It’s that time of year to collect the essential items for college. Find out the layout of 
the room and what items are approved by the college to bring into the dorm. Some schools allow small refrigerators, but not microwaves. It’s never too early to start shopping for the essentials. Contact your roommate ahead of time so you don’t duplicate items. If you have the space, buy in bulk when you can. Save on costs by bringing your own “munchies.”
What to Take…
- Sheets, mattress pad, towels, pillow, and comforters with under the bed storage containers
- Bathroom supplies—shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and brush, flip-flops, other personal toiletries, and cleaning supplies
- Bean bags, futons, rug, curtains, lighting and bulbs, alarm clock
- Small storage containers, bed risers, backpack, bucket, bulletin board with pins; desk items – stapler, pens, pencils, paper, binders, paper clips; message board, ruler, notebooks, trash can, binders, book ends, calculator, index cards, calendar desk lamp, folders, glue, post-its, postage stamps, rubber bands, ruler, highlighters. scissors, stapler and staples, tape, wastebasket, and white-out
- Kitchen wares, and food for “munchies”, coffee cups, travel mugs
- Laundry basket, laundry detergent, stain remover, fabric softener, Goo-Gone, rolls of quarters, sewing kit, portable vacuum, iron and board, and lint brush
- First aid kit including medical items including acne cream, antibiotic ointment. band-aids, contact lens solution, glasses, decongestants, hot/cold packs, pain relievers, prescription medicine, tums, thermometer, and vitamins
- Computer or laptop, iPad type devices, printer and paper, cables, printer ink, headphones, USB flash drives, speakers, TV, microwave, small refrigerators, batteries, iron, flashlight, dinnerware, cups, glasses and utensils, fan
- Tool kit – duct tape, flashlight, flat head screwdriver, hammer with claw, nails, Philip’s head screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters, putty knife, screws, tape measure, utility knife, poster gum
- Cell phones, phone charger, head phones and calling cards to keep in contact with friends and family
- Clothes for all seasons— if you don’t have room, switch them out over the holidays on your visits home— appropriate shoes and boots as needed.
- Important documents such as health insurance cards, driver’s license, car registration, student ID, if renting renter’s insurance, and bank information
- Family and friends contact list for emergencies
