Now that it’s back-to-school season and you’re moving away from home, here are the essentials every Latino needs to survive college without mamá y papá…
1. A veladora or two.
When you get that first stack of assignments, lighting a velita is the only way to get through it all. Get a Morrissey one to be extra #blessed.
2. Vaporú
Credit: mitú
It will cure every ailment, so there will be no excuse that you need to skip that sociology lecture.
3. A stash of napkins…and other junk.
Shout out to chipotle and McDonalds for having them loads of napkins. They already know latinos like to have some extras in the car.
— Vi (@VioletRonquillo) December 2, 2015
You know that junk drawer you’ve got at home full of old soy sauce packets, napkins and straws from every restaurant you’ve ever been in? Start a new collection of those. These weird habits will all finally make sense and come in handy at the right times.
4. Fabuloso✨
When you and your ma are about to deep clean the hell out of a spot… #fabuloso #lol ?☺️???????
A photo posted by jorge (@cloudsolution) on
Your mom will probably be right in telling you that your roommate will never keep your new place as clean as the house you grew up in.
5. That towel abuelita embroidered with your name.
A photo posted by Ana Fuertes (@ana_carrusetas) on
Your roommate won’t be able to use the excuse that she accidentally grabbed your towel… unless she can’t read.
6. Containers in every size.
A photo posted by Judy Benjamin (@privatebibi) on
We don’t necessarily mean the Tupperware brand. You probably never understood why your mom had so many bizarre containers for everything, but you’ll soon realize they’re perfect for taking lunch to class, storage and hiding your good food from your roomies in the unassuming butter tub. ?
7. A plentiful stash of aluminum foil.
A look inside a Filipino household. Stove covered in foil to avoid cleaning spills like grease etc. ? pic.twitter.com/BIDKjIVBfZ
— ChampagnePetty (@__Dutch) July 23, 2015
Our parents used foil in every way possible, and you’ll need something to wrap up those old pizza slices, curl your hair, wash your dishes… you get the point.
8. An emergency sewing kit inconspicuously hidden in a Danish cookie tin.
A photo posted by @yoshi_oscar on
You’ll need a quick fix when you pop that button after your Freshman 15. ? Plus, it could make for the perfect way to prank your roommates.
9. Chocolate Abuelita and conchas.
Chocolate Abuelita y una concha. ✊??❤️☕️ pic.twitter.com/BiYDf0Gc9x
— Melissa Rodriguez (@meli1546) November 28, 2015
You’re in college now. Who has time to actually cook breakfast??
10. A cobija San Marcos.
A photo posted by Monica VSG (@mozmonq_vsg) on
When that roommate keeps your room at 53 degrees, you’ll need your massive tiger blanket to keep you nice and warm, just like home.
11. Hot sauce and adobo in every flavor.
#family #portrait #LaFamilia #hotsauce #tapito #Abuelita #Cholula #valentina pic.twitter.com/6tbI5SX9xu
— Gotham_Knowledge (@GothamKnowledge) January 29, 2016
You might not be getting mom’s home cooked meals anymore, but you can make sure your meals are flavored just as they are at home, with Valentina, Cholula and a little Goya adobo. You’ll thank me when you’re sitting in your dorm eating cup of noodles with Tapatío.
12. Chancletas and a bata.
When your mom wants to try your resistance bands. #turkeydayworkout #chancletas #bata #mumu pic.twitter.com/mqJwxFo5hA
— Erikita (@erikaprater) November 26, 2015
When you’re busy studying, comfort is of utmost importance. Las chanclas also double as a good shower shoe if you have a communal dorm shower. Your mami didn’t make you obsess about cleanliness your whole life for nothing now, did she?
13. A mal de ojo bracelet.
A photo posted by Steisy myhyv (@steisy_myhyv) on
When you’re trying to succeed in college, you do not need anything trying to kill your vibe. Evil can kindly GTFO.
14. A photo with your immediate family.
A photo posted by Ç L ¥ R i B £ L ♊️2⃣6️⃣? (@clariiiiiii_) on
You know, to make sure you don’t forget all of them.
15. Most importantly, an unlimited data/text plan.
Why do Latino parents have so much to say! ? no such thing as a quick call to my dad lol! 45min later… ? #gratefulIhavemydad
— Natalia Fa'alelea (@MrsFaalelea) July 20, 2013
Being away from Latino parents for the first time means a lot of phone calls and texting, so make sure you have a good plan to assure them that you’re still alive and well fed. You know how mom assumes the worst when you don’t answer the phone.
READ: You’d Think Latino Parents Would Be Happy We’re Moving Away To College, But Noooo…
What else do you think you need to survive when you’re away at college for the first time? Let us know below!
