First-Year College Students' Checklist

Alarm Clocks, Shower Sandals, and Other Supplies to Pack for Dorms

Jun 19, 2009

In addition to the common supplies like bed sheets, there are several other necessary items that freshmen students need. This article lists some of these important items.

Toothbrushes, pillows, and dishes are just a few of the common supplies that first-year college students pack to live in their dorm rooms. In addition to these fundamental items, there are several other important supplies that are often overlooked when students pack. These items are listed below.

A grammar handbook is a great academic resource for students looking for quick grammar and spelling guidance. This reference is especially helpful during first-year composition courses. Additionally, notes from high school classes can become useful study aids for students looking for homework help, and high school textbooks can become valuable resources for students who are looking for a quick review of a particular subject.

A reliable battery-operated alarm clock is a crucial item for students who have early morning classes. Electric alarm clocks are good, too, as long as there isn’t a chance for a power outage. To sleep well, an eye mask and a pair of earplugs are handy if a student has a roommate with a very different sleep schedule. Blocking out light and noise might help a student sleep better.

College Laundry Basics

A constant supply of quarters is necessary for washing and drying clothes in the dorm's laundry facility. A student should always have a supply of quarters in case of last-minute laundry emergencies. Sometimes, however, a student simply doesn’t have time for doing laundry. In this case, a fabric refresher is useful when trying to eliminate odor.

Essential Washroom and Shower Items

A pair of inexpensive plastic sandals is a must for all college students using communal washrooms and showers. Shower sandals ward off bacteria that are often found on the floors of showers. In addition to sandals, a shower caddy is a valuable tool for transporting shower items, like soap and shampoo.

Gear for Walking around Campus

For walking around campus, an umbrella is an important item for students who have to travel outside for classes. And, for students who spend long periods of time away from their dorm rooms attending classes, a reusable water bottle is a must. This is especially important if a student’s classes aren’t near stores or campus cafes.

First-Aid Materials for Dorms

For dorm safety, a first-aid kit is an important item for all college students. Whether a student gets a paper cut, a bad headache, or even an insect bite, a first-aid kit can offer immediate relief. If a first-aid kit isn’t available, then band-aids and an antiseptic solution are a necessity.

Dorm Room Supplies

For students who don’t have air conditioning, a portable fan is a necessary item during warm weather. Fans with clips are ideal for the sides of lofted dorm beds. Also, some dorm rooms have limited lighting; therefore, a small desk lamp is often useful, and a flashlight is a necessary item if a student doesn't want to turn on the lights and wake up his or her roommate.

The previous list offers suggestions for additional items that college students can pack for dorm living. While these items are often not included in traditional dorm checklists, they are often very useful for students. Supplies, like fans and first-aid kits, will better prepare college students for dorm life.

The copyright of the article First-Year College Students' Checklist in Campus Life is owned by Anna Kendall. Permission to republish First-Year College Students' Checklist in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.