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So what do students actually need to bring to college? Absolute essentials on one student's list may be useless junk to another student. Although there are some universal essentials for every new college student moving to a dorm, students should remember to consider the big picture before packing for college. What items does the college already provide for students? Most dorm rooms are equipped with a desk, chair, lamp, dresser, waste basket, and bed for each student. What is the weather like near the college? If you are accustomed to temperate Midwestern weather and you are moving to a college in New York, you may want to consider stocking up on warm clothing items. Where is the college? If you are moving to a college in a metropolitan area, you may want to consider not bringing a vehicle, even if you are allowed to have one. How big is your dorm? How big is the closet? What items does the college restrict students from bringing? Are you going to have a roommate and, if so, what is your roommate bringing? Compare lists to prevent showing up on move in day with two refrigerators.
From personal experience of residing in a college dorm, I would advise students to definitely bring extra lighting utilities, such as lamps. College dorms are notorious for the poor lighting that makes it very difficult to finish reading War and Peace at 2 a.m. Also, most dorm rooms are not very roomy, so students should learn to think vertically. Instead of buying a typical laundry basket, buy a tall, free-standing laundry basket. Instead of trying to fit everything on your desk, buy a collapsible, free-standing shelf rack. Grace Chapin, a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago, notes that one item she brought that she did not need was a printer. Chapin says "printing [if you use campus printers] is a lot easier and you don't have to deal with buying ink or paper."
In addition, shopping early is generally a good idea, to prevent any last minute issues and to get the packing out of the way so you can focus on what you'll be studying in college rather than what your dorm room will look like. However, students do not need to agonize over their college list - unless you are going to a college in the middle of nowhere, you will be able to buy any small forgotten items once you arrive at the college.
Dorm Room Essentials
Collapsible, free-standing shelf rack
Plastic drawers or storage containers for the storage of extra food, clothes, etc.
Alarm clock
Gummy tack for hanging up posters and pictures
Hangers, lots of them
Computer
Under-the-bed storage boxes
White board and pens
Mini vacuum
Small tool kit
Extra adhesive-backed hooks
Calendar, PDA or day planner
Large trash bags
Duct tape
Power strip and extension cord
Lamps (desk and bedside)
Telephone
Bedding
Mattress pad/foam (egg crate)
Extra-long twin sheets (two sets)
Pillows, pillowcases
Blanket or comforter
Chair cushion
Reading pillow for your bed
Shower caddy (big enough to hold everything)
Shower shoes/flip-flops
At least two sets of towels (and a beach towel)
Washcloths
Robe or cover-up for trips to and from the shower
Body wash or bar soap and a soap holder
Favorite shampoo, conditioner, etc. and the usual supplies for keeping oneself clean and smelling nice
Glasses/contacts repair kit and cleaning supplies
Small mirror
Tissues
Small iron
First-aid kit containing reliable cold and headache remedies, bandages, medications and prescriptions, antibiotic creams, cough drops, etc.
Sewing kit
Health insurance card
Food prep and snacks
A hot water pot (for tea, instant soup or cereal, cocoa, etc.)
Basic utensils
Microwave/fridge (usually available for rent, sometimes provided)
Paper goods
Dish soap
Easy-to-store snacks and airtight containers
Storage bags
A large free-standing laundry bag
A wall-hanging shoe organizer for your closet, if necessary
Lint roller
Detergent (familiar brand)
Stain remover
Deodorizer (Febreeze, etc.)
Quarters (unless machines operate with a pre-paid card)
Pictures (family, friends, pets)
Posters
Favorite DVDs and music
Blank CDs
Thumb drive
Stuffed animal or favorite memento
Costume or fun accessories for dress-up events
At least one nice outfit (tux or dress, etc.)
Envelopes, thank you cards, note cards and stamps
Favorite games
Headphones and speakers for computer/iPod
Earplugs
Sources:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/07/12/HOGUTJQS7M1.DTL&type=printable
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