Whether you’re entering college for the first time or returning for your second year in the fall, having a packing supply list to work from can be incredibly helpful. To ease your packing process, Class Tracker has put together a handy dandy list, broken up into categories, that we’ll share over the next few months. This month, we’re tackling dorm room supplies!
What would *you* recommend bringing to college? Let us know in the comments.
When packing for your dorm, think about what you’ll need to create the ideal study and sleeping environment. You’ll want to bring the right appliances/electronics, bedding, and even bathroom supplies.
Dorm Appliances, Electronics, and Accessories
- Computer (This can be a laptop or desktop computer.)
- Desk lamp (A small one)
- Extension cord and power strip (You can never have enough plugs and chances are, in a dorm, you won’t have enough without a power strip.)
- Fan: either a small fan or a window unit
- Headphones/earbuds
- Optional: Microwave (Make sure this is ok within your dorm’s rules)
- Optional: Mini fridge (Ditto to the last point)
Bath and Shower Supplies
- Bathrobe
- Flip-flops or shower shoes
- Dry shampoo (There may be a few days when you’ll be running late and just don’t have time to wash your hair. Hey, no judgement! Just make sure you’re prepared.)
- Travel hair dryer
- Shower caddy filled with soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Toothbrush holder/case
- Extra towels
Sleeping Supplies
- Blanket or comforter
- Hygienic mattress protector (Make sure that this is impenetrable. You *really* don’t want bed bugs.)
- Mattress pad/foam topper (Dorm room mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable. Make the most of your dorm by adding a much needed extra layer of comfort to your bed.)
- Pillows
- Sheets (check if you need extra-long)
- Earplugs (trust us on this one)
- Eye mask
Utility
- Under the bed organizer/tubs
- File organizer
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Light bulbs
- Pain medication (Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
- Sewing kit (a little one)
- Tool kit (a little one)
- Curtains (Necessary for those afternoon naps you’ll need to take during finals week.)
- Desk organizer
- Full-length mirror (an over the door mirror works well!)
- Iron
- Ironing board (optional - can always use your desk with a towel over it)
- Throw rug (nice when you step out of bed)
- Trashcan (a little one)
Cooking and Cleaning (if you live in a suite or apartment)
- Dish soap, towel, and sponge (Even if you don’t have a kitchenette, you’ll probably find yourself eating cereal or soup in your room at some point and you’ll need a way to clean up.)
- Duster
- Laundry basket/hamper
- Laundry soap
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave-safe mug
- Mini-vacuum/dustbuster
- Paper towels
- Plastic food storage containers
- Plastic place setting (dish, bowl, cup)
- Plastic cutlery (knife, spoon, fork)
- Reusable water bottle
- Snack baggies
- Stain remover pen
- Swiffer
- Travel mug
Stay tuned for part two in August: School Supplies!
Thanks for reading, Class Trackers!
Alex