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Student Life

A College Student's Guide to Moving In

Make moving in a breeze.

Kaytelyn Naglich

Jul 28, 2017

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

U.S. News

Well, it is almost that time again. Most colleges and universities will be starting their Fall semester within this next month, and now, all of the resident college students have to begin packing their stuff to take back to their dorms.

This can be a major hassle for college students. For returning students, many of us dread moving in, knowing what to expect; whereas, incoming freshmen are coming in blind. Many students are so worried about not having enough stuff that they overpack. This may not sound like a bad thing in the long run, but it does not take much for a college dorm to become cluttered. Additionally, when you overpack in the beginning of the year, it makes things significantly more exhausting when you have to leave, especially at the end of finals week.

I have done this for three years, and overtime, I learned what was most important to bring with me and what I could leave behind. I want to help other people who are dealing with this same situation. I have compiled a list of the most important things to bring for your college living space. Now, there are a large variety of dorm styles, but in the last few years, suite-style dorms have become the norm on most college campuses, so I am writing this list to meet the needs of those who have their own bathrooms, rather than communal washrooms. However, a majority of this list still applies to traditional dorming residents. Also, consider talking to your roommates/suitemates. They may have some appliances (microwave, game system, etc.) that you can share.

Bed:

Sheets and comforter set (remember most schools have twin XL beds)
Pillows
Blankets
Mattress Pad (not necessary, but can provide extra comfort)

Bathroom:

Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Floss
Hairbrush/Comb
Deodorant
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Wash
Feminine Products
Hair Straightener/Curling Iron
Make-Up
Face Cleanser
Glasses/Contacts/Contact Solution
Razor/Shaving Cream
Lotion
Hand Soap/Hand Sanitizer
Robe
Towels
Washcloths
Toilet Paper
Medicine

Laundry

Clothes (at least two weeks worth)
Hamper
Laundry Detergent
Fabric Softener (optional)
Dryer Sheets
Lint Roller (optional)
Hangers
Winter Clothes and Accessories (heavy jacket, hats, boots, etc.)
Quarters (for the washer/dryer)

Electronics/Appliances

Cell Phone/Charger
Laptop
Headphones
USB Drive
Television (optional)
Game System (optional)
Mini Fridge
Microwave
Printer (optional)
Extension Cords

School Stuff

Textbooks
Notebooks
Binders
Backpack/Bag
Pencils/Pens
Index Cards
Highlighters
Calculator
Planner/Calendar
Post-It Notes
Stapler
3 Hole Punch
Trash Can

Kitchen/Eating

Microwaveable Bowls and Plates (optional)
Can Opener (optional)
Plasticware (do not have to wash)
Coffee Machine (optional)
Cups/Mugs (optional)
Filtered Pitcher (optional)
Water Bottles/Bottled Drinks
Protein Bars/Granola Bars
Popcorn
Ramen

Cleaning Supplies (not required, but can be extremely helpful)

Broom and Dust Pan
Small Vacuum Cleaner
Windex
Paper Towels
Lysol/Clorox Wipes
Dish Detergent
Sponge
Toilet Brush/Toilet Cleaner

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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