A sturdy backpack goes a long way toward helping haul needed class items such as books, calculators, paper and pens, erasers, notebooks, rulers, staplers, highlighters and file folders. Pack items for homework and projects such as a school planner, computer flash drive, paper clips, scissors, tape and a personal computer. Keep in mind if you do not own a computer, most colleges provide computers on campus for student use.
Dorm rooms and many shared living spaces aren’t large, so keep extra items to a minimum to help relieve clutter. Items such as a shoe rack, a small bookcase and storage boxes can help keep things neat in tight areas. Pack power strips or extension cords for small appliances such as an alarm clock, desk lamp, mini microwave and a fan. In addition to food and snack items, pack kitchenware including knives, forks, spoons, plates, bowls, lidded plastic containers and a can and bottle opener. A dry-erase board kept on the outside of a dorm room door allows visitors to leave a note, while a lock box inside helps keep valuable items safe for those sharing rooms or communal spaces.
Bring several sets of sheets if moving from home, as a busy student might not have the chance to do laundry as often as imagined. Those moving into dorm rooms need to purchase extra-long, twin-sized sheets for dorm room beds. Students should bring several comfortable pillows along with warm blankets and bedding for chilly winter months. Pack plenty of comfortable clothing, a few business or nice outfits, dress and casual shoes, optional exercise clothing, slippers and a bathrobe. Don’t forget to bring a hamper or clothes basket for storing soiled items. Other items that might come in handy are a lint brush, iron, rolls of quarters for laundry day, plenty of hangers and ample laundry supplies.
Earplugs can block out unwanted noise from roommates or neighbors, while personal headphones will help keep students from disturbing a sleeping scholar in the room next door. Bath supplies and toiletries are easily carried in a bath tote to communal bathrooms, along with a soap dish and flip flops or bath shoes for the trip. Keep a first aid kit stocked with the usual bandages and antiseptics inside the dorm room, along with pain relievers, a small tool kit, batteries and a cell phone or phone card. Students may wish to keep a small sewing kit on hand for repairs, a flashlight for power failures and a camera to record fun events.
Even small dorm rooms and apartments need a quick sprucing up; students should bring a broom and dustpan or small vacuum, cleansers and cloths, dish detergent and paper towels. A small trash can assigned to each student will help keep papers, soda cans and discarded food wrappers from cluttering the dorm room floor.