Being a new student and living in a dorm for the first time can be a strange adjustment and it can be difficult to know what you do and don’t need to bring. After living in a dorm for the past year, I’ve composed a list of all the essentials you’ll need to ensure a smooth transition and a great year:
- Brita Filter Pitcher – Dorm water can be hard to get used to if you’re like me and love having water straight out of the fridge. A pitcher filter is a must have, whether you leave it in the fridge or just out on your desk. Trust me, you’re going to need this one.
- Fans – Mississippi is just plain hot and dorms can get warm on occasion. I recommend having two fans, but even just one can be a real lifesaver. One small fan for your nightstand/desk and one tall standing fan will help the air circulation in your dorm and will keep it cool on those days when you need relief from the high temps outside.
- Hard Shower Caddy – If you live in communal dorms, this one is a need. Don’t buy a soft shower caddy or just a little bag. A hard shower caddy is sturdier and also won’t get gross. It’s easier to dry off, too, when you’re heading back to your dorm afterwards.
- Toothbrush Cover – This is another good one for communal dorms, but it can be good for non-communal too! Floors are never the cleanest place in any building and if you drop your toothbrush on it, that’s really unfortunate. Having a toothbrush cover can keep it clean when you’re not using it.
- Air Freshener – Candles are a big “no” in the dorms, but that doesn’t mean your room can’t smell good! Air freshener spray or even car clip-in fresheners for the vents are a great alternative to keeping your room fresh.
- Bowls/Command Hooks – Having a bowl on your desk or nightstand can be a great addition to your room. When you walk in, it’s easy to throw everything down; however, that can eventually pile up to where your desk is no longer visible. Bowls are an easy way to throw small things down for the moment, but keep confined to put away later. Command Hooks are great to have as well. I use mine to hang up bags, clothing hangers with outfits for later, or even just my keys and ID, but you can use them for whatever you need!
- Laundry Basket with a Removable Liner – This is best if your liner has handle holes in it, but if not, that’s okay too. Pulling out the laundry liner with all of your clothes in it is an easy way to transport them to the laundry room. Plus, you can throw the liner in with your clothes to wash it too. Then, you can carry it all right back to your room the same way!
- Mini Vacuum or Broom – Despite thinking you can keep your floors clean and all spills from happening, messes is inevitable. (My very first night, my friends broke a small painting and this tip came in handy!) Having one or both of these items can make cleaning up any mess a breeze.
What not to bring:
- Don’t bring a bunch of throw pillows
- Don’t bring all of your clothes
Living in a dorm is so much fun and I hope with this essentials list, you’ll be ready to have the best and most successful dorm life ever!
Sincerely, MC
