It’s possible you’ll have a meal plan where eating at an on-campus cafeteria or restaurant. However, it would be foolish to assume you won’t be eating in your room from time to time while you hang out or study. For these occasions, make sure you have some basic food related necessities in your dorm.
Have at least one bowl for cereal or heating up canned goods, a plastic drinking cup and a coffee cup. A coffee maker will be a nice addition as well. Get a couple of settings of silverware including a fork, knife and spoon and a bottle/can opener. A chip clip to keep packaged dry good from going stale will also be a convenient item.
Don’t forget to pack the basics for your bedroom. Find out if the dorm room has good lighting. There’s a good chance it doesn’t, so bring a desk lamp. You’ll also need a trash receptacle for those wadded up first drafts in English class and an alarm clock to make sure you get to class at all after late nights and inadequate sleep.
Get plenty of storage bins such as plastic tubs with snap-on lids or milk crates. Get lots of clothes hangers too. And don’t forget to buy a calendar to keep up with the sudden onslaught of responsibilities and social engagements you’re about to immerse yourself in.
Surely you remembered that you’d need the computer. You’ll need a printer too. Making a trip to the computer lab every time you want to print will get old fast. Bring along your digital music player, headphones, a surge protector, your phone and charger and your television and DVD player, if you choose to have one.
If you have a prescription medication that you take regularly, then you’ve probably already thought of that. However, there is a list of over the counter meds that might be handy from time to time while you are adjusting to a different lifestyle. Pick up some packs of aspirin, vitamins, ibuprofen, medicine for upset stomach or diarrhea, cough drops, athlete’s foot spray and adhesive bandages.
For your trips to the bathroom and the potential community shower experience, pick up all the basics and then some. Get a shower tote to carry your toiletries. You’ll need shaving cream and razors, a hair dryer, nail clippers, floss, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap in a container, shampoo and conditioner and rubber flip flops. Do not use a community shower without your flip-flops to avoid fungal infections.