College 4 Realz......Survival List

Here is a compiled list of things every college student should bring to their dorm! Now, this is not a list of EVERYTHING you need, like clothes, bedding, etc., but of things you might not think about. There are dozens of lists like these on the internet, so we tried to think of little things that usually are missed.

DISCLAIMER: Always check with your college for specific regulations of what you can or cannot bring. Some colleges have fire-hazard rules. Also, keep your own situation in mind. You might not need kitchen supplies if you do not plan on cooking, or you might collaborate with your roommate for certain items, like a refrigerator.

Enjoy! 

Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies

Bring:

• General Cleaning Supplies- It’s a necessity! Clorox wipes, paper towels, washcloths, toilet cleaner... It’s especially important to wipe down the room before moving in clothes and items and to regularly clean heavily handled items during flu season.
• Broom/Vacuum- You will be surprised how quickly the floor becomes filthy!
• Trash Can/Trash Bags- Large black trash bags are handy for move-in day for all those extra boxes and packaging
• Oven Mitts- For baking or taking super hot things out of the microwave to avoid burns. You will need those hands in peak condition for writing those essays!
• Water Bottles- Stay hydrated as you climb countless flights of stairs all day!
• Water filter- Makes water taste better and healthier
• Dishes- Maybe a plate or bowl. A fork, knife and spoon. You probably will not use them much but they are nice to have if you need them. Don’t forget to have some dish soap.
• Paper Plates- You will probably use paper products WAY more than actual dishes (unless you are eco-friendly, in that case I congratulate you).

Decorations/Comfort

Bring:

• Stuffed Animals!- No one will judge if your bed is covered in furry creatures! Bring your favorite plushies to cuddle and make your dorm room more like home.
• Seat Cushion- If your dorm provides a chair, it will probably be hard and relatively hard. Make your desk chair a happy place!
• Beanbag- Admit it. Beanbags are simply MARVELOUS. If you can afford one, go for it! You will not regret the comfort and fun of a good old-fashioned beanbag.
• Door Mirror- The bathroom mirror may not be available when you need it, so a personal mirror is handy to make sure you look fabulous!
• Poster Putty and Command Strips- Most dorms have a “no-hole” policy. No tacks or other permanently damaging wall fixtures.

Health/Bathroom

• First Aid Kit- Better to have a band-aid on hand! Also include common pain or cold medicines
• Bug Spray/Sunscreen- You will be spending time outside!
• Shower Shoes/Shower Mat- Some wear shoes in the shower, others have found that a simple shower mat is more convenient
• Plunger- The best way to avoid an embarrassing situation!

School Supplies

• A Planner- Want to keep track of To Dos and Due Dates? A planner is a great way to go, but use whatever works best for you
• Power Strip(s)- There is a high chance the dorm outlets will be placed in REALLY awkward places and there will not be enough of them.
• Safe/Filing Cabinet- Something to store important paperwork and/or valuables. Fireproof is ideal
• A Flash Drive- Use it to store important documents and transfer items across devices. Always back up assignments in case of computer failure!!! Better to be safe than sorry
• Binder Clips- Use these little guys to organize your cords

Miscellaneous/Fun

• Snacks- Need I say more?
• Headphones- Sometimes not everyone wants to listen to your music
• Ear Plugs- Sometimes you don’t want to listen to their music
• Something to do- In reality, especially during the first few weeks when there is not an overwhelming amount of homework, there will be times where NOTHING is going on. Bring a book, movie, board game or something fun to do!

Again, this is just a list we compiled based on our own experiences. Always bring or not bring whatever you think is best!

Hope this has been helpful!

Did I miss anything you forgot and wished you brought?
~Jennah