Preparing for college is a lot of things that seem to happen all at once. Suddenly you’re thrust into a completely unfamiliar situation and environment—namely dorm life. But what should you actually bring with you? You find tons of lists online, get ideas from friends, and suggestions from your family all telling you what you should bring and will need. But looking at those lists they always seem to be so long, overwhelming, and most of all, pricey. How much of those things do you really need? How much of the stuff will you actually use? And most importantly, how much will you actually have room for? As someone who has spent the past three years in a dorm room, I have learned what you might actually need and want, how much you actually have room for, and things that you never actually use.

So here we go, everything you definitely need to have, why you need it, as well as secondary options that are nice to have around if you so choose (denoted with asterisks).

1. Bedding

• Comforter or quilt
• Set of sheets- I recommend at least two sets, that way you can switch them out as you need. Also, keep in mind that all mattresses at Oglethorpe are twins and NOT twin XL. You’ll only need twin XL sheets if you requested a twin XL mattress.
• Mattress cover- Just for an extra layer of protection between you and the mattress.
• Mattress pad*- This isn’t a mandatory item, but depending on how comfortable your bed is on its own, you may want one.
• Pillows- Two is pretty much the norm, but bring as many as you like and think can fit.
• Pillowcases
• Blanket- You can keep it on your bed or somewhere easy to access just in case you get cold.
• Bed risers*- Most beds at Oglethorpe are adjustable, so you can make them whatever height you want. But if you want something higher than what your specific bed frame is made for, I would invest in a set of these. You can even get sets that have outlets in them!
• Lounger pillow*- If you enjoy sitting up and reading or doing homework in bed, I would suggest this. Otherwise, it’s not worth the space it will take up.
• Body pillow*

2. Décor and Other Options for Your Bedroom

• Décor- None of the items below are required, but who really wants to live in a beige room for the school year? I tend to do a ton of decorating and really make my room my own. Below are things I decorate with the most. Also, remember, you can’t nail or screw anything into the walls of your room. Command strips, poster putty, and thumbtacks are all hanging options though.
  • Posters*
  • Canvases*
  • Framed pictures*
  • String lights*
  • Wall stickers*
  • Tapestries*
  • Lanterns*
  • Cork board*- I use mine to display souvenirs- postcards, notes, tickets, etc.
• Other Options
  • Rug*
  • Floor lamp*
  • Fan- This is an essential, especially if you are hot-natured or get hot easily. Never underestimate the power of a small fan—tower or desk version.
  • Curtains or blackout curtains*
  • Trash can
  • Hangers

3. Desk and School Supplies

• Pens
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Post-Its and/or flags
• Binders or notebooks for each class
• Notebook paper
• Backpack or satchel
• Desk or dry-erase calendar- Give yourself a visual of your must-do tasks for the month
• Planner- If you bring nothing else to college with you, bring a planner. You’ve got a lot to keep up with—homework, papers, dates, dinners, appointments, etc. Do yourself a favor and make sure you stay on top of things.
• Drawer organizers*- I love mine; it keeps my desk drawer from being a never-ending, unorganized conglomeration of office supplies.
• Printer*- There is free printing in the Oglethorpe library, so a printer isn’t required. If you would rather have one available without having to walk to the library, go for it. Otherwise, no need. If you do decide to bring your own, don’t forget paper and ink!
• Desk lamp or clip lamp*- I have both but hardly use them, as I don’t often do homework at my desk. Know yourself and your study habits to know where you get work done before you buy.

4. Bathroom

• Shower curtain- Since all freshmen will have at least one roommate; there is no reason for everyone in a room to buy a shower curtain. Discuss with your roommates who will get what. Somebody can get the shower curtain, someone the liner and rings, and somebody else the bath mat. In terms of where to find some of the best shower curtains, Target always has tons of reasonable options.
• Shower liner
• Rings for shower curtain
• Bath mat
• Towels- Having three to four towels is ideal. It allows you to not worry about not having a towel if one or two are in the wash
• Washcloths- These seem to be what I have the most of for no apparent reason. You really only need about a dozen washcloths that you can use to dry hands, in the shower, or to clean up spills.
• Trash can
• Over-the-door rack for towels*- All dorms do have hooks or bars for you to hang your towels, but if you want more places so that you can have more than one towel or a towel and robe in the bathroom, it’s a great option.
• Scale*
• Robe*

