As the school year comes to a close, one of the most exciting–and stressful–things on a graduate’s summer checklist is dorm shopping. To take the guess work out of what you may need to take with you on move-in day, here’s a list of what and what not to bring with you in August.
What to Wear
When packing up your college wardrobe, keep in mind the climate where your college is located and the activities in which you plan on participating.
- Everyday clothes and shoes for class
- A few dressier outfits for more formal affairs
- Work out clothes and shoes
- Lightweight jacket
- Heavy coat, hat, and gloves (if you’re in an area with harsher winters)
- Raingear
- Bathing Suit
- Slippers (for hanging out in the dorm)
Things for the Room
Contact your residence hall for the dimensions of your room and if there is an elevator in the building; it may be easier to handle move-in day if your belongings are packed in many small boxes rather than a few big ones. Keep in mind dorm rooms are almost always significantly smaller than your bedroom at home, AND you’ll be sharing it with another person. The more compact you’re able to make your storage and organization of your belongings, the better.
- Bed sheets (most dorms require twin extra long)
- Comforter
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Extra lighting–most dorm rooms tend to be pretty dim during evening hours. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, exposure to adequate amounts of light decreases stress levels and increases productivity.
- Clothes hangers
- Various electronics (iPod, cell phone, laptop) and their respective chargers
- Power strip
- Desk lamp
- Small refrigerator and microwave–coordinate this with your roommate. Some schools also have refrigerators available for rental.
- Compact storage units
- Posters and pictures of family and friends
Bathroom Essentials
Keep in mind that you’ll most likely be sharing a bathroom with other students on your floor.
- Bathrobe
- Shower shoes (an old pair of flip flops will suffice)
- Towels and washcloths
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Razors and shaving cream
- Shower caddy
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
Leave it at Home
As for what NOT to bring, contact your school about rules and regulations in residence halls. The most common prohibited items include:
- Halogen light bulbs
- Open heat sources such as hotplates and candles
- Pets