Starting college is an exciting time but moving away from home and into a new place can be very overwhelming. Questions like “What should I bring?”, “What do I need to buy?”, “Am I missing anything?” might be boggling your mind. Do not worry; countless college graduates have been in your shoes. Getting your dorm essentials right will make the beginning of your college journey smoother and more enjoyable. So, we have prepared the ultimate guide to college dorm essentials!

What Do You Need for Staying in a Dorm Room?

When determining the dorm room essentials, the goal should be to make your room comfortable, convenient, and conducive to productivity. From bedding to study supplies, procuring the correct items can make all the difference in your daily routine.

Dorm Room Essentials You Can’t Miss

Here’s a detailed list of dorm room essentials that you must have:

Beddings

Bed Mattress: Invest in a thick mattress (at least 4 inches) to ensure comfort and durability.
Pillows and Pillowcases: Make sure to get pillows with the appropriate height and firmness for you.
Sheet Sets: You can opt for the regular bed sheets but some prefer duvets to make the dorm room feel like a hotel.

Storage Solutions

Closet Organizers: If your closet space is not enough, you can get hanging shelves and shoe racks to maximize it.
Storage Bins: Get storage bins that will fit under your bed. This will make your dorm room feel more spacious rather than having boxes lying around.
Laundry Basket: Get laundry baskets that are big enough to store 7 days worth of dirty clothes to keep your room tidy and to make it easier to transport your laundry to the laundry shop.

Study Supplies

Desk Lamp: Get a desk lamp with a warm light bulb for your late-night study sessions.
Planner: Buy a dedicated planner so you can plot out your exams and extra-curricular activities. This is highly recommended so you can plan ahead and avoid cramming.
Stationery: Don’t forget to buy enough pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and other basic supplies.

Electronics

Power Strip: Buy a power strip with enough sockets to charge all your devices. Preferably, buy one with a built-in breaker to avoid over-voltage and fire risk.
Headphones: Buying headphones is equivalent to buying peace and quiet, especially if you are sharing your dorm room with roommates.
Computer or Tablet and Monitor: Invest in a good computer or tablet that will last you your whole college journey. In the long run, buying one reliable computer is better than buying two or three low-cost ones. Also consider buying a monitor to improve your workflow and multitasking process.

Personal Care Items

Toiletries: Do not forget to bring enough shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene products for at least a month.
First Aid Kit: Pack band-aids, Povidone-iodine, gauze, bandages, thermometer, tweezers, alcohol, and tape in case of simple medical emergencies. Alternatively, you can buy a pre-assembled first aid kit being sold in drugstores.
Medicine: Bring basic medicine such as paracetamol, antacids, anti-diarrhea, oral rehydration salts, and antihistamines in case you get sick.

Dorm Essentials Checklist: Room by Room

To make it easier for you, we have broken down the checklist of dorm essentials per room:

Bedroom

Sleeping essentials:
1. Bed mattress
2. Pillows
3. Linen
4. Blankets
5. Spares
Nightlight or Lampshade
Alarm clock

Bathroom

Mirror
Heater
Bidet
Shower curtains
Laundry Basket
Cleaning materials
1. Rubber Gloves
2. Brush
3. Plunger
4. Detergent and Bleach
Hygiene essentials
1. Shampoo
2. Soap
3. Toothbrush
4. Toothpaste
5. Skincare products

Kitchenette

Electronics:
1. Multi-cooker or Induction cooker (depending on your dorm’s rules)
2. Water heater
3. Microwave
4. Refrigerator
Cooking essentials
1. Cooking pans
2. Chopping board
3. Knife set
Kitchenware
1. Drinking glass
2. Plates
3. Utensils
Cleaning materials
1. Dishwashing soap
2. Sponge
3. Dish rack

Living Area

Study Essentials
1. Study table
2. Study lamp
3. Office / Ergonomic Chair
Extension cord
Dining Table and Chairs
Storage Boxes

Special Considerations for Freshmen

When moving into a new place and transferring to a new university, it’s best to get settled and adjusted days before the start of the school year. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Coordinating with roommates: Talk to your roommates and assign specific items to be brought by each one. This will avoid duplicates, especially of shared items such as tables and electronics.
Setting up your room: Before moving your furniture into your new dorm room, make sure that you have secured a move-in permit to make the whole process faster and smoother. After that, the next thing to figure out is how to pay your bills (i.e. electricity, water, and wi-fi). If possible, register your account number to the respective mobile app so you can conveniently see when your bill is due.
Getting the important contacts: Get the contact information of the administration of the building, and service providers (e.g. cleaners).
Discovering the area: Once you are finished with the moving-in process, you should and plot out the restaurants, cafes, study hubs, and transportation routes near your college dorm.

College Essentials on a Budget

Completing the list of college essentials can get expensive quickly. Instead of purchasing everything brand new, you can look for barely used items in the secondary market like Facebook Marketplace and Carousell. Just practice caution to avoid getting scammed – ask for photos of the item, go on a video call with the seller to verify their identity, and avoid paying in advance.

Styling and Comfort Tips

Styling is often overlooked when setting up a college dorm room, but it can actually make a big impact on your comfort, restfulness, and morale. Here are some tips to make your room aesthetically pleasing:

Color Scheme: Before buying the furniture and linen, decide on a color scheme first. Make sure that this color scheme personally brings you comfort and happiness. Don’t just follow the typical color schemes you see online – remember, it will be you living in the dorm, not them.
Personal Touches: Put up photos, posters, and paintings to make your college dorm feel yours. However, ask your administrators first if you are allowed to drill holes or stick hooks on your walls.
Comfort Items: Add scented candles, cozy rugs, and soft blankets to your room to add that feeling of warmth and comfort. Remember, your dorm room will be your resting place after long days of studying.

FAQs

How many sets of beddings should I bring?

Bring at least two (2) sets if you plan on doing laundry every week.

What kitchen appliances are typically allowed in college dorm rooms?

Allowed kitchen appliances vary a lot per dorm, but usually, an induction cooker or multi-cooker, a microwave, a water heater, and a refrigerator are allowed.

Are you ready to move into your new college dorm?

Moving into your dorm room as a freshman in college can be overwhelming, but if you follow this guide, you can create a space that feels just like home. Share this college essentials guide with your friends to help them prepare as well. Happy moving, and good luck in your college journey!

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