Since I’m going into my third year of college, I think I have this moving-in thing down. Here are my dorm essentials: 

1. Mattress Topper

Some of you might be going to schools where they invest all their endowment into nice beds, BUT if you’re like me and you want to sleep comfortably and not be reminded you’re on a college campus go ahead and get a mattress topper. You’re going to be at school for 8 months, I recommend investing into a comfortable bed. 

TIP: I always like to invest in a memory foam one and the one I have is a cooling mattress. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NCF1XC6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2. Oil Diffuser

All the rooms I have been in must have been occupied by boys before (sorry gentlemen) because all of them have had the faint smell of cheap cologne and musk. I actually have two oil diffusers and I have gotten into the habit of filling them up before I leave for class so when I come back it doesn’t smell like mold in my room. 

TIP:I get all my oils at TJMaxx or Marshalls since they are cheap

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Aromatherapy-Diffuser-Essential-Oil/dp/B07JD2GDKN/ref=asc_df_B07JD2GDKN/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309821019565&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10664381654075840224&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061285&hvtargid=pla-568864581340&psc=1

3. Pictures of home

For when you’re home sick and to make your dorm feel less like a janky room and more like home

TIP: Most places can ship them to our dorm once you upload all the pictures online. 

 

4.Baby wipes

For all the messes, spills, stains, and everything in between, baby wipes can save you. If they are gentle enough to use on a baby’s butt, they will work for anything. 

TIP: don’t do this always, but for when that lounge/bathroom is too far, you can wipe down your dirty dishes with a baby wipe. 

5. Storage Boxes 

I got mine from Ikea and they’ve come in handy for different purposes different years. My first year I used them to store my food, last year I used them to store my PJ’s and shoes. There are a lot of uses for them and they look better than keeping all the clutter tucked under your bed or on your shelves #adulting

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/16202/

6. Mugs 

Winters are harsh where I go to school and when I don’t want to dish out $4 for a coffee at the school coffee shop I opt for a tea or hot chocolate in my room. It also helps when I am out of bowls (sorry Mom).

TIP: bring all the mixes for your favorite drinks when you come to school i.e. hot chocolate, instant coffee, your favorite iced tea, etc. 

7. Snacks

Some of my favorite snacks are Hot Cheetos, granola, Fiber One bars (chocolate and oats flavor), and Oreos. It isn’t great to have junk food all around you, but you will definitely have times where you will not have time to eat, so don’t be afraid to some extra snacks laying around to supplement some meals or an in between class pick me up. 

8. First Aid Kit

I put bandaids, IBuprofen, safety pins!!!, Pepto Bismol and alcohol wipes in a first aid kit in my room. It’s saved me on occasion and makes my mom feel better. 

 

Don’t bring your entire life to school. You don’t have enough room for it. If you haven’t used it in the last 6 months you probably won’t use it for the next 6. Don’t underestimate how much making your living space can change your college experience.