Moving Into A Dorm

Obtaining the proper items before you move into a dorm is necessary because finding what you need later might be difficult because other people are looking for the same thing. Try to bring everything you need so you won’t have to scramble finding certain items later.

What do you need to bring? It depends, but there are essential items that a college student must bring so they can live in a dorm.


MUST HAVE

Extra-Long Twin Linens/Blankets/Comforter/Duvet (36” x 80”)
Pillow
Towels and wash cloths
Clothing hangers
Alarm clock
Power Strip with surge protector
Ethernet Cord
Heavy gauge, UL-approved extension cord
Co-axial cable for cable TV
Laundry supplies
Laundry Bag (for dirty clothes) Small Laundry Basket (for clean clothes)
Drying rack
Toiletries
Shower caddy
Quarters (for laundry)
Desk lamp
School supplies i.e. pens, pencils, paper, etc.
Dry erase memo board with marker (for door)
Wastebasket with liners
Wall saver removable poster putty or strips/blue painter’s tape
Cleaning supplies
Hand-held or mini-vacuum
Flashlight with extra batteries
Emergency Supplies (Visit: www.redcross.org or www.cdc.gov)
Storage boxes for under the bed
Pots and pans, plastic cups, utensils, microwavable dishes, can opener, dish soap, etc. (if planning to cook)
Mini Sewing Kit
Flashlight with batteries
Folding Umbrella
Bathrobe
Vitamins
Over the counter meds- aspirin, Nyquil, allergy, etc.
Prescription Medicine- Have enough prescription medicine to last until you come home to visit


Foot Locker- Fits under the bed if space is a problem with additional lock besides the one on the locker to lock up your things

Cleaning Supplies- Get in touch with your roommate(s) to find out what you need to bring. It's pointless to take two. Find out what areas you will be responsible for cleaning. If you have a private or semi-private bathroom, for example, you may be responsible for cleaning the shower and/or toilet. Figure out who's going to buy the mop, broom, toilet-bowl brush, toilet plunger, cleaning cloths, carpet stain remover, etc.

Toilet Paper and Paper Towels- Even if your roommate says he or she is bringing twelve rolls of TP, bring some. It's very hard to buy too much of the stuff, especially if one or both of you like having other people hang out in your room often.



If possible and if it is allowed:

Mini refrigerator (sometimes this is already provided)
Small microwave



DO NOT BRING

Hot pots/plates
Outdoor grills
Landline phones or answering machines
Weights
Skateboards
Pets
Coffeepots without auto-shutoff feature
Immersion heaters
Candles/incense/oil lamps
Heat lamps/sun lamps
Halogen lamps or bulbs
Electric blankets
Electric heaters
Kerosene heaters
Picture hangers/nails/double backed stick ups
Air guns, toy guns, BB/pellet guns, paint guns or water pistols
Weapons including any knife that is not designed and typically used for kitchen applications.
Drums
Amplifier or amplified musical devices without headphones



Space in limited in a dorm room therefore purchases must be thoroughly thought out. Make sure the student is involved in purchasing the items so they can make choices of what they want in their dorm room. Having them participate gives the student practice in shopping and making purchases and will prepare them for the financial responsibilities they will need in college.

The most important and the most expensive item that has to be purchased for college is a computer. Many colleges are specifying which laptop to buy and which features, programs and accessories it should have. Check with the college and the department your child is majoring in to find out this information.

When you finally arrive at the dorm, be sure to let the student put all their things away so they will know where everything is. Parents and student should also meet all relevant personnel in the dorm (including the Security Guards) and they might want to notify them of the student’s special needs. The RA is probably the person that most students seek out if problems arise so be sure to meet and talk with the RA. Giving them your name, phone number, cell phone number, and email address might also be a good idea. If the student has a roommate it may be necessary to share information about their special needs and how to contact parents if problem arise as well.

The student should also orientate themselves where everything is in the dorm (laundry room, study lounge, game room, student lounge, RA's room, fire exits and routes, etc.). Students will also find this comforting knowing where things are located. The student should also meet with their roommate as soon as possible to discuss both their needs and general expectations of sharing a room. Writing down the rules that both have agreed to into a roommate contract and signing it will help keep problems down to a minimum. Both students will retain a copy of the signed roommate contract to refer to if needed. Be sure to give a copy of the roommate contract to the RA as well.