Do You Have All Your Dorm Essentials?

Determining what to bring to college can be a daunting task. You’re on your own for the first time and while it’s a dorm room, look at it as a mini apartment that needs to be properly furnished.

Students share what you need to bring and what should stay home.

Bedding

At least two sets of xl-twin sheets, comforters, throw blankets, pillows and thick mattress pad

Desk supplies

Lamp

Laptop platform

Organizer

Pens

Pencils

Spiral notebooks/composite books

Post-its

Bookmarks

Paper clips

Stapler

White board or chalkboard

Laundry

Rolling laundry hamper or backpack, soap, fabric softener sheets, bleach , iron, ironing board

Hooks

Use the adhesive-backed kind for pictures, purses, coats, belts, scarves, etc.

Storage bins 

Get some in various sizes for under the bed, in the closet on the top shelf and/or on the floor and on top of your fridge or microwave.

Microwave

Be careful to not get one that’s too small for a regular size plate.

Plates, bowls, silverware and cups

Fridge

If your school allows you to have one in your room, opt for a small one. It’s more manageable for moving purposes, especially if you live above the first floor.

Lighting

If your desk is at the foot of your bed instead of the top, you’ll need more than one lamp. A lamp on the desk and one that can clip on a table or your bed next to your pillow will help during late night study sessions.

Cleaning supplies

Broom, dust pan, mini vac, cleaning towels, dishwashing liquid, disinfectant spray, glass cleaner and paper towels

Bathroom supplies

Shower caddy, shoes and caps 

Toilet paper

Toiletries (moisturizer, shower gel, toothpaste, floss, toothbrush, deodorant, razors, shampoos, conditioner)

Blow dryer

Flat iron and curling iron

Decor

Curtains/blinds

Photos

Framed Art

Rugs

Mirror

String lights

Clock

Misc.

Sewing kit

First Aid kit

Batteries (all sizes)

Surge protection power strips

Small airfryer (if allowed)

Small coffee maker (if allowed)

Mini griddle/waffle maker (if allowed)

Extra phone charging cords

Portable chargers

What should you leave at home?

We know you’re proud of your high school athletic and academic achievements, but you can leave the trophies, certificates, engraved track baton, graduation photo, etc. in your room at home. Many who’ve brought them to college ended up leaving them in the storage bin.  

You’re starting a new chapter so keep that new space for new things and build upon them. 

This one may be easier said than done: TV. You may not be in your room as much as you think you will be, and when you are, lounging around watching TV won’t be on your mind. Let’s be realistic, when we are watching something, we’re watching from our phones or laptops. And, the common area of the dorm may have a TV. Use it for group watching or movie night. Save the money and leave the TV at the store.