Your dorm room will be your home away from home, so make sure it is a comfortable place to relax and get some sleep. Bring bed sheets that fit the size bed your college supplies, a comforter, pillows with pillowcases and a mattress pad. Pack an alarm clock to assure you make your early morning classes.
Bring bath items such as flip flops, towels, shampoo, soap and washcloths. Place your bathroom items in a basket or carrier that is easy to grab when you head to the shower. Other toiletries to remember include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, contact solution (if applicable), shaving cream and razors. Pack a comb or hairbrush, hair accessories, a hair dryer and glasses (if needed). A favorite stuffed animal can bring the comforts of home to school with you.
Pack your clothes and plenty of hangers for your closet. College dorms don’t usually have much closet space, so make good use of the space you have. Don’t forget to pack items to do your laundry such as detergent, a laundry basket or bag and dryer sheets. Bring an iron and ironing board if you like to press your clothes.
Remember that you are there to study, so bring pencils, pens, highlighters, notebooks, folders, binders, rulers, scissors, paper clips, sticky notes, pencil sharpeners and a stapler. Consider packing a desk lamp so you can study late without bothering your roommate. Bulletin boards are often placed on desks with messages or pictures of friends and family hung up with push pins. A calendar is helpful to mark off the days until spring break or your next big test.
You are going to be away from home, so bring important documents such as your driver’s license, Social Security card and health insurance or medical information. Pack all medications you are taking and bring a first aid kit for small emergencies. Make sure this kit is stocked with band aids and a thermometer.
Some items you'll want to consider for the room are an area rug, posters, a fan, a trash can, extra chairs or seating, a computer and printer, a CD player or other music player, a DVD player, headphones, a television, a coffeemaker, a crock pot, a microwave and a toaster oven. Talk with your roommate about these items to avoid duplication, and be sure to check your college’s list of unauthorized items.
Purchase a small refrigerator to store drinks and snacks. Do not forget to pack other kitchen necessities such as a can opener, plates, bowls, silverware, coffee mug, glasses or cups, chip clips, dish soap, dish rag, paper towels and napkins.
Other extraneous items to consider packing include a lap desk to study comfortably while in bed, an address book to keep in contact with high school friends and family, extension cords, a surge protector, a cell phone, a flashlight and batteries, a box of tissues and an extra set of car keys.