Things to pack for your dorm

 

Congratulations, you're off to college and a new start in your life. If you're moving in to a dorm, one of the biggest tasks is to figure out what you may need in your room. If you know who your roommate/roommates are going to be, make sure you coordinate with them before you move in. For example, it is unnecessary to have two microwaves and two refrigerators, etc.

Of course everyone has different needs and every school has their own ruler of what you can and can not bring, but here is a good checklist to get started.

Bedding

Bunkbed in a room with 2 large windows

 

First you need to find out what size bed the dorm has. Most likely it will be a standard twin bed or an xl twin bed.

Sheets
Comforter
Matress pad to fit your comfort level.
Pillow(s)
Pillow case(s)
Extra Blanket
Pop-up bed tent if you prefer more privacy
Bed Risers (to fit an underbed storage organizer)

Bath

Bunkbed in a room with 2 large windows

 

Towels
Washcloths
Bathrobe
Shower shoes / flip flops
Loofa brush, nail brush
Shower caddy to carry your personal toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner and soap.
Shower Resistant Radio

Toiletries / Grooming Supplies

Bunkbed in a room with 2 large windows

 

Shampoo, conditioner
Soap / Body wash
Body lotion
Toothbrush, toothpase, floss, mouth rinse
Shaving cream, razor
Deodorant
Nail clippers, nail files
Hair brush, hair-ties, tweezers
Hair dryer, curling iron, flat iron
Make-up, nail polish, nail polish remover
Perfume
Sanitary supplies
Cotton balls, Q-tips
Thermometer
First aid kit (band-aids, ace bandage, gauze, medical tape etc.)
Prescription medicine, over the counter medicine such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Neosporin etc.

Laundry / Cleaning Supplies

Laundry hanging to dry

 

Laundry basket/hamper/bag
Detergent, dryer sheets
Laundry money
Drying rack
Iron, ironing board, or a clothes steamer
Small sewing kit for minor repairs
Disinfectant wipes
Vacuum
Mop
Dishwashing soap, sponge
Garbage can, garbage bags
Paper towels

Study / Learning Supplies

School supplies, pencisl, eraser

 

Notebook
Binders
Folders
Computer/Laptop, mouse, mousepad
Computer/laptop charger, HDMI cable, Ethernet Cable
Pencils, pens, highlighters, permanent markers, eraser
Tape
Paper clips, rubber bands
Stapler
Ruler
Sticky notes
Calculator
Calendar/planner
Backpack

Room Comfort / Decorating

Desk, plant, light

 

Desk lamp & bulbs
Floor lamp & bulbs
Refrigerator/freezer (Find out the max size your dorm allows)
Microwave
Coffee maker
Wall decor (art work, photos, sting lights)
Picture hanging strips, hooks
Area Rug
Fan
Plant
Bookcase shelving
White board, dry-erase markers
Extra Seating (bean bad chair, ottoman, foldable chairs)
Throw pillows

 

Electronics

TV

 

Cellphone and cellphone charger
Headphones/Ear buds
Gaming system
TV & the remote, TV coaxial cable
Computer/laptop charger, HDMI cable, Ethernet Cable
Backup chargers
AA and AAA batteries
Power strip
Roku
Wi-Fi Router
Printer (however the school library or student center most likely has one)
Flash drive

Personal Information

Passport, credit cards

 

Drivers Licence, ID
ATM card
Credit card
Insurance card
Passport/Visa
Social security card
Lock box for your personal information

 

Clothing

Clothes

 

Hanging storage solutions
Clothes hangers
Class wear
Gym wear
Going out wear
Staying in wear
Outerwear (depending on where you go to school, but if you're in Boston you do need a winter coat)
Raingear
Interview appropriate outfit
Shoes, Sneakers, Boots, Slippers, Socks
Underwear
Wi-Fi Router
Pajamas
Bathing suit

Miscellanious items

Plates, plant on a shelf

 

Underbed storage organizer
Full-length mirror
Flashlight/batteries
Sealable food containers
Can opener
Coffee mug, cereal bowl, plates, cups, silverware
Reusable water bottle
Water filter pitcher
Umbrella
Eye mask, ear plugs
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sports equipment (tennis rackets, baseball glove, basketball etc.)
Snacks (pretzels, trail mix, granola bars, popcorn, chips. beef jerkey, dried fruit, etc.) and food (Ramen, soup, cereal, instant oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, bread, etc.)

 

Have a great year at college!