Dorm life is one of the most unrealistic phases of a person’s life. Being forced to live with (probably) a complete stranger in a room that is (also probably) smaller than your bedroom at home surrounded by hundreds of other people in the exact same situation is quite the experience. Knowing what you will need vs what can stay behind can be a stressful process. While everyone’s needs and preferences may vary, here are some basic (and personal) do’s and don’ts on what to pack for your time in a dorm.
The Do's:![]()
A mini fridge
Believe me, you’re going to want to take the leftovers from the restaurant your aunt and uncle treated you to for their past visit. And you’re going to need somewhere to put it. The fridge does not need to be huge. Remember, you still have a meal plan.
Some pictures
Whether it’s your family, friends, or pet, having a couple of pictures can make the home sickness more tolerable.
Extension chord
The amount of things you will need to plug in compared to how many places you can plug them in can become quite the obstacle. An extension chord can make this aspect much simpler.
Pepto-Bismol/ Tums
I’d say this one is pretty self-explanatory.
Command Hooks
Since you most likely can’t nail anything to the wall, command hooks are a great way to decorate how you want, or hang some clothes.
A velcro towel or bathrobe
If you unfortunately live at the way end of the hall (like yours truly), you may have quite the trek from the communal bathrooms to your room. A wrapping a towel around you is doable, but having something secure ensuring there won’t be any slips was preferable.
(A decent) Mattress pad
That brick they give you to sleep on? Yeah, ain’t gonna cut it — unless you enjoy waking up with back pain. But it doesn’t have to be a $300 memory foam mattress either.
Laundry Pods
As gross as it sounds, laundry becomes a bit of an afterthought in dorm life. I guarantee you will not have time to sort out your lights and darks. You also may have to fight off anyone else trying to do laundry on the same day. Laundry Pods as opposed to liquid detergent makes the process a bit less painful.
Lint Brush
Simplest way to avoid looking like a mess — trust.
Study pillow
You probably won’t be using it to study in bed but Netflix + study pillow = best way to relax.
The Don'ts:![]()
Your entire wardrobe
That blouse you forgot about and haven’t touched since 8th grade? Leave it. You may think you’ll start to wear everything you own again, but you won’t. It just adds to the packing and unpacking load. And in terms of t-shirts? Go light on those too — you will have so many opportunities for free t-shirts.
A printer
If you happen to have one, great, but do not go out of your way to buy one. They’re expensive, unnecessary, and take up much of your limited space. But if you do happen to bring one, keep it on the D.L. — word will get around quick.
Every picture you’ve ever taken
It’s so unnecessary. I understand pictures are super important but too many can be overwhelming.
An alarm clock
Your phone will do. Leave it behind and your roommates will thank you.
The entire snack section of Costco
Definitely have snacks in your room. But don’t go overboard. It’s easy to just munch on food when it’s there, and it’s probably not going to be carrots or celery sticks.
A separate laundry bin
Again, laundry probably won’t be a priority. A basket will do. I, personally, had a laundry bin that I kept at the top of my dresser and would throw my dirty clothes in it. When it was full, I’d simply grab the bin and wash my clothes.
A super fancy coffee maker
The leftover Keurig in your basement will do just fine.
Every stuffed animal you own
This is harder for some than others. Pick two or three of your favorites and get goin’.
A clothing iron
Just keep your clothes hung up and you should be all right. You’re not going to find the time to always look your 100% best. If you really need to press a shirt before a job interview or something, your dorm’s laundry room probably has you covered.
Whether you’re already settled in or are getting those last minute supplies together, I hope this helped to lighten your load the slightest bit!
