4 answers
Abigail
Student
Blythewood, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
254 views
What are some of your "must-haves" when it comes to prepping/packing for your college dorm?
I'm an incoming freshman in the Fall and am too indecisive about what I should bring and what I should leave at home. I would love to see everyone's top five items they couldn't live without! You could even add one thing you thought you would use but never did:) Thanks!
Login to comment
4 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1018
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Abigail, as an incoming freshman preparing for college, it’s important to strike the right balance between packing essential items and avoiding the temptation to overpack. Here are five must-have items that will help you feel settled, organized, and comfortable in your dorm, followed by one item you might think you’ll need but may not use as much as expected.
* Bedding and Pillows: A comfortable and supportive sleep setup is essential, as you'll likely spend a significant amount of time in your dorm bed. Invest in a good-quality mattress topper to make the dorm mattress more comfortable, and don't forget extra pillows and cozy bedding that reflect your personal style. Many colleges have specific bedding requirements (like extra-long twin sheets), so make sure to check those details on your school's website or through a company like Bed, Bath & Beyond - https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com, which offers dorm-specific bundles.
* Storage Solutions: Dorm rooms are often small, so efficient storage is key. Opt for under-bed storage bins, over-the-door hooks, and stackable organizers to keep your items tidy and accessible. Closet organizers like hanging shelves can help maximize closet space for your clothes. The Container Store - https://www.containerstore.com offers a wide variety of dorm-friendly storage options that will help you stay organized without sacrificing space.
* A Desk Lamp with USB Charging Ports: College dorms typically have limited lighting, and you’ll likely need to study late into the night. A desk lamp with adjustable brightness and built-in USB charging ports can serve multiple purposes—providing sufficient light for studying and charging devices at the same time. Amazon - https://www.amazon.com offers a variety of affordable options that cater to your personal needs.
* Multi-Function Power Strip/Surge Protector: With numerous electronic devices (laptop, phone, charger, speakers), a surge protector or power strip is essential to prevent your devices from being undercharged or overextended. Many surge protectors come with extra USB ports, which can be especially helpful in a dorm room with limited outlets. Make sure it’s compact and designed for dorm life, as many schools require surge protectors for safety reasons.
* Kitchen Essentials: Although you’ll likely have a meal plan, there will be times when you’ll want to cook or prepare snacks in your dorm. Basic kitchen supplies such as a microwave, mini-fridge, mugs, and cutlery can come in handy for late-night cravings or simple meals. Look into affordable options from stores like Target - https://www.target.com, which often have dorm-sized appliances, and remember to check with your school about any rules regarding small kitchen appliances.
Abigail, as for one thing I thought I would use but didn’t: decorative items or excessive wall art. While it’s fun to personalize your space, many students find that after the initial excitement of moving in, they spend less time focusing on their dorm decor than they expected. Instead, focus on creating a functional and comfortable environment with the essentials you’ll use daily. Dormify - https://www.dormify.com is a great website for finding trendy yet practical dorm decor, but remember that functionality should come first.
By focusing on these five key categories—sleep essentials, storage, lighting, power, and kitchen items—you’ll be well-equipped for dorm life. Don’t forget to check your school’s specific requirements or guidelines for what is and isn’t allowed in your dorm. With careful planning and the right items, you’ll create a space where you can thrive academically and socially.
* Bedding and Pillows: A comfortable and supportive sleep setup is essential, as you'll likely spend a significant amount of time in your dorm bed. Invest in a good-quality mattress topper to make the dorm mattress more comfortable, and don't forget extra pillows and cozy bedding that reflect your personal style. Many colleges have specific bedding requirements (like extra-long twin sheets), so make sure to check those details on your school's website or through a company like Bed, Bath & Beyond - https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com, which offers dorm-specific bundles.
* Storage Solutions: Dorm rooms are often small, so efficient storage is key. Opt for under-bed storage bins, over-the-door hooks, and stackable organizers to keep your items tidy and accessible. Closet organizers like hanging shelves can help maximize closet space for your clothes. The Container Store - https://www.containerstore.com offers a wide variety of dorm-friendly storage options that will help you stay organized without sacrificing space.
* A Desk Lamp with USB Charging Ports: College dorms typically have limited lighting, and you’ll likely need to study late into the night. A desk lamp with adjustable brightness and built-in USB charging ports can serve multiple purposes—providing sufficient light for studying and charging devices at the same time. Amazon - https://www.amazon.com offers a variety of affordable options that cater to your personal needs.
