DORM LIST

Dorm Essentials:

Moving into college can be stressful, but alumni can help make it easier! This list was created thanks to suggestions from alumni Sara Kinsey, Heather Wojcik, Nina DePalma, Emily Nimmo, Samantha Barone, Heather Faasse, and David Swerzenski. This list will be continuously updated. If you have any questions send an email to jthsalumnistudentconnections@gmail.com

School Supplies:

-USB flash drive

-Power strip!!!

-Planner (extremely important!)

-Calendar (paper or desk)

-White board (calendar and normal one)

-Dry erase markers

-Lined paper

-Binders

-Folders

-Notebooks

-Printer paper

-Pens – (black, blue, and various colors)

-Pencils

-Erasers

-Highlighters

-White out

-Sticky notes (lots and lots)

-Scissors

-Sharpies

-Tape

-Possibly a package of crayons, colored pencils, and markers just in case needed for a project

-Hole punch

-Stapler and staples (very very important)

-Calculator and batteries

-Ruler

-Protractor

-Binder clips

-Paper clips

-Glue

-Envelopes and stamps in case you want to write letters

-Laptop

-Some suggest laptop lock and laptop lap pad

-Most college kids use backpacks

-Some people think that if your school has free printing take advantage of that others think that you should bring your own for convenience especially if you finish a paper at 2am. If you decide to bring a printer make sure you bring extra ink and paper.

-Drawer organizers
-Textbooks

Bedding:

-Extra long twin sheets and comforter

-Throw blankets

-Pillows

-Body pillow and/or bed rest pillow
-Mattress cover (to help protect against bed bugs)

-Mattress pad (college beds are extremely uncomfortable)

-Slippers

Clothing:

-Hangers: Closets are extremely small so it’s important to save space. Therefore alumni suggest 2 options.

1. Metal hangers from stores – Put soda tabs on hangers and hang next hanger on soda tab (Example: Soda Tab Hanger)

2. Velvet hangers allow you to fit a lot of clothing in a small space. Alumni recommend purchasing them from Big Lots (velvet hangers)!

-Most dorm closets are small so bring only necessities. Freshman year everyone tries to bring everything, but it is unnecessary. You may have to do laundry often, but you’ll free up more space in your room and save the hassle of lugging it to school and home again at the beginning and end of the year. Bring only what you’re definitely going to wear and what is in season. You can switch out your clothes when you go home for breaks. You can also layer clothes. Sweatshirts are definitely a must (especially a sweatshirt with your school’s name on it) because they work for a wide range of weather. Also, bring a winter jacket!

-Shoe rack or closet shoe hanger

Bathroom Essentials: (bring extras because you’ll probably run out more quickly than expected)

-SHOWER SHOES!!! (bring 2 pairs in case one breaks)

-Bathrobe

-Shampoo

-Conditioner

-Soap and something to keep your soap in

-Razor

-Bath towels

-Shower caddy

-Toothbrush, toothbrush holder, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss

-Hairbrush

-Girls: feminine products, hair dryer, hair products, straighter/curling iron, hair ties, nail polish, nail polish remover, make up, etc.

-Deodorant

Decorations (A dorm room feels like a prison or an asylum with the awful white walls so bring something that makes you happy and is personalized to your liking. Decorations really make all the difference. Checkout Pinterest for some good ideas!):

-Pictures

-Normal picture frames and/or digital picture frame

-Some people like to hang Christmas lights (check school policies first)

-Painter’s tape (alumni suggest it works better than tack or tacky because it avoids wall damage)

-Thumbtacks just in case you don’t want to use painter’s tape

-Idea: Pick out favorite pictures and quotes, print them out, and put them on wall

-Command hooks

Medical:

-First aid kit

-Band-Aides

-Possible medicines: Advil, Tums, Cold medicine, Benadryl

-Cough drops

-Any other medications you use

Important Other:

-All of your chargers

-Camera

-Garbage can

-Desk lamp and other lamps (the lighting is dorms is awful)

-Full-length mirror

-Fan (most freshman dorms don’t have AC)

-Alarm clock

-Portable safe

-Cleaning supplies (paper towels, disinfecting wipes, window cleaner, etc.)

-Tissues (lots and lots of tissues!)

-Flashlight and batteries

-Small sewing kit

-Hand sanitizer

-RAIN BOOTS (college campus side walks tend to flood)

-Umbrella

-Under the bed storage (large Rubbermaid storage containers, 3drawers on wheels, etc. – check to see how high your bed can go to determine what can go under it)

-Duct tape, electrical tape, and masking tape

-Games

-Frisbee or football

-Speakers or IHome

-Step stool
-Door stop
-Headphones

Food:

-This all depends on your meal plan. If you have a full meal plan bring snacks and easy microwavable meals such as easy mac and soup just in case. Make sure to bring silverware (can be plastic) and a reusable plate and bowl (or paper products). A cup and a mug are also useful. In case of birthday gatherings, bring a package of plastic cups and other plastic products. Most freshman don’t have access to kitchens, but if you are lucky enough to don’t forget soap, sponges, pots, pans, silverware, plates, bowls, etc.

-Tea bags if you’re a tea drinker

-If you’re a coffee drinker bring a mini coffee maker or Keurig because buying coffee at school is overpriced. However, check with school on regulations.

-Reusable water bottle (many recommend a filtered one)

Laundry:

-Laundry basket

-Detergent
-Dryer sheets

-If you have to pay for laundry then money

-Bedbathandbeyond has a Go Mini Steamer that works really well!

If you are lucky enough to have your own bathroom or suite bathroom and do not have to share a bathroom with your entire floor don’t forget to discuss what each person is going to bring (toilet paper, hand soap, cleaning supplies, shower curtain, mat, etc.)

Discuss with roommate:

-Microwave

-Fridge

-Carpet if wanted (if bring carpet bring vacuum)

-Broom

-TV

Most colleges have lists of things you cannot bring. Many of these items include candles and other flammable objects.