Getting Around Minnesota | Freshman Essentials

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★ Top pick · if you only buy one thing

WinterTypically $60 to $120

Insulated waterproof winter boots

The most important purchase

Every Minnesota day starts and ends at a bus stop or light-rail platform. Insulated waterproof boots are the one purchase that matters at all of them.

Why it matters at Minnesota

Sidewalks and bus stops ice over for months, so proper winter boots are the single most important buy for daily transit waits.

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01.

Mobility

3 picks

MobilityUsually under $15

RFID-blocking transit card wallet

Protects the all-access pass

Why it matters at Minnesota

The U-Pass is already paid for through a mandatory fee and covers unlimited buses and light rail across all three campus zones, so a dedicated holder keeps it protected and findable.

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MobilityTypically $35 to $70

Sturdy everyday backpack

Built for all-day carrying

Why it matters at Minnesota

Students carry a full day's books and laptop everywhere across three campus zones, so a durable backpack sees constant daily use.

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MobilityUnder $10 to print and laminate at home

Printed or laminated campus connector bus map

Avoids early missed buses

Why it matters at Minnesota

Free connector buses run confusing routes during the first weeks, so a physical map avoids missed buses and late arrivals.

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02.

The small stuff that matters

2 picks

HealthUsually under $35

Insulated reusable water bottle

Stops winter dehydration

Why it matters at Minnesota

Long days through tunnels and skyways make it easy to forget hydration, so an insulated bottle stays accessible and unfrozen.

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WinterUsually $15 to $30

Ice traction cleats for boots

Real traction on icy days

Why it matters at Minnesota

Icy patches show up anywhere between the light rail stop and class, so slip-on cleats give your student real traction on the days sidewalks turn to glass.

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Just as important

What we’d skip

A curator who never says “don’t buy” isn’t curating. These are the things Minnesota makes unnecessary.

A car

Freshman parking contracts are pricey and the U-Pass covers unlimited buses and light rail, so most first-years are better off without one.

Electric scooter

Ice and snow shut scooters down for a huge chunk of the school year. It becomes expensive dorm clutter by Thanksgiving.

How we chose these 6

Every pick starts from Minnesota’s housing policies, residence halls, and climate. If we can’t explain an item in one sentence, it doesn’t make the list. No filler, no padding.

Read exactly how we build each list → · All Minnesota guides