:
Natural Cleaning Solutions:
Using toxin-free cleaning solutions in a dorm room is easy and beneficial for your health in several ways. Using products derived from natural ingredients, like the
Abode line, are gentle yet effective, making them safe to use in small, shared spaces without harsh chemical odors. They promote better indoor air quality, reducing potential respiratory irritants and allergens. By opting for toxin-free cleaners, you're not only caring for your immediate environment but also supporting your overall well-being, minimizing exposure to chemicals that can impact your health negatively over time.
Sleep Support:
Sleep is absolutely imperative in college. Juggling academics and social life, as well as additional commitments like work and keeping in touch with family back home keep students busy enough that you’d think sleep should come easy. Yet many struggle with stress, noisy dorms, late-night study sessions, or screen time that disrupts natural sleep patterns. The
doTERRA Serenity Sleep System offers a natural, effective solution—combining the calming aroma of Serenity essential oil, restful softgels, and a soothing bedtime routine to help students fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed. It's the perfect support for achieving deep, restorative rest amidst the college hustle.
DORM ROOM MUST-HAVES (Holistic Edition)
Here’s a checklist of dorm essentials with a holistic twist—things that help you stay grounded, energized, and healthy while away from home:
🌿 WELLNESS & SELF-CARE:
- Diffuser + Essential Oils - Especially the oils mentioned above.
- On Guard Hand Spray – Natural hand sanitizer for dorm, classroom, or gym.
- Daily Supplements - VMG+, EO Mega+, MetaPWR Advantage, On Guard+, PB Restore.
- Essential Oil Roller Blends – Pre-diluted oils for stress, focus, sleep, etc.
- Sound Machine – Encourage restful sleep even in noisy environments.
- Humidifier – If needed, helps with dry dorm air, especially during colder months.
- Shower Caddy + Flip Flops – Making shower time organized and sanitary.
- Mini First Aid Kit – Band-aids, Correct-X, DigestZen, Tea Tree
- Reusable Water Bottle – You know how important staying hydrated is, pt for stainless steel or glass to minimize germs & allow for using essential oils
🧘♀️ COMFORT & RELAXATION:
🍋 CLEAN LIVING:
- Natural Cleaning Spray – Keep your dorm fresh and chemical-free.
- Mini Trash Can + Compostable Liners – Easy to manage and sustainable.
- Air-Purifying Plants (like snake plant or pothos) – Improve indoor air quality.
- Storage Bins – Under-bed or stackable.
🧠 STUDY & PRODUCTIVITY:
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- Noise-Canceling Earbuds or Headphones
- Task Lamp with warm light settings & USB ports
- Diffuser + Essential Oils (as mentioned above)
- Bullet Journal or Planner
College is more than academics. It's a powerful opportunity to develop a lifestyle rooted in personal responsibility, growth, and holistic balance. With the right mindset, natural solutions and a thoughtfully stocked dorm, you’ll be ready to thrive - physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Whether you're moving into your first dorm or returning with experience, never underestimate the power of self-care, small daily rituals, nourishing products, and a clean, calming space. You’re not just surviving college - you’re thriving through while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.
I know I've given you a lot. I'm happy to chat with you and build you put a custom cart that focuses on exactly what you (or your college bound student) needs. All purchases are 25% off, come with additional freebies, and ongoing support and education from me personally, as well as my larger wellness community. Here’s to your healthiest, most grounded school year yet!
xoDanette