When you first move into a dorm, you most likely look at a bunch of lists online and from your school for what you need to bring and what you shouldn't. This is a list of all the things that have been incredibly necessary and used/ needed throughout my first year in a dorm!
1. Mini Fridge
You're probably going to want have cold drinks and maybe a Brita so a minifridge is definitely a necessity.
2. Microwave
Similar to the fridge, you probably will have mac & cheese or popcorn that you'll want to make, or even heat up leftovers!
3. Snacks
You are most likely not going to want to walk to the dining hall or cafeteria every time you're hungry. Bringing some of your favorite snacks is way easier, but you don't have to bring a ton.
4. Pictures
Putting pictures up in your room is a great way to remind you of home and to make your feel feel a little more cozy.
5. Decor
Tapestries, banners, and lights are all fun ways to decorate your room. I wouldn't go overboard though because too much could make your room feel small and overcrowded.
6. Flowers or Plants
Plants or flowers can make you feel really good and it can make your room feel very fresh. Make sure to water them though, otherwise the fresh feeling will be very short lived.
7. Shower Shoes
College showers are used by 20 ish girls/guys, and although they get washed every day, you never know what could be on the shower floor. Crocs are really good because they dry really fast, or you could buy super cheap flip flops.
8. Breakfast Foods
I don't know about you, but getting up early in the morning to go get breakfast does not sound fun. Having breakfast in your room is easy and probably less expensive!
9. Keurig
Going along with breakfast, a keurig does wonders for when you need an extra boost of caffeine in the morning or if you want to make hot chocolate at night while watching some Netflix.
10. STURDY Laundry Basket
Having a laundry basket is great, but make sure to get a good one because if you get a cheap one, the handles will break and it will be hard to carry it to the laundry room (I learned that the hard way).
11. Cleaning Supplies
It is inevitable that you're going to spill some food on the floor or on your bed or your desk etc. Clorox wipes do WONDERS. Plus, it's always good to wipe down handles and knobs occasionally when you or a roommate is sick.
12. Power Strip
There most likely will be a limited amount of plugs in your dorm, and with your fridge and microwave and all your chargers and lights, you will probably need some extra plug ins.
13. Trash Bags
When I got to college, I was unaware that i had to buy my own trash bags, so this definitely would have been helpful for me.
14. A Few Dishes
Dishes are nice sometimes, but you know you probably won't want to wash a whole load of dishes in the bathroom, so I would suggest only bringing a couple of supplies.
15. Fan
This is easily one of the best inventions ever. You most likely won't have air conditioning (or at least good air conditioning) and in those beginning months a fan right by your face at night is life-changing.
I use every single one of these things or appreciate them on a daily basis. There are probably other things that I didn't mention or things you disagree with, but overall these have been incredibly handy!
