There are a million college packing lists out there, but some things get left off of almost all the best lists. As my freshman year comes to an end, I wanted to spread the wisdom I have acquired and share some of the items that I have used and valued the most while living in a dorm.
1. Rolling Laundry Hamper
I got this from Walmart, and I wouldn't have survived without it. If you're like me and let the laundry pile up before you wash anything, this will save you from hauling a huge laundry hamper to the laundry room which, chances are, will not be too close to your room.
2. Shout Advanced Action Cleaning Gel
I promise you, at some point or another when you order pizza at 2 AM after a night out, you will get a grease stain on your favorite party dress. This is the only stuff I've found that actually gets these impossible stains out.
3. Headphones
You can never have too many pairs of these in college. I keep a pair in my room, in my book bag and in my gym bag because you never want to be without them when you need them most.
4. Printer
There will be plenty of people that tell you that you don't need a printer for your room. It won't take you very long to realize that you hate going to wherever it is that you have to go to print off the paper you forgot about in the 5 minutes you have before your class, just to find out that the printer is out of ink or broken. Despite what most people think, a lot of college professors will want hard copies of assignments and having your own printer is always the safest option. I have the Epson Small-In-One Printer and I have found that it's the perfect size and does everything I need it to.
5. Brita Water Bottle
The easiest way to get the best-tasting water in a dorm room is with one of these bottles. It's got a filter built right into it, so all you have to do in fill it with tap water and you'll have fresh, filtered water instantly.
6. Duster
Dorm rooms are some of the dustiest places on Earth. You will appreciate having one of these.
7. Umbrella
You may not think you need an umbrella, and that a raincoat will suffice. You also have never walked 10 minutes to class in the pouring rain before. Just believe me when I say you won't be sorry you have this one.
8. Phone Case with Card Holder
This is by far the easiest way to keep up with your IDs and keycards that you have to have in college. As long as you have your phone, you'll have your cards, and you won't have to worry about locking yourself out of your building or not being able to get lunch on campus.
