1. Fins
Fins allow swimmers to swim on faster intervals for longer distances, and focus on their leg movement. They often range in sizes similar to that of regular shoes. One pair of medium fins can typically fit anyone within a range of 2-3 shoe sizes. 

In deciding what pair of fins to get, it is also important to find the right length. Longer, more flexible fins tend to be the most popular, but short fins are great for working on tempo and require more of a workout.

2. Paddles
Paddles help swimmers work on the “pull” aspect of their strokes. They are excellent tools for determining the weaker parts of a swimmer's stroke, and therefore where they can correct to push more water more efficiently.

Paddles typically range in size and vary in design. Some paddles are smooth plastic with a thumb hole and slight curvature around the edges to keep your hand in place, while others have small holes to allow water to flow through and straps to secure the paddle to your hand. The most important detail to consider with paddles is what style feels most comfortable. 

3. Kickboards
There's not much that needs to be said for these, as most swimmers have been using them since they learned how to swim. Boards help swimmers breathe during kick sets, and make for great flotation devices when they're not being used for their actual purpose. They're on just about every pool deck in America and for good reason.

4. Pull buoys
Pull buoys are a flotation tool meant to go in between a swimmer's legs while swimming. These foam devices keep a swimmer's legs on top of the water without them having to kick. This allows them to isolate their arms and abs.

Because of their isolation of the arms, pull buoys are used less often than fins, paddles, and kickboards during high volume workouts, to limit the amount of strain athletes place on their shoulders.

5. Snorkels 
While most people picture snorkels being worn at beaches and coral reefs, the snorkel is one of the most respected tools used by swimmers at the collegiate level and beyond. The snorkel allows a swimmer to be able to work on their form without having to worry about getting air, and it helps increase lung capacity as well. 

When picking out a snorkel, it is important to know that the center-mounted style is best suited for pool swimming.

6. Pacesetters
Not nearly as common as most of the other items on the list, the pacesetter is used to help a swimmer be aware of their pace while swimming. These small devices sit either right inside your cap or attached to the goggles. 

Pacesetters “beep” on a set interval. In swimming, there are two popular uses for this device: maintaining turnover and holding lap pace. When maintaining turnover, an athlete sets the timer to beep every time they should be taking a stroke. For lap pacing, an athlete sets the timer to beep every time they should be reaching the wall during a swim. 

Both functions can help any swimmer, but turnover tends to be utilized more by sprinters and pacing for distance athletes.

7. Nose plugs
The last piece of equipment that college swimmers love on our list is the nose plug. Considered the backstroker's best friend, nose plugs keep swimmers from getting water up their nose. They also pair well with snorkeling equipment because they allow swimmers to focus on blowing air out of their mouth on the turn, rather than out of their nose.

1. Swimsuit
This one is obvious! If you're going to a swim meet, you're going to need one of these. Depending on what kind of meet, don't forget your tech suit. Always remember extra of both, in case your tech suit rips or your friend needs one!

2. Goggles
Unless you're Mark Spitz, who famously swam without goggles at meets, you're going to need a pair. You can never have too many! What happens when your goggles snap right before your race? Bring extra!

3. Swim cap
Whether it's to hold your hair up or to represent your team, you'll need a swim cap. Just like goggles and suits, don't forget extra, as they are often prone to ripping.

4. Towels 
Unless you're going to a meet just to watch, you'll need a few of these, and bring extra! There's nothing worse than getting out of the water and trying to dry off with a damp towel.

5. Snacks
Swim meets can last for hours, and refueling is important! You're gonna want to have something to eat in between races.

6. Earbuds
Obviously you can bring AirPods or headphones too, whichever you have! As stated previously, swim meets are long and you could get bored!

7. Warm-up Equipment
If you usually warm up with a stretching band, or jump rope, why not bring it? Using things you use in practice will give your body a sense of normality at a swim meet.

8. Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during meets is a must! Before and after each race, your water bottle is your best friend!

9. Shampoo and Conditioner
The chlorine in some pools can be intense! Washing out all the chemicals in your hair is a must, and  shampoo and conditioner make all the difference. Plus, a hot shower after a meet is second to none!

10. A Goal Sheet
Remembering all your swim times can be hard! Writing down your personal bests with your goal times next to them can help you visualize where you need to be. I would recommend you laminate this so it doesn't get wet!