Whether you’re heading off to college soon or you know someone who is, there’s a good chance you’re stressing out about what to bring. And you know what? That’s OK!
Going to college is stressful enough, but having to buy all the dorm essentials (plus school supplies and new clothes) makes it 10 times worse. There’s just so much to buy!
But fear not, we are here to help.
So, before you pack up your car and head off to your new home for four years, make sure you have everything (and I mean everything) you need. You don’t want to show up to your dorm room and realize you forget a shower caddy, do you?
Avoid unnecessary trips to the store and get everything you need right now.
Bathroom Shoes
Yes, I did say bathroom shoes.
While there’s a good chance you already have your shower caddy, you’re probably going to forget to bring shower shoes. And trust me, you’re going to want shower shoes.
Most dorm rooms don’t have a bathroom attached, so you will have to walk from your dorm room to the bathroom every time you need to shower (or use the toilet). And, because everyone on your floor will probably use the same bathroom, it’s a good idea to wear shoes in the shower. You just don’t how clean those floors really are.
Amazon has some really cheap slides that’ll do the job, or you can pick up some simple Birkenstocks knock-offs from your local Target or Walmart.
Bathrobe
Along with the shower shoes, it’d be a good idea to bring along a bathrobe. You may not think you’ll need it, but with so many people sharing one bathroom, it’s nice to have something to cover up with after a shower. Not to mention, it’ll keep you warm in the winter. Win, win!
First Aid Kit
Listen, college can get a little crazy. Between the football games, nights out, and long study sessions (which is really just bonding time with friends), it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected.
Make sure to bring along a first-aid kit that is stocked with everything from bandaids to Tylenol to ointment. You never know when it may come in handy!
Umbrella and/or Raincoat
I cannot tell you the number of times I got soaked walking to class because I simply did not have an umbrella. Don’t make the same mistake as me and have an umbrella ready to go at your disposal.
In fact, keep it inside of your backpack during the rainy months of the year so you’re always prepared. The kids in your class who show up soaked from head to toe will wish they were as prepared as you!
Food Containers
If you have a mini-fridge, make sure to bring along Tupperware or any sort of food storage container. You’re probably not going to have a lot of money in college, so being able to keep leftover food fresh is a definite must.
And, if you’re really smart, you may be able to grab some food from your dorm cafeteria and save it for later.
White Noise Machine
If you are a light sleeper, you need to bring a white noise machine with you to college. Yes, earplugs are great, but I don’t know if you understand how loud a dorm can be, especially on weekends.
Not only are you going to have to deal with your roommate coming in at late hours of the night, but you’ll also have to deal with the noise in the hallway and outside of the dorm.
A noise machine is a great way to eliminate all the noise (at least as much as possible) and give you a great night’s sleep. Plus, there are white noise machines available — like this one right here — that aren’t too expensive.
It’s also a good idea to have a sleep mask, just in case you’re trying to sleep when your roommate is studying with the light on.
Extra Set of Sheets
One set of sheets just won’t cut it, guys. In fact, I would suggest having three sets of sheets on hand, just in case. Not only will you be sleeping in your bed, but you’ll also probably be eating on your bed too (it’s just the truth!).
You’re going to have to deal with spills and crumbs pretty frequently, so it’s a good idea to have plenty of sheets on hand.
And please, for the sake of your roommate (and for yourself), wash your sheets regularly.