5. Toiletries

• Think about what your normal routine is. What do you use when you are getting ready in the morning? What about before you go to bed? Those are the items you should bring with you.
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hair brush or comb
  • Body wash/soap
  • Face wash
  • Deodorant
  • Loofah or sponge
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Makeup
  • Perfume or cologne
  • Lotion
  • Hair elastics

6. Cooking and For the Kitchen

• Coffee cups- If you enjoy coffee (or any other hot beverages), it’s a must; if not, don’t worry about it.
• Set of cups- You only need a few and I recommend plastic so that you don’t have to worry about breaking them.
• Water bottle
• Silverware- You don’t need a giant set, but if you know you’ll be eating such college staples as ramen and instant mac’n’cheese, you’ll need utensils to do so.
• Plates- You will only need a set of about four.
• Bowls- Again, you only need about a set of four.
• Plastic Tupperware- it’s the easiest thing to make ramen in the microwave in, plus if you bring back leftovers from home, you will need something to store them in.
• Can opener
• Tumbler*- Personally I am a huge fan of Tervis tumblers and have a few on campus with me at all times
• Bag clips*- If you know you are going to have a bag of chips or other food item that needs to be resealed, you will want some of these around. These from IKEA are my favorite.

7. Laundry

• Hamper- Personally, I recommend bringing two, one for dirty and one for clean. Also, the tall plastic ones are the best, you can even get one with wheels to make taking your clothes to the laundry room that much quicker.
• Detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Fabric softener and/or bleach*- Only bring these if you use them when you wash your clothes
• Mini steamer*- Definitely not required, but it nixes ironing. Plus if you know you have to dress up, don’t have to worry about a wrinkled appearance.

8. Electronics

• Power strip
• Laptop and charger
• Headphones
• Cell phone charger- Bring a spare one in case the unthinkable happens—one breaks.
• Ethernet cable- This will increase your web surfing speeds and have your back if the Wi-Fi glitches.
• Portable charger or charging case for your phone*
• Speaker*
• Wireless mouse*- Not a requirement but makes doing homework and presentations that require a lot of clicking to make a lot easier.
• Extension cord*- Wait and see if it makes sense to have one after move-in

9. Appliances

• These are by far the priciest items you would need or want to purchase for college. The return investment is worth it though. These items will last you all four years, and even beyond if you need. That being said, keep in mind you may not need to by all of them your first year. As all freshmen will be living with one or three roommates, there is no need to have four of the same appliance, assuming you are okay with sharing. Coordinate with your roommates beforehand and decide what is most advantageous for you to purchase.
  • Mini fridge- I prefer one’s that have a separate freezer, but the cube one’s work just as well.
  • Microwave- have to make ramen somehow
  • Keurig or just a good, old-fashioned coffee maker- For my fellow coffee and hot tea lovers out there
  • Television*- 32-inch is a perfect size, not too big or too small. You don't need a TV and you and all of your roommates definitely don't all have to get one. Keep in mind there is no cable in dorm rooms at Oglethorpe, only in floor common rooms and the Turner Lynch Campus Center. Due to this, a television isn't a must, but a nice commodity to have for larger screen streaming purposes.

10. Cleaning Supplies

• Trash bags
• Disinfectant wipes
• Broom and dustpan*- Best if your dorm is hardwood or tile flooring
• Swiffer floor mop*- Best if your dorm is hardwood or tile flooring
• Small vacuum*- Best if your dorm is carpeted

11. Miscellaneous Helpful Items

• Umbrella and rain boots (or waterproof shoes) - You’ve got to make it to class somehow even when it’s raining.
• Batteries- Never know when a remote could die.
• Flashlight
• Sewing kit
• Small tool kit
• Medicine Box- This is one of the best items my mom put together with me. It is a box with basic medicines you would need if you were to get sick while at college. Mine includes things like Advil, cough drops, allergy medicine, instant cold packs, and Band-Aids. You can make your own based on what you would need most or what works best for you.
• Costco Membership- There is a Costco right next door to Oglethorpe in Town Brookhaven. It is the cheapest place to toilet paper, snacks, and to get gas near campus (if you have a car). You can get a membership for only $55.
• Amazon Prime membership- Free, two-day shipping. What more could you ask for? With your ‘.edu’ email address you get a student discount rate for the membership. Additionally, you also receive a free six month trial. As long as you have an active ‘.edu’ email address, the yearly membership price is only $49. The membership includes free, two-day shipping on eligible items, Amazon Prime streaming access, and tons of discounts. Sign up here.
• Netflix, Hulu or other streaming services