What should you bring to your dorm?
Moving for the first time as a student of a college is an exciting, yet confusing event. There are many things to think of. Furthermore, there are so many emotions – excitement, feeling scared or homesick, confusion, etc. Among all this, you need to stay calm and get ready for your college days. One of the things to quickly adjust after moving is to have everything you need in your dorm the moment you move in. The first days of college are certainly very busy, so you want to avoid chasing things in a city you don’t know very well. That’s why we prepared a list of things you’ll need to pack before you move. Here are the essentials you should bring to your dorm.
Check out the dorm rules before you start packing
You shouldn’t forget that each college has a specific set of rules about students moving in and bringing their items. Be sure to visit your college’s website and see what are the items you don’t have to bring, or items that are forbidden. Don’t let your favorite item be confiscated just as you arrive. Be informed about college’s other dorm rules, too, so you make sure you have a pleasant stay.
Make a list of things to bring to your dorm and check the house rules so you can pack accordingly.
Things to bring to your dorm
When you start packing, don’t do it randomly. Make sure to have a packing list and all the packing supplies you need. Yes, you may think that moving from one city to another one requires you to bring everything you have, but it’s not like that. Be sure to pack the items you really need and use, so you don’t end up with a way too crowded room.
Health and beauty items
When talking about taking care of your self, you need to think about all the items you use on a daily basis and make sure you have them in your bag. Here are some things you should bring to your dorm, but feel free to add items you use but are not on the list:
- Shower essentials – bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap (with a plastic container), razor, loofah and shower shoes.
- towels – bring towels of different sizes, bor your body, hair, and face. Also, consider labeling them with your name, especially if you bring any white or other types of common towels.
- face items – be sure to bring a face wash/soap, face cosmetics.
- makeup & makeup removing supplies
- teeth goods – toothbrush, dental floss, mouthwash, etc.
- mirror
- deodorant
- bathroom cleaning supplies
- first aid kit and medicines, eye drops, thermometer.
- Q-tips
- hairdryer/ hair straightener
Things to bring to your dorm for the sleeping time
Lying in a new bed can be a strange experience when you’re moving from one city to another one. It may take a while until you get used to the new sleeping environment. However, you can bring to your dorm things to make it feel like home. Here are the sleeping essentials:
- Bedsheets in the appropriate size. Don’t bring a sheet too big/small, but check the bed size before you arrive.
- Pillow and several pillowcases
- an extra, smaller pillow that’s great for reading
- mattress pad if necessary
- A throw blanket, for all those nights studying on the bed
- Alarm clock – not necessary if your phone wakes you up
Clothes
Be smart about packing your clothes. This list is pretty personal, but be sure to check the weather conditions in your new city for the next period. For example, if you are leaving Chicago for another city in Florida, the weather might be different and will affect your packing. Also, think about how often you will come home, so you can bring warmer/lighter clothes the next time you visit. The college storage space is limited, so don’t overpack. Pack your clothes according to the weather in your college area, and make sure you create outfits so you can pack more effectively. Here are some clothes-related items you should bring to your dorm:
- washing supplies – a laundry basket, detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover
- iron and ironing board
- hangers
- sleeping clothes
- underwear
- everyday clothes according to the weather conditions
- socks
- shoes
- accessories
- sportswear/swimming suit
Pack your clothes wisely, so you don’t make the dorm room too crowded.
Electronics to bring to your dorm
Nowadays, students make their college life easier with electronics. That’s why don’t forget to bring to your dorm (or buy after you arrive, since many colleges offer discounts for their students):
- laptop and charger / tablet
- cellphone and its charger
- TV
- HDMI cord
- speakers
- printer and printer paper
- earphones
School Supplies
Even though you will probably be able to get school supplies within your college area, it’s best to have them ready on your first day. Here’s what you’ll need:
- school bag
- notebooks
- planner to help you stay organized in college
- writing supplies – pen, pencils, highlight markers
- paperclips
- scissors
- sticky notes
- stapler
- ruler
- calculator
Studying will be difficult at times, so be sure to bring to your dorm all the necessary school supplies to help you out.
Personal items and decor
As we mentioned, packing these types of items should be done according to the college rules. However, you will probably need to bring some decor items, such as curtains, a lamp, additional chairs or a bean bag, a clock, etc.
Also, be sure to bring your documents – driver’s license and car insurance and registration papers, ID card, passport, social security, and medical insurance card, school documents, debit card and a list of your emergency contacts.
Food
Again, bringing food and kitchen items should be done according to your college’s house rules. However, if you don’t have any, be sure to pack a small fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker. Also, have eating supplies like forks, spoons, knives, plates, plastic cups, can openers, napkins, etc. And finally, don’t forget to wash your dishes – bring dish soap, scrubber, and a dishtowel, too.
Move smart
As you can see, there are many items on this list, and you’ve probably added more things to your personal moving checklist. That’s why you should consider hiring someone professional to help you pack and transport these items to your dorm. Trusting someone experienced like purpleheartmovinggroup.com will make the transition from home to dorm easy and smooth. Also, a professional moving company can help you have an eco-friendly move, too. So, if this is the first time you’re moving, professional help will be a great relief.
Don’t hurry
We understand students are often excited about moving into their dorms. However, when you think of things you should bring to your dorm, don’t hurry. Make a checklist and tick the items off as you put them in a box. This way you’ll make sure not to forget anything and have your items ready for your first college days. Good luck!
