Everybody knows what basics you need for college: sheets and towels (at least two sets of each, trust me), a shower caddy and shower shoes, a laundry basket, and clothes. However, as somebody who has lived in a dorm for three years now, it’s my duty to tell you about all of the essentials you might forget when you’re moving in! These things often slip the mind until you need them, and it’s my goal to give you the easiest and smoothest dorm experience possible. Let’s get into it!
Medication and Medical Supplies
Beyond prescriptions, you’ll want to keep some basic medications and medical supplies on hand. It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll get sick at some point in your first semester (I essentially lived in the medical clinic freshman year), and there’s nothing worse than having to drag yourself out of bed to get medicine that you forgot to buy. I recommend keeping at least one kind of painkiller, a flu and cold medicine, Band-Aids, and a thermometer.
A Safe
I’m not saying don’t trust your roommates… but don’t trust your roommates (at least until you’ve gotten to know them well). In general, it’s a good idea to have important items such as your passport or birth certificate, any extra cash, and jewelry stored somewhere secure. This way, people won’t steal your stuff and you’ll always know where you’ve put them. Getting one with a keypad and a physical key is probably your best option; it gives you two ways to get in if you lose your key or forget your password.
A Fan
Depending on where you go to school, you might be able to go without a fan. If your school is anything like mine, though, your AC is going to have some trouble keeping up with those miserably hot days at the beginning of the year. The last thing you want to do is come back to a sweltering dorm room! I personally have a small desk fan, but I know plenty of people who have bought standing fans as well. Fans are also great for providing white noise so you don’t have to buy a whole extra white noise machine.
Power Strips
Most dorms only come with a few outlets, and it can be hard to find space to plug in chargers, lamps, and your brand-new fan. If your school allows power strips, they’re perfect for getting the most out of your outlets. You’ll be able to plug in all your necessary electronics, along with any extras, without having to choose what’s most important. They come as both long strips and blocks, which can work for all needs.
We hope that this guide can help both new and returning students as we approach the beginning of school! Living in a dorm is a rewarding experience that can be made even better by having these things on hand when you need them.
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