Moving into your college dorm is an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience. I’ve seen countless dorm moves in vlogs and the amount of miscellaneous things there are to keep track of, timings to be aware of, and the emotional weight of it all can be difficult to handle. So below I wrote out what exactly you’ll need to pack and some tips for ensuring the experience runs smoothly.
- Bedding: Bring twin sheets, a comforter, pillows, and mattress protectors. And definitely consider a mattress topper for extra comfort. “Dorm beds are honestly pretty gross,” shares Anvi Bhagavatula(12) so it’s important to make sure you’re sleeping on a clean surface and that you bring extra bed sheets and pillow covers.”
- Clothing: Pack the basics. You don’t w ant to make sure you’re sleeping on a clean surface and that you bring extra bed sheets and pillow covers.” [/pullquote]ant to pack your whole life because you’ll be back home in three months for winter break. So make sure to pack things like a swimsuit, a simple going out outfit, jeans, a raincoat, and Pjs. Also they don’t provide laundry essentials like a hamper, detergent, and a drying rack so make sure to bring those too (this also depends on the college you’re attending).
- Toiletries: Include basics such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and a shower caddy for easy transport. You absolutely have to pack flip-flops or shower shoes for communal showers.
- Room Basics: Make sure to bring a desk lamp and an alarm clock. Some dorms provide this so you’ll want to do some research before packing this. Command hooks and strips are also a great option for hanging items without damaging walls. In most dorms there’s space under the bed for storage so bins are also a great way to keep your stuff organized.
Tips and Tricks
- Coordinate with Roommates: Before packing, reach out to your roommate(s) to coordinate what each of you is bringing. For example, you both don’t need to bring cleaning supplies or a microwave. This will help prevent clutter in your space.
- Maximize Space: Dorm rooms are known for being small and packed in. Take advantage of vertical space with shelves and over-the-door organizers. Vacuum bags can compress bulky items like comforters and winter clothes which helps save more space than you think.
- Prepare for Move-In Day: Make sure to arrive early to avoid the rush and have time to lug your stuff to your room. The last thing you want is to feel hurried. Make sure to bring tools just in case and be present in the moment. Move in day is the day you officially leave your family, so make sure to take lots of pictures and really be in the moment.
- Don’t Overpack: Remember, you can always bring more items later or buy them as needed. You’re likely not going to have space in your dorm for more than exactly what you need. A dorm is meant for temporary living, so pack with that in mind.
