Heading off to college for the first time is an exciting adventure. Sure, some home sickness may set in from time to time, but taking the right stuff along will ease the emotional transition in a good way. Thinking in terms of needs versus wants is a practical strategy, since having room for everything may prove impossible.
Linens and Things to Take to College for a Dorm Room
Extra long twin sheets with a high cotton thread count are worth a few extra dollars. They last much longer, wash well and are more comfortable to use than less porous linens. Bring at least three sets of sheets. Two or three sets of thick bath towels will be needed, and bringing an old beach towel for rags will make cleaning much easier and less costly than using paper towels. A good comfortable pillow or two is also a necessity, along with a warm blanket and comforter.
For the bathroom, in addition to soap products, toothbrush, paste and floss, hair care products and skin moisturizers will make it feel and smell like home. A good razor, with enough refills to last a couple of months and shaving cream will not go to waste. Avoid purchasing travel size samples and instead, buy the largest packages or bottles available.
Remember to bring both laundry detergent, fabric softener sheets and something for a laundry basket. A collapsible basket made of fabric with an inner spring is a great space saving device for clothes washing and can be stored flat when not in use.
Bring a couple of boxes of tissues, paper towels and napkins for the dorm room. Plastic plates and utensils are fine, but having a few pieces of washable flatware, plates, cups and bowls will be cheaper.
Clothing for College Where Less is More
Try not to go overboard on the clothing, particularly if traveling home is a drivable distance. A good rule of thumb is to include two weeks worth of clothing changes as well as a coat or jackets, sweat clothes that can double as pajamas and a couple of comfortable pairs of shoes and sandals. Some new college students end up with blisters from walking because they did not bring the right footware. Flip flops are fine for wearing around the dorm but walking miles in them are often not supportive enough for the arches. Avoid the misery of sore feet and leave the high heels at home.
Anticipate the fall climate change if the college is in the northern part of the country, or where there will be ice and snow. Gloves, mittens, scarves and hats are often needed by late October in many areas. Keep warm and dry to avoid getting sick in the fall. Nothing feels quite as lousy as a bad cold when away from home for the first time.
Special Needs for College Dorm Rooms
If taking any kind of medication, inhaler or the like, be certain to get refills before the road trip. The same goes for disposable contact lenses, cleaning solution and always have a spare pair of glasses just in case. Don't forget feminine hygiene products, vitamins, aspirin or other headache relief products of choice.
Bring a computer, printer and basic office supplies such as paper, scissors, tape and notebooks. In terms of larger items, a small refrigerator is nice, but check with roommates before the dorm ends up with three in one room. Check the rules on microwaves and leave real candles at home. More dorm fires have occurred because of forgotten (often forbidden) candles.
Safety is everyone's first priority. Bring a whistle on a keychain, a small container of pepper spray and keep these handy for late night walks home from the gym or night time activities. Walk purposefully fast and if attacked, scream hard and loud, kick, punch and bite. Try to get the attacker to run away.
Enjoy every aspect of the college experience. Arrive with all the needed supplies, garments and necessities outlined here, including an ample supply of underwear, socks and those comfortable shoes. Note that cold weather comes early in the north, with the need for coats and hats as early as October. Sheets, laundry supplies and a couple of good pillows will make it feel like home. Keep an extra supply of prescription medication in a safe, dry place in the dorm room.
Was this article helpful? Read also Decorating a College Dorm Room Cheaply with Class.
Therese Haberman - With a MS degree and 25 years in HR mgmt, in 2005, Ms.Therese began a writing career specializing in children and HR.
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