The Movers.com Blog

Do you have everything you need to live on campus?

For most college students, the beginning of the school year is right around the corner. For any freshmen about to start their college careers, this can be an exciting, yet nerve-wracking, time for you. You probably have already received your dorm assignment and been in touch with your roommate. However, you may still be scrambling around, trying to decide what to bring as you pack everything up and prepare to move in.

No matter what bring with you when you move into your dorm, you will probably end up with several things you’ll never use. At the same time, there are bound to be plenty of items you wished you brought but didn’t. That being said, here is list of ten things (some obvious; others, not so much) you should definitely take to the dorm with you when you move in.

1. Flip-flops - Though everyone mentions how important it is to wear flip-flops in the shower, I can’t stress this enough. Rather than sharing a shower with just your family, you’ll now have to share one with a whole bunch of strangers who can harbor any number of different germs. Also, as your dorm bathrooms will probably only be cleaned once a week, there is no telling what will be growing on the floor of the shower in between cleanings.

2. Ear Plugs - In your dorm, everyone will be on a different schedule. Since some people may choose to stay up all night playing music, ear plugs can help you sleep through this or any other noises that can keep you up. If you are the person who plays music all night, then you’ll need ear plugs when everyone is up and about and you’re trying to catch up on some sleep. Ear plugs are also great if you have a roommate who snores or, as I experienced, one who talks in their sleep.

3. Posters - No dorm room is complete without a few posters. Putting up posters is the best way to express yourself and let everyone know your taste in music, movies, and art. Additionally, they can easily cover up any holes or other damage that you might accidentally do to your walls.

4. Duct tape - They say duct tape can fix anything, and this certainly holds true in a dorm room. Whether you want to tape all of your computer wires together, hold your posters up, or repair something that will inevitably get broken, having a roll of duct tape around will definitely come in handy. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of other uses for duct tape, like taping your roommate to the ceiling.

5. Storage Containers - When you move into your dorm, you’re likely to find a room smaller than your one at home. On top of that, you’ll have to share it with someone else. You should be prepared for this lack of space by bringing plenty of plastic storage bins. Any stackable containers and long ones that fit under your bed are the best choices.

6. Brita Pitcher - Bottled water can be expensive, and you will definitely go through a lot of it. At the same time, you might not want to drink the tap water from the pipes of your ancient dorm. Therefore, a Brita pitcher can definitely come in handy. Just make sure you change the filter, keep it clean, and don’t put any other liquids in it.

7. Lamps - The overhead florescent light in your room might not be enough lighting for you. Therefore, you should plan on bringing an extra floor or desk lamp. Just like with your posters, there are plenty of different lamps to choose from to express your style.

8. Hot Pockets - When you need a break from the subpar dining hall food, there is perhaps no better option than Hot Pockets. They are cheaper than pizza and more nourishing than ramen noodles, and their many varieties will please any pallet. Aside from that, you don’t even need any dishes or utensils to eat them. Simply put, they are the quintessential college food, just as long as you have a micro-fridge to store and cook them.

9. Air Freshener - Whether you prefer a plug-in freshener, spray from a can, potpourri, or any other scent-improving product, air fresheners will definitely come in handy. Dorms aren’t the most nose-friendly places, so you’ll want to protect yourself from any unpleasant odors. If your roommate isn’t the most hygienic person, air fresheners can also be helpful. If you don’t always practice good hygiene yourself, you can always use an air freshener to hide the fact.

10. Open Mind - As you settle into the dorm, you are going to meet and have to live with a lot of people with different backgrounds and opinions. There are also going to be new experiences and responsibilities and an overall new way of life. By bringing an open mind, you can be ready to face the unique challenges and adventures of living in a dorm.

Are you moving into a dorm?  What is on your essentials list?  Tell us!