Packing for College: 10 Essentials Most People Forget

By Miranda Darling

Getting ready to pack for your first year of college? Or maybe this isn’t your first time but you need a refresher? Living in a college dorm or apartment is much different than living at home in many ways, so don’t forget these essentials that make the difference in making your life a whole lot easier.

1. Proper Lighting

Most students think all they need is a desk lamp for their new dorm, but a lot of colleges only provide lighting in the bathrooms and hallways. And even if your college does provide lighting, it is usually very bright, florescent lighting that isn’t very homey. Invest in a floor lamp or two that you can reuse each year.

2.  Cleaning Products

Your college dorm is where you will eat, sleep, study, hang out, shower, and more–it will get dirty! But since it’s such a small space you can’t exactly bring a full-sized mop and vacuum. Your cleaning supplies should include: a ton of Clorox wipes, a small broom and dust pan, paper towels, a duster, and a Swiffer sweeper. If your dorm is carpeted, bring a small handheld vacuum in lieu of trying to use a full-size one.

3. Seat Cushion

Most colleges provide a wooden desk chair that is ridiculously uncomfortable. You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting at the desk, studying and on your computer. Having a comfortable study spot is important and a seat cushion will help.

4. Shower Hanging Storage

A shower caddy isn’t enough when storing your shower products. You’ll want a place to store them while you’re actually washing off, so having a hanging storage caddy is the obvious solution. Trust me, having somewhere to put your products while showering will make the process that much easier.

5. First Aid Supplies

You just never know. Having easy access to first aid is important. Don’t forget band-aids!

6. Favorite Snacks

Even if you have a meal plan, having snacks in your dorm is vital. The dining hall may only be open during certain hours, and it can sometimes be a pain to go down there just to grab a quick bite. Make sure you have some late-night snacks to hold you over and for those times when you just don’t feel like making the trek all the way to the dining area.

7. Disposable Silverware

Trust me on this one. There will be a time when you need silverware in your dorm. And it’s much easier to have disposable silverware so you don’t have to worry about washing/storing them.

8. Plastic/Paper Bags

Plastic or paper bags are probably the most forgotten-about essential! They are useful for so many things, like small trash can liners, storing things, collecting clothes or other items. Plus you can easily store multiple bags inside another bag, so they don’t take up to too much space.

You never know when you’re going to need one, but I promise when you do, you’ll be glad you had one!

9. Earplugs

No one really knows how well they can fall asleep with noise around them when away from home, and I promise you will be falling asleep to noise almost every day. Earplugs will make sure you can get your needed sleep at any time of the day!

10. A Fan

Some people rely on fans to sleep, other people just like a cool breeze to cool down the room. Whatever the case may be, having a fan can serve a lot of purposes. You’ll probably want a large fan and also a small personal fan that you can use near your bed or desk. 

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