Make The Most Out Of Your Home Away From Home
College is nothing like the movies, unfortunately. Dorm rooms are small and often shared; laundry rooms are the site of bloodbaths; shower situations can be dire. Rather than spending hours pinning picture-perfect but not unrealistic dorm rooms on Pinterest, focus on practicalities. All dorm rooms are different, so check your school's website for a list of recommended/unapproved items.
1. Mattress Cover
We're just being honest—that twin XL mattress has lived a million lives and seen things you'd rather not know about. At minimum, it's absorbed all the sweat of previous owners, so it's always good to keep a layer between the two of you. Plus, you're keeping it clean for the next person!
2. Mattress Topper
What most schools call mattresses are actually extra-long sheets of cardboard and plywood that send your spine through the woodchipper. Sleep quality can have a profound impact on daily life and academic performance. Even the cheapest mattress topper from IKEA will make a world of difference.
3. Shower Shoes
Like your mattress, your dorm shower has seen things it would probably rather forget. Unless you want plantar warts, you'll bring a pair of shower shoes.
4. Shower Caddy
Unless you're lucky enough to have an ensuite bathroom—which most people aren't—you'll be carrying your stuff to and from the shower. A quick-drying mesh shower caddy will keep your toiletries together.
5. Wall Mounts
Nails are a big no-no in dorms. If you want to add some personal flair to your room with lights, photos, and posters (which we recommend), opt for command strips and hooks. They're easy to install and won't leave any damage.
6. Ear Plugs
Dorms are loud. Even with quiet hours in effect around exam time, you'll still have to sleep through roommates, night showerers, and god only knows what else. A pair of reusable ear plugs is good for sleep and focusing in the library.
7. Umbrella
We actually recommend two umbrellas: a collapsible one to keep in your bag at all times, and one to stash in your dorm. Or, one to lose and one to use. Either way, you don't want to show up soggy to class.
8. Flashlight
You never know when the power will go out! Phone flashlights are only as good as phone batteries. Don't get caught in the dark without even your phone to keep you company.
9. Reading Lamp
Whether you're crammming for calculus while your roommate sleeps or trying to unwind before bed, clamp lights are a godsend. Trying to read using the glow of string lights may look aesthetic, but it will ruin your eyesight in the long run.
10. Portable Hard Drive
If you need a lot of storage space or—we hope not—your laptop gives up the ghost right before that term paper is good, a portable hard drive will come in handy. This can be especially helpful for students working with graphics and/or video who spend a lot of time going to and from labs. They're roomier and much easier to remember than flimsy flash drives.
11. Extension Cord
Regulations for extension cords and power strips vary wildly from dorm to dorm, so definitely double or even triple-check that you won't start a small electrical fire in your historic building. However, if allowed, an extension cord will be a life-saver. You almost defininitely won't have enough built-in outlets for all your electronics.
12. UL-Approved Surge Protectors
Don't bring your extension cords and/or power strips without surge protectors. Once again, check with your dorm directly to ensure everything is safe. The phrase "keep the home fires burning" isn't meant to be taken literally.
13. First Aid Kit
Yes, your RA may have some basic medical supplies, and you can pick up advil and bandages in the bookstore if you want to be charged through the nose. However, you're better safe than sorry with a kit of your own. Even if you don't end up needing something, a friend or roommate might.
14. Under-Bed Storage
It's no secret that dorms offer little by way of storage, so make the most of your given space by maximizing storage potential. Some people swear by using bed risers to make the most of that measly space. However, we think that rollable containers with a change of bedding/towels are probably the most useful.
15. Desk Organizer
What good is all that aesthetically-pleasing stationary if it's cluttering up your desk? A desk organizer is a no-brainer for keeping your homework, supplies, and projects neatly stashed, especially during exam time.
16. Seasonal Clothes
Unless you're living on the other side of the country, you'll probably be home around midterms. Don't waste valuable storage space on clothes you won't wear for months. Instead, only pack seasonally-appropriate items for that quarter, and swap out as you go.
17. Laundry Hamper
Like with a shower caddy, a laundry hamper is the most efficient way to lug your stuff to and from your laundry room. A mesh collapsible one will take up almost no room during packing. Make sure you pick something easy to carry.
18. Fan
Temperatures in dorm rooms, especially historic ones, can be finicky. A small fan that can be placed on a shelf or angled towards you will help you stay cool as you sleep. It can also provide white noise or block out some of the external sounds of dorm life.
19. Kettle
Those instant noodles aren't going to cook themselves! It's a real pain going to a common room to get hot water every time you want a cup of coffee. Keep an electric kettle on your desk during exam time and thank us later.
20. Reusable Water Bottle
We hope nobody's still using plastic bottles in 2025, but just in case! A reusable water bottle will save you so much money all while helping the planet. Also, campus water can taste funky, so bring a water filter if that's an issue for you.