* Multi-Function Power Strip/Surge Protector: With numerous electronic devices (laptop, phone, charger, speakers), a surge protector or power strip is essential to prevent your devices from being undercharged or overextended. Many surge protectors come with extra USB ports, which can be especially helpful in a dorm room with limited outlets. Make sure it’s compact and designed for dorm life, as many schools require surge protectors for safety reasons.
* Kitchen Essentials: Although you’ll likely have a meal plan, there will be times when you’ll want to cook or prepare snacks in your dorm. Basic kitchen supplies such as a microwave, mini-fridge, mugs, and cutlery can come in handy for late-night cravings or simple meals. Look into affordable options from stores like Target - https://www.target.com, which often have dorm-sized appliances, and remember to check with your school about any rules regarding small kitchen appliances.
Abigail, as for one thing I thought I would use but didn’t: decorative items or excessive wall art. While it’s fun to personalize your space, many students find that after the initial excitement of moving in, they spend less time focusing on their dorm decor than they expected. Instead, focus on creating a functional and comfortable environment with the essentials you’ll use daily. Dormify - https://www.dormify.com is a great website for finding trendy yet practical dorm decor, but remember that functionality should come first.
By focusing on these five key categories—sleep essentials, storage, lighting, power, and kitchen items—you’ll be well-equipped for dorm life. Don’t forget to check your school’s specific requirements or guidelines for what is and isn’t allowed in your dorm. With careful planning and the right items, you’ll create a space where you can thrive academically and socially.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
434
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Abigail - what a terrific topic! Patrick gave you sound advice, but mine differs a little:
- My children and their college friends decorated their dorm rooms every year. It felt good to have family photos, favorite posters, strings of lights in their spaces. I am not promoting "excessive wall art" but a dorm room could feel pretty bleak with no decoration.
- If your dorm bed is not already in a loft, bring bed risers - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/447615650456460171/. These allow much more storage under the bed. Yes, you could probably buy them near campus but they may be more expensive and more scarce there.
- Bring more hangers than you think you'll need. Again, they will be available locally but you'll be competing with all the other first years for them. And you may end up using hangers unexpectedly, such as to dry clothes, hang decorations, and keep wettowels in your room so better to have extra.
- My children did have mini-fridges (coordinate with your roommate; you don't each need one) but didn't have the room for a microwave. Plus, there might be a communal one. Bring a plastic tub for food and be diligent about putting food back there so you don't invite bugs and rodents.
Often, colleges will provide advice about what to bring and not bring or post videos from current students. Check them out also. Good luck!
- My children and their college friends decorated their dorm rooms every year. It felt good to have family photos, favorite posters, strings of lights in their spaces. I am not promoting "excessive wall art" but a dorm room could feel pretty bleak with no decoration.
- If your dorm bed is not already in a loft, bring bed risers - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/447615650456460171/. These allow much more storage under the bed. Yes, you could probably buy them near campus but they may be more expensive and more scarce there.
- Bring more hangers than you think you'll need. Again, they will be available locally but you'll be competing with all the other first years for them. And you may end up using hangers unexpectedly, such as to dry clothes, hang decorations, and keep wettowels in your room so better to have extra.
- My children did have mini-fridges (coordinate with your roommate; you don't each need one) but didn't have the room for a microwave. Plus, there might be a communal one. Bring a plastic tub for food and be diligent about putting food back there so you don't invite bugs and rodents.
Often, colleges will provide advice about what to bring and not bring or post videos from current students. Check them out also. Good luck!
Disraeli Partridge
Accounting
26
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Disraeli’s Answer
Hello Abigail,
When I lived in the dorm my top five items were: mini fridge, microwave, Roomba, a surge protector power strip, and my laptop. You should probably take less t-shirts than you need to college, they are a very popular item to be given out at events.
Good luck with moving!
When I lived in the dorm my top five items were: mini fridge, microwave, Roomba, a surge protector power strip, and my laptop. You should probably take less t-shirts than you need to college, they are a very popular item to be given out at events.
Good luck with moving!
Alexander Danen
Student
3
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
Hi Abigail,
As a current freshman myself at UW-Madison I found the best things to have: a woozoo fan (I never turned this off), a mattress topper is a must-have, a nice ottoman to get on your bed if you lofted it, an eye mask is very helpful if your roommate has a different sleep schedule than you, a dehumidifier is also nice to have.
Good Luck!
As a current freshman myself at UW-Madison I found the best things to have: a woozoo fan (I never turned this off), a mattress topper is a must-have, a nice ottoman to get on your bed if you lofted it, an eye mask is very helpful if your roommate has a different sleep schedule than you, a dehumidifier is also nice to have.
Good Luck!