When I moved into my dorm as a freshman, I had most of these things thanks to the people that helped me pack (shoutout to Mom!). However, some of my friends and classmates didn't, so I wanted to share 12 things that may not be on the top of your college packing list.
1. Extra toiletries.
I cannot stress the importance of hygiene in college. Soap, facewash, shampoo, toothpaste, razors—you’ll need these, and you don’t want to run out. Your mom was right about these—more is always better. This goes for laundry detergent, too!
2. Pain relievers.
You might not think so, but the stress of a major life change can manifest as headaches, body aches and cramps. Nix that pesky pain and bring ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve).
3. Stamps and blank cards.
Your family and friends back home might mail you care packages, and what better way to thank them than with a quick handwritten card? Pro tip: your grandma loves hearing from you, even if you’re just telling her about your favorite class. Reaching out to people back home will help you feel less alone.
4. Organizers
Under-the-bed, handheld, rolling, desktop, you name them, you’ll need them. Space in dorm rooms is so limited that you and your roommates will be thankful for any space-saving gadgets you find. Don't forget a bucket or bag for your shower things!
5. Mini toolkit
Let’s face it: over the course of a year, things in your room will break. It’s going to be easier to fix a simple loose screw if you’ve got the right screwdriver. You don’t need fifteen, just one or two that can help you in a pinch. If something major breaks, however, you’re still going to have to contact your RA.
6. Individually-portioned snacks
Want to be the most popular—and prepared—kid on your floor? Bring granola bars and individually packaged snacks like Cheez-Its and fruit snacks for those late nights studying and 8am classes. Check with your roommates to make sure nobody has food allergies.
7. Stain remover
You’re in college, you’re busy—you’ll spill. Keep a Tide pen or other quick stain remover in your room so that you don’t ruin your white button-down with a ketchup stain.
8. Cleaning supplies
You don’t need to break out the bleach here, but a few tubes of wipes will go a long way. So will a compact Swiffer dry floor mop or carpet sweeper. Pro tip: If your Swiffer pads run out, use paper towels or wipes. They clean just as well in a pinch. Don’t let that mysterious stain on your desk become another roommate, either—you have to actually use the cleaning supplies.
9. Air freshener
It tends to get funky after a while in your room, especially when you’re stressed and busy and don’t have time to clean or do laundry. Pick a nice, neutral scent that’s not too overpowering and make your room smell a little better.
10. Tupperware/food storage
Your dining hall might allow you to take tomorrow’s breakfast home with you at dinnertime. Take advantage of that by bringing some sandwich-sized Tupperware containers to keep in your room. Don’t let food sit too long, though!
11. Important documents
Applying for a campus job? You should know that most universities require two forms of ID, which you can save yourself a headache by bringing to school with you. And if you ever need to go to the doctor, it’s a good idea to have your medical records handy as well.
12. Memories from home
Sometimes the only thing that can cure homesickness is a phone call to your loved ones. Keep them in mind as you start this new chapter of your life, and don’t forget to have fun!
