Dorm Essentials: A Freshman’s Dorm Checklist

College freshmen face the difficult task of transporting their entire lives to college dorms. Find out what you should bring and what you should leave at home.

College is often the first major move in a teen’s life. It can be difficult deciding what to bring and what to leave at home. To help you get organized, make a college checklist of various categories that will help you decide what you really need, and what will go untouched if you bring it to college.

Also, if you know your roommate, it may help to check with them to find out which things they are planning on bringing. After all, in a crowded dorm room, do you really need two printers?

College Dorm School Supplies

With the stress of leaving home for the first time, some people may forget that the primary reason they are moving into a dorm is for school. Here are some basic school supplies that you will most likely need:

  • calculator
  • computer
  • desk lamp
  • ethernet cord
  • extension cord
  • headphones
  • memory stick
  • pencil holder
  • pens/pencils
  • plain envelopes
  • power strip
  • scissors
  • stamps
  • stapler
  • white out
  • extra printer ink
  • hole punch
  • pencil sharpener
  • printer
  • printer paper
  • backpack

Dorm Room Ideas for Staying Organized

In a small dorm room, it’s important to minimize clutter and keep the essentials handy while storing away items you won’t use daily. Here are a few organizing kits to keep on task in a small space.

  • bed lifts (for creating storage or desk space under your bed)
  • bulletin board with push pins for hanging flyers, contact numbers, schedules, etc.
  • calendar
  • storage bins
  • under-bed boxes
  • over the door hooks

Tools and Emergency Supplies for College Dorm Life

It’s easy at home to run to mom and dad when you need a hammer or a band-aid, but locating these simple items while living in college dorms can be surprisingly difficult, especially in an emergency. Here are a few items that may come in handy:

  • batteries
  • duct tape
  • flashlight
  • basic toolkit with hammer and screwdriver
  • sewing kit
  • tape
  • ace bandage
  • band-aids
  • cold medicine
  • cotton balls
  • cough drops
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • Imodium
  • nail clippers
  • nail file
  • Neosporin
  • pain reliever
  • Pepto Bismol
  • Q-Tips
  • tweezers
  • vitamin c

Personal Items Dorm Checklist

Doing laundry, sleeping well and staying clean are essential parts of making dorm life seem less dreary. When you pack, don’t forget to bring along:

  • bath towels
  • hand towels
  • wash cloths
  • shower flip flops
  • traveling soap container
  • shower caddy/basket
  • comb/brush
  • curling iron/straightener
  • hair care products
  • hair dryer
  • shower gel/soap
  • shaving cream
  • razor
  • face soap
  • facial moisturizer
  • deodorant
  • lotion
  • toothbrush
  • toothpaste
  • dental floss
  • trash bags
  • trash can
  • laundry bag/basket
  • laundry detergent
  • all purpose cleaner
  • 2 pillows
  • 2 sets of sheets
  • alarm clock
  • bedside lamp
  • comforter
  • fan
  • tissues

Downtime in a Dorm

Snacks and entertainment are also essential. Don’t forget the goodies to make late nights more fun:

  • dvd player
  • television
  • camera
  • iPod dock
  • mp3 player
  • mini fridge
  • microwave
  • water bottle
  • coffee maker

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