If you are college bound this fall and living on campus, you’re probably counting down the days until move-in. But figuring out what to pack can be a little overwhelming. While every college has its own rules about what students can and can’t bring, there are a few basic items that will help you set up your room and make it feel like home.
Here are the dorm essentials to bring to college, and a few things you may want to leave behind.
Bedding
Many residence halls (including Fordham’s) use extra-long twin mattresses, so be sure to purchase the right size bedding.
Bring:
- Sheet sets (Fordham’s mattresses are 36” x 80”)
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Comforter or duvet
- Mattress pad or mattress topper
- Extra blanket
Miscellaneous Must-Haves
Here are a few items you’ll probably need:
- Small wastebasket
- Reusable water bottle
- Power strip with surge protector
- First-aid supplies
- Fans
- Lamp
Fordham rising sophomore Victoria Adeyeri said she definitely recommends bringing a fan to stay cool. “My roommate was really great because she brought a fan. It was always on,” she said.
Bathroom Essentials
Pack the items you use every day:
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and skincare
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Bath towels and washcloths
- Toilet brush
- Medications and supplements
If you’re sharing a bathroom with other dorm rooms, you’ll want to bring a shower caddy and waterproof sandals.
Laundry
You’ll need the following supplies to keep your clothes fresh and clean:
- Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
- Hangers
- Laundry bag or basket
School supplies
Your dorm room is also your study space. Make sure to pack:
- Laptop and charger
- Phone charger
- Notebooks and pens
- Backpack
Cleaning supplies
At most schools, you’ll be responsible for keeping your room clean. Pack:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Paper towels
- Broom and dustpan
If you have a private bathroom, Adeyeri recommends bringing a product with bleach to clean around the drains and shower. “A swiffer is also really helpful for cleaning the floors as well,” she said.
Storage and Organization
A few organizational tools can help keep your room clean and tidy throughout the semester. Rather than packing larger storage items in your car, you may want to buy them once you get to your new city or town. Consider bringing or buying:
- Under-bed storage bins
- Closet organizers
- Command hooks for jackets and bags
- Storage baskets
Rising sophomore John Russak also recommends bringing a shared calendar for you and your roommate.
“It’s great having your week/month laid out with classes and extracurricular activities so you and your roommate know where and when you will be somewhere,” Russak said.
Kitchen
Kitchen needs vary depending on your residence hall and whether students have access to a shared kitchen.
Consider bringing:
- Coffee mug
- Plates, bowls, and utensils
- Food storage containers
- Non-perishable snacks
Small Appliances
Before purchasing small appliances, check your college’s housing policies. Many schools allow certain appliances but prohibit others.
Fordham students can bring some small appliances, like hair dryers and irons, provided they are Underwriters Laboratories approved and have an automatic shutoff. Students can also bring one four-cubic-foot mini fridge per room, except in residence halls that come with refrigerators.
One item Russak brought but didn’t end up using was a coffee maker.
“Since meal plans are required for freshman year, we got free coffee in the dining hall,” he said, adding that his friends felt the same. “It didn’t make much sense to use our coffee machines.”
Make Your Dorm Feel Like Home
A few personal touches can make your space feel cozy, and familiar items can help keep homesickness at bay.
Consider packing:
- Photos of family and friends
- A few favorite books
- Throw blanket
- Small area rug (if permitted)
- Decorations that comply with residence hall policies
What to Leave Behind
Finally, every college has some things you can’t have in your dorm room. Some common ones include pets (including fish tanks), space heaters, shot glasses, and lava lamps.
Check your college’s list of prohibited items before you pack your boxes.
A Few Final Move-In Tips
A little planning will make getting settled in much smoother. Here are a few tips for a stress-free move-in:
- Coordinate with your roommate. Decide who will bring shared items like mini fridges or televisions before either of you starts shopping.
- Pack one “first-night” bag with medications, toiletries, pajamas, chargers, and a change of clothes in case you don’t get to unpack everything right away.
- Label your boxes.
- Check your college’s housing website. Policies vary from residence hall to residence hall.
- To save space in the car, use items like storage bins and hampers to pack other items.
- Finally, don’t stress—if you forget something, you can always buy it.
