College Dorm Essentials

For the first time student off to college this fall, having a list of college dorm essentials while packing will make the adjustment to the new room easier. Dorm must haves are some times forgotten when packing and have to be purchased at more expensive stores around campus. To build a personal dorm must haves list, the college student should think through a typical school day and consider items they use from the time they get up, until they crash at night. Having college dorm essential items on hand on day one can be the difference in a happy first day away or a stressful one.

Here are a few things to consider adding to the dorm must haves list:

College Dorm Essentials for the Bathroom
Transitioning away from mom's supply cabinet means the college student must have their own bathroom and medicine cabinet supplies. When packing the shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste don't forget the small items like dental floss and razors. Two other dorm must haves are a first aid kit and a thermometer.

College Dorm Essentials for the Bedroom
College dorms are typically not very spacious so organization will be critical. Among dorm must haves should be storage containers which will fit underneath the bed, clothes hangers, a small trashcan, and the student's favorite pillow so sleeping in a strange bed is less restless. Other dorm essentials for the bedroom may include a wall calendar, a small white board for messages, and a dorm sized fridge if not provided by the school.

College Dorm Essentials for the Desk and Study Area
Students today consider computers on the must have list and many colleges provide specific requirements which must be met. Adding to the computer, students should consider dorm must haves like extra ink cartridges, a ream of paper for the printer, back up software. If the computer has not yet been purchased, consider purchasing from a store which provides tech support in the college area. Other items for the desk area on the must have list include office supplies, extra pens and pencils, a desk lamp, and flash drives for use in transferring data to other computers.

College Essentials for the Automobile
If the college student will have a vehicle on campus and driving home occasionally, a college essentials list should be made for the vehicle also. Standard items such as jumper cables, spare tire, tool iron and jack should already be a part of the vehicle gear. Before packing in all other dorm must haves, these items should be removed and checked to insure they are in good condition. Also on the college essential list for the automobile is a map, a flashlight, a charger for the cell phone, the insurance card, and an emergency contact card. Now is a good time for a quick reminder of the basic maintenance the college student should do to keep the vehicle in good operating condition.

Moving away to college for the first time can be a stressful situation for both student and parent. Making the dorm must have list ahead of time helps to be sure all the college essentials are on hand before the big move day arrives.