Maybe it’s just me in that I over prepare for everything that I do, but when I moved into my first dorm room, freshmen year of college, I had almost everything that I needed to prepare me for the troubles of living in a college dorm. But I do realize that not everyone is like me and that most of my roommates back then forgot the same common items. I’ve created this guide to, hopefully, prepare you in advance so you don’t forget these essential college items!
In the dorms that have community bathroom, its essential to have a shower caddy so you are able to carry everything you need to shower and get ready in one spot. Having a tote that is ready to use is critical especially when you’re running late to class and don’t have time to waste running back and forth to your room. Of course, if you want the exercise in the morning, then by means, go ahead, but I’m lazy morning person so a shower a caddy is the way to go!
One of the biggest issues with dorm rooms is the fact that they are either pretty old or don’t have enough electrical outlets or both. To combat that issue, bring a power strip to your first day of move in so you can have everything you need plugged in. Plus having a power strip helps avoid the problem of overloading the electrical sockets.
I hate using the single light that come standard in a bedroom. It usually has an yellow, dingy cast so I opted to bring a desk lamp that had enough reach that I could do homework at my desk or bed. Bonus points for the convenience! Some of my roommates brought the floor lamps, but be sure that they are allowed in your dorm because sometimes they aren’t.
If you’re living in the standard dorm room style, you’re most likely won’t have a kitchen sink- although I was one of the lucky ones who did. It can be a pain using your bathroom sink or lugging a pack of water bottles up several flights of stairs- because the elevators are always broken in your apartment. Hence why the water filter is a game changer in a dorm because you can have safe, purified water for basically free that you can keep refilling.
I can say that I’m lowkey obsessed with waffles, but I recently discovered how much you can cook in a waffle maker that is perfect for dorm living. You can cook hash browns, brownies, waffles, quesadillas, and even more than I can think of! A waffle maker is also easy to store, use, and clean for that quick breakfast in the morning. I bought mine from Target, but Amazon has the exact same one that I enjoy so much.
This is definitely an essential, if you plan to make quick mountain road trips or little away adventures that doesn’t require a large packing list. You can easily throw in your toiletries, couple pairs of shoes, and some cute outfits and be on your way! I would recommend one with a long strap so it’s easier to carry up to your hotel room.
My least favorite weather is rain, unless I’m sitting at home drinking hot chocolate and watching my favorite movies- then its my favorite. But that’s usually not the case on a normal day, I still have to somehow make myself trudge my way through the rain. Rain boots, a rain jacket, and an umbrella are essentials if you want to beat the rain when heading to class. They’ll keep you and your expensive textbooks dry and unharmed by the rain.
Command strips are a college student’s best friend because they are easy to use, cheap, and give you the ability to hang up art work or posters without destroying the walls of your concrete room. I’ve used them for a couple large canvas art work and a few picture frames and each time I’ve never had a problem with them falling off. When you get ready for move out- which who thinks about move out during move in-, they are easy to remove, but be careful of the paint underneath because they can remove paint.
I can’t tell you how many times that I’ve had to sew on lost buttons that I’ve either popped off on accident or that just fell off during my every day duties. Luckily, I had a simple sewing kit in my room that I could quickly patch up my favorite shirt. If you don’t know how to sew professionally, that’s totally okay. You just have to learn how to do a simple stitch, especially for a button, and if it’s ugly on the inside, that’s okay since you’re the only one that is going to know.
First Aid Kit/ Medicine Kit
Let’s be honest, everyone needs a kit full of band-aids, Neosporin, and some Tylenol. You never know when you might get a paper cut or cut your self in the kitchen that needs a quick fix of a Band-Aid. I recommend keeping your stash full stocked and up-to-date even if you never have to use it. In my bathroom, I always kept a pack of Zytrec, some Tylenol, benzyl peroxide, different size band-aids, Neosporin, Mucinex, as well as cough drops. During finals week, I always somehow get sick and my medicine kit is what saves me every time.
Chances are you didn’t think that a fan would be important, but it totally is! It’s hard to sleep or study when you’re dripping in sweat, especially if your roommates like to keep the heat on. I got mine from my mom that we had at home, but it was a total lifesaver for me at night.
Whether it’s one of the plug-ins or a spray bottle, you need something to keep your room smelling good. The small space amplifies any type of odor that lingers around in your apartment. So if your roommate has stinky feet, no matter how much you clean that smell will stay around for weeks after. By using an air freshener, you can combat the stink silently.
In my first dorm room, my floors were stained with patches of black and red stains. It looked gross and old so to fix that, I bought a rug that fit the space not covered by my bed. By adding a personal touch like a rug, it make my dorm room feel more home-y and that is was my space. I would recommend measuring the size you need first before purchasing and to move all of the included furniture to its final destination.
Are you in college and if so, what was your packing essential? I wanna know in the comments below!
