Dorm Room Essentials

Hiiiii! It's Elena, and if it's ~summertime~ by you, you might be curious about what to pack for college. In this podcast episode, we talk about Dorm Room Essentials, and the things you'll definitely want to bring (and NOT bring) to college! Why do you need flip-flops for your dorm's shower? And can bringing a box of Cheez-Its really make your day in college? Listen (or read on) and find out!

For more college tips, check out our What I Wish I Knew Before College series. 

Now, let's get into the tips!

Why think about your dorm haul now?

It's the summer, after all! Odds are, you still have some time to chill before college starts.

It may be tempting to procrastinate on this one. But trust me...you'll thank yourself on move-in day if you start now!

Starting freshman year can be scary. There are so many unknowns, and so much to learn. By gathering your dorm room essentials, you can focus on what is within your control, and ensure you have everything you need those initial days. Giving yourself a few weeks to gather your dorm items will reduce your stress leading to the big day.

Don't strive for perfection when packing for your college dorm, though. You can always head to the store for post-move-in dorm shopping. It's common for students to carpool to the store, so you can likely grab a ride, even if you don't have a car.

Dorm Room Essentials to Keep in Mind

Clothing and bathroom

• Just bring the clothing you need!
• Laundry basket
• Shower shoes (a must!)
• Shower caddy
• Robe
• Mini steamer
• Tide pen
• Lint roller
• A formal outfit or two

Furniture

• A folding chair for friends or tailgates
• Mini fridge
• Storage bins and other storage solutions that can fit under your bed

Bedding

• Twin XL sheets/bedding
• Mattress pad
• Pillow
• Duvet cover
• Your favorite blanket

Fun

• Party games
• An instrument
• Speaker

Snacks and food

• A coffee maker!
• Snacks that you can only get at home
• Water purifier
• Water bottle

Miscellaneous

• Reading light
• Your hobby supplies
• Portable charger
• First aid kit
• Mini vacuum
• Pictures from home
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• String lights (for fun!)

Printable Dorm Room Necessities Sheets 

Happy packing!

To hear our grads' full advice, head to Part 1 of Dorm Room Essentials, available wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Instagram (@scoirinc) for more helpful tips. See you next time for more college advice! ☺️