Going away to college is a big deal, especially if you are set to live in a dorm with other roommates. Having the right supplies on hand can be the key to comfortable living in a college setting; otherwise, you may end up wandering around town in the wee hours of the night searching for supplies. Preparedness is a valuable trait to have, even in a relatively comfortable urban setting like a college or university dorm.

Some supplies include the necessities for daily living, while others can be appliances simply designed to make your life just a little more comfortable. Even veteran dorm residents who live on the rigorous path to graduation need to take a little time to replenish supplies, just like a freshman would. Whether shopping at a convenience store, or grabbing some long-term supplies at a home or hardware store, be sure to pack the essentials.

Personal Care & Hygiene

Making sure you don’t smell bad might be an afterthought when you’re working late nights with projects and midterms. It goes without saying that personal hygiene should be a part of someone mature enough to make into college in the first place, so stock up on the ones that you think feel and smell best.

Remember the usual items one would typically bring around during long outings, especially to a college dorm:

• Soap, shampoo and conditioner will be your best friends in the shower.

• Dental hygiene items, like your toothpaste, toothbrush and floss, are also essential items in a general hygiene kit.

• Razors and shaving cream should also be brought along, unless you plan to grow a beard in college to flaunt your masculinity with.

• A good deodorant or cologne may be a go-to when you don’t have time to bathe after a long night of projects, or partying.

• Feminine products, like makeup, cosmetics and tampons are also essentials for the female dorm resident.

If you have any medication that you can’t live without, then don’t forget to pack that in too.
Keep some cough drops, aspirin or other off-the-shelf treatments for common illnesses handy in your supply pack, too. You don’t want to end up sick when you have projects to hand in.

Gadgets & Appliances

In an increasingly technologically-dependent world, you may need more than a simple desk lamp to get by in college. Many campuses, students and faculty constantly depend on electronic means of distributing school materials and resources with today. Communication between your peers can also be made easier with a few gadgets, but don’t forget other appliances that a college dorm lifestyle may require on occasion.

• Think about the things you have in your kitchen at home, and which particular appliances you may use the most to cook your meals with. A toaster, coffee pot, microwave oven, and even a fridge may not be part of a college dorm.

• Gadgets like a cell phone, smart phone or laptop may make communication between your peers and faculty easier, especially if you miss out on homework or projects.

• A few appliances may also help your study sessions a little more bearable; look into a desk lamp, fan or an alarm clock if you have a hard time waking up for class.

• A stereo system, radio, television or video game device can also help you have fun when you get a break from school work.

• Extension cords, power strips and surge protectors can also be brought along if your college dorm regulations allow for such supplies.

School Supplies

Don’t think you’ve left a schoolbag behind when you left high school; you will still need to bring around textbooks and supplies around when around the campus.

• A sturdy and spacious bag should fit everything you need for a busy day around campus, plus a bit more. It should also be comfortable to wear.

• Pens, pencils, erasers and other writing materials should be stockpiled whenever possible.

• Stationery like papers and notebooks are also standards for school-related activities.

• A scientific calculator may also be required, on top of expensive textbooks.

• Other materials, like art supplies, computer programs and other specialized equipment may be needed depending on your college course.

Laundry & Bedding

Sometimes, a college dorm may end up having less-than-acceptable standards when it comes to laundry and bedding. Nobody wants to sleep on a damp and smelly mattress, even after a wild college frat party, and it’s usually up to you to make sure this never happens. Part of a college dorm supply kit may include the following:

• You can never have too many towels, especially on an outing as long as a stay in college. Hand towels, bath towels, or just something to wipe the sweat off your brow can come in handy.

• Bring a set of comfortable, well-fitting clothes along with you.

• Bedsheets, blankets and pillowcases may need to be brought in later, if you realize that your current college-issued bedding is unworkable.

• Storing away and transporting your laundry should also be easy to do, especially in a busy college lifestyle. A collapsible laundry hamper, or a bag, can make transporting your laundry to a laundromat much easier.

• If you have to bring your own, pack some laundry detergent and soap as part of your college dorm supply kit to clean your dirty clothes and bedding with.