Packing Tips for a College Dorm

By Ashley Fields on June 6, 2013

Preparing to Pack:

You can walk into almost any major retailer, and find an easy checklist of everything you need to buy for your college dorm room. Keep in mind that these lists are compiled by for-profit companies with the sole intent to sell products. The first tip in packing for a college dorm is to do your research. Most college dorms have a list of banned items — mini fridges, microwaves, toaster ovens, coffee makers — it varies at every college.  This information can usually be found on the college webpage under Housing or Residence Life. You should definitely know what you don’t need before beginning to pack.

Gathering the Essentials:

  1. Bedding:When packing for a college dorm, keep in mind that space is limited. Leave extra bedding at home, and plan to bring one set of extra-long twin Sheets, a comforter and your pillows.  Laundry facilities will be available on campus so that your bedding can be washed regularly, and by leaving extra sheets behind you will have extra space
  2. Clothing: Definitely pack your favorite clothes, but don’t go overboard and bring everything you own. Space in a dorm room is very limited, and you want to have plenty of room for new additions to your wardrobe. You will also need 1 or 2 nice outfits that are suitable for job interviews or fancy dinners, gym clothes, presentable pajamas in case of a late night fire alarm, and rain gear.
  3. Personal Hygiene: Since you’ll likely be sharing a bathroom, whether with roommates or the entire floor, it is important to bring a pair of flip flops, bathrobe or spa wrap, and a shower caddy. Ladies will also need a case or container for make-up and hair accessories. Portability and storage is the key. You will also need a couple of washcloths and small towels that will dry quickly when hanging from a hook. Having the correct bathroom accessories is essential when packing for college.
  4. Entertainment: Get together with your roommates and decide who is bringing the TV, gaming console, etc. If it isn’t possible to meet your roomies before hand, or you just want to have all your own stuff, try to keep everything as compact as possible. Pack your games, DVDs and CDs in a large binder, and bring the lightest TV you can find. Whoever has to haul this stuff up several flights of stairs will thank you for your organization and consideration. You will also need a power strip, and chargers for all your electronics.
  5. Dining: When packing for a college dorm, you can leave most of your kitchen accessories behind. You will probably take most of your meals in the dining hall. This is where it is most important to check your residence hall’s list of acceptable or banned items, though. Some colleges will allow microwaves and coffee makers, and most are already equipped with a mini refrigerator for snacks and drinks. Since this varies so much, and you don’t know what your roommates might bring, it is best to shop for kitchen utensils once you arrive. The Dollar Tree is an excellent place to pick up extra items like dish towels, coffee mugs, and can open openers as needed.
  6. Other Must Have Odds & Ends: Here are a few things you should arrive with and keep in supply while living in a college dorm…
  • roll of quarters: These are usually in short supply on campus because of the number of vending machines. Grab a few rolls before leaving home, or ask a friend who waits tables to bring you some. Keep a stash in your room. They will save your life during midterms and finals.
  • First aid kit: A small kit packed to the brim with things like Tylenol, alcohol swabs and lots of band-aids will come in handy.
  • Fan: Some dorms do not have air conditioning, and those that do usually keep the thermostat set at a very moderate level. A small fan that sits on your desk will be ideal for comfort.
  • Extra Accessories: Make sure you have an extra flash drive, batteries, a few spare pairs of ear buds, and a couple of baskets or crates to store everything in. You will go through these quickly, and they may too expensive to purchase at the campus store.

Overall, the trick to packing for a college dorm is to bring only what is necessary to get started. All else can be purchased later, including school supplies.

Also read:

http://www.thecollegesurvivalhandbook.com/2011/09/9-tips-to-survive-dorm-        life.html

http://collegelife.about.com/od/beforeyouarrive/a/WhatToPack.htm

http://news.consumerreports.org/appliances/2011/07/small-appliances-what-you-can-and-cant-take-to-college.html

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