Dorm Room Essentials- What You Really Need to Survive Freshman Year in the Dorms!

Hey Everyone!

So, I have survived my first year of college living in the dorms. When I was packing, I can remember looking through a countless number of lists full of "dorm room essentials" and I must say, that while I over packed, those lists were going to have me packing things that I did not need and would not use. These sort of things ate things that you want to avoid in a dorm room because there is not a lot of space, so you want more for the essentials. Today I am going to be sharing my essentials with you. If you have any questions about uses just let me know. and items with an "*" around them depend on your school and your preference. Also, make sure to check your school's prohibited items online, and most schools also offer a packing list that is  a great starting point on their website. Also, try to have an idea on how your room is going to be laid out and how you think you want to organize things in advance. And only take the essentials on move in day, you can always grab more when you go home to visit!
Okay, let's hop into the list!
* Disclaimer: These items are in no particular order, and your essentials will vary based on your personality, roommate, and school, this is just what worked for me!

  • Bedding (sheets, pillow, pillowcases, comforter) (if you have throw pillows don't get many because they take up space and can be a pain.)
  • Desk/ Floor Lamp
  • Printer (Ink and Paper)
  • Towels
  • School Supplies (I use a notebook and folder for each class)
    • Colored Pencils and Markers have come in handy a few times
    • Highlighters
    • Note Cards
    • Planner- I can do a post on mine!
    • Pens 
    • Pencils
    • Paper Clips
    • Stapler
    • Binder Clips
    • Flashdrives
  • Laptop
  • Rug
  • Desk Organizers
  • Desk Décor
  • Room Décor
  • Ottoman (I have one with storage and used it to get into my lofted bed)
  • Fan*
  • Iron
  • Ironing Matt
  • Microwave
  • Mini Fridge
  • Power Strips
  • Zip Ties
  • Duct Tape
  • Scotch Tape
  • Scissors
  • Paper Towel Holder
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Shower Caddy
  • Shower Shoes
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • Windex
  • Clorox Wipes
  • LYSOL
  • Laptop
  • Laptop Charger
  • Phone Charger
  • Feminine Products
  • Midol
  • Ibprofen
  • Tums
  • Tooth Brush
  • Tooth Paste
  • Hair Brush
  • Flat Iron
  • Curling Wand
  • Hair Dryer
  • Hair Spray
  • Dry Shampoo
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Face Wash
  • Facial Moisturizer
  • Lotion 
  • Body Spray
  • Deodorant
  • Lufa
  • Wash Cloths
  • Makeup Remover Wipes
  • Cold Medicine
  • Vitamins
  • Q-Tips
  • Bobby pins
  • Head Bands
  • Dishes
  • Paper Plates
  • Snacks (we reach for a lot of popcorn, pretzels, oreos, ramen, and spaghetti o's)
  • Drinks (we like soda, water, and occasionally Gatorade or caprisuns)
  • Re-usuable Water Bottle
  • Dish Soap
  • Makeup
  • Makeup brushes
  • Way to store makeup ( I stack my pallets and then keep the rest of my makeup in a makeup bag and makeup brushes in a mug)
  • Chapstick
  • Mugs
  • Coffee Pot*
  • Mattress Pad
  • Mattress Cover
  • Umbrella
  • Rain Coat
  • Throw Blanket
  • Laundry Soap
  • Fabric Softener
  • Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray
  • Bleach
  • Shower Cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Lint Roller
  • Bike
  • Bike Lock
  • Personal Documents (Copies are Better)
  • Throw Blanket
  • Tooth Brush Holder
  • Portable Speaker
  • Command Strips
  • Full Length Mirror
  • Room Décor
  • TV*
  • Cube Organizer and Cubes*
  • Tool Kit
    • Hammer, Measuring Tape, Screwdrivers and Pliers are definitely essentials
  • Knife
  • White Board Calendar with Cork Board and Markers
  • Tacks
  • Hangers
  • Laundry Bag
  • Laundry Basket
  • Purse 
  • Clutch
  • Sunglasses
  • Air Freshener 
  • Ear Buds
  • Headphones
  • Hanging Jewelry Organizer
  • Necklaces
  • Bracelets
  • Rings
  • Earrings 
  • Scarves
  • Razor
  • Replacement Razor Blades
  • Contacts/Glasses 
  • Extra Sheets
  • Ziploc Bags
  • Nail polish
  • Overnight Bag
  • Undergarments (pack plenty)
  • Socks- Include long, fuzzy and regular (also, the washer  and dryers eat socks so pack plenty)
  • Garment Bag (to wash bras and nice clothes)
  • Tank Tops- Personally, I wear them all of the time so I took pretty much all of mine
  • T- Shirts (You will get a lot of free ones at school so do not take a ton)
  • Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Sports Bras
  • Pajama Pants
  • Baggy Sweat Pants
  • Leggings- Cropped and Full Length
  • Running Shorts (I live in these)
  • Spandex
  • Swimsuit
  • Hoodies and Pullovers
  • Jacket
  • Cardigans
  • Skinny and Boot cut Jeans
  • Dresses
  • Business Casual and Business Professional Clothes
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Dress Shoes
  • Flip Flops
  • Other Shoes you like
    • I personally took:
    • Rubber and Cowgirl boots (I'm an ag major)
    • Sperrys (2)
    • Dress Flats (3)
    • Bobs
    • Nice Boots (2)
    • Uggs (2)
    • Heels (2) 
    • and 3 pairs of tennis shoes (that happened over time)
  • Crock Pot*
  • Extra Phone Cases
  • Sewing Kit



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