Helpful Guide On What to Bring To College

It’s arrived - it’s finally move-in day! Whether you’re a freshman or an upperclassman, moving back to college is an exciting time. 

For parents and college students alike, the transition to college living is a thrilling - yet equally stressful - one. 

Whether you’ll be living in an apartment or in a dorm, knowing what to bring with you when you move to campus is essential. You won’t have much space, so it’s essential that you learn a few tips to prioritize what you need to bring.

To make the process a bit easier to navigate, we’ve come up with a list of the essential items you need to bring to campus.

Here are some tips on what you should bring to college on move-in day. Some of these items might surprise you!

Computer Gear

It may surprise you to see computer gear listed first and foremost on our round-up of all the essential gear you need to bring with you on move-in day, but really, these items are essential in this day and age. You can’t do well in your classes if you don’t have the right gear to back you up! 

At the very least, you’re going to need a high-quality laptop. The laptop you choose will likely vary depending on what your major is (if you’re majoring in anything related to computer science, for example, you’re going to need a computer with a much faster processor and way more bells and whistles than if you’re a humanities major).

There are plenty of budget picks you can choose from, unless you want to prioritize a computer that will have the software and other tools you need to do lots of video or graphics-heavy work. If you think a display will help you get the job done easier, you may want to choose an external monitor that will help you multitask while you’re hard at work. 

Some other computer gear to consider? A laptop bag is handy, as is a wireless mouse (if you’re a gamer, this might be an absolute no-brainer). You might want to get a mouse pad or a portable hard drive as well.

What about a printer, you might ask? This one is up to you.

If you live right on campus, in the dorms, a printer might not be necessary. There is likely a computer lab somewhere nearby, and often, students are allotted a certain number of free pages when it comes to printing. However, if you live off campus, having your own printer can be super handy so you don’t have to drive into campus every time you need to shoot off a few pages.

Bedding

You can’t do well on your tests and homework assignments without getting a good night’s sleep - and you can’t get a good night’s sleep if you don’t have the right bedding.

Trying to narrow down your options? To start with, you’re going to want some basic bedding, like a set with sheets, a comforter, and some pillowcases. Most dorms have beds that are Twin XL, so make sure you get sheets that are this size (and not anything else) so you can make sure your new bed set fits appropriately.

You’ll also need a set of pillows. If you have a favorite set from home, feel free to bring those - but make sure the new pillowcases you purchase will fit.

If you tend to run cold, you might want to invest in a few good throw blankets to bring with you. Many college dorms have outdated HVAC systems that will lead to your room being way too hot or way too cold at any given time. You can cozy up with a nice throw blanket to keep you Goldilocks-comfortable at all times. 

There are a few other “essentials” when it comes sto bedding that you might want to put on your list. For example, a mattress cover. A good mattress cover is nice if you feel yourself getting a bit queasy about what went down on those sheets before you moved into the dorms - remember, those mattresses aren’t really sanitized between residents.

You may also want to invest in a plush mattress topper. Dorm mattresses are notoriously hard and uncomfortable, so consider one of these toppers to ease the burden on your aching back and shoulders.

Desk / School Supplies

Did you think the days of shopping at WalMart's school supply aisle were over? Not so fast. You still need all kinds of school supplies to help you get your work done. 

First and foremost? An extension cord - or several of them. This could be lumped into the computer gear category, too, but since you’ll likely be using it at your desk, it makes sense here, too. Dorm rooms have notoriously few power outlets, so invest in some high-rated extension cords to make sure you can reach them all (and some power strips, too).

The list doesn’t end there. You also need to add things like a graphing calculator and some batteries to your shopping list, too. Although many appliances and pieces of equipment no longer require batteries, that’s not the case with everything. Batteries are still essential for many tasks you’ll need to complete at school.

What about the basics? Even if you plan on doing the bulk of your work on a laptop, plan to have things like pencils, mechanical pencils, pens, and Post-It notes, too. From marking important sections in books to indicating reminders on your desk, Post-Its are absolutely necessary (or sticky notes - you don’t have to go with the brand name!). 

Some other “essentials” you might want to consider? Perhaps a dry erase board and a few markers, too. These will help you keep track of your to-do list and keep things squared away. Another good option is a combination bulletin board/whiteboard so you can tack up important papers if necessary, too. Don’t forget the push pins!

While you’re strolling down the school supply aisle, take some time to purchase a few notebooks. Even if you plan on doing a lot of your work on your laptop, a paper notebook is the perfect way to keep track of your notes and reminders. You probably don’t need binders unless you prefer that style for organization, but if you do go with a binder, make sure you pick up some loose-leaf paper, too.

A few other essentials to consider include a stapler and some staples, paper clips, a pencil sharpener, some envelopes, index cards, and scotch tape. In some cases (depending on your personality and major), things like a desk organizer, a ruler, and some scissors might be important for you to pick up, too.

Backpack

Now, how are you going to store all of that gear? In a backpack, of course! There are all kinds of options out there for you to choose from. You’ll want to get a package that is durable and has enough room for all of your gear, no matter where you might be headed. Pick a backpack that offers you all the room you need to organize your gear, plus organization features like pockets and zippered pouches. 

Make sure it’s ergonomically designed, too, especially if you have to schlep it all the way across campus to get to class.

Entertainment – Tech Gear
(Headphones / Bluetooth Speaker / Game Console)

This category is definitely optional, but investing in the right entertainment gear is a good way to make your college days more enjoyable.

A few ideas? Whether you have roommates or not, a pair of noise-canceling headphones is a smart choice. This will give you some isolation when you need to study and can make even the loudest pavilion the perfect study spot.

You could also invest in a set of Bluetooth speakers. The battery on the average Bluetooth speaker lasts a lot longer than you might think, and since these are often small enough to provide all the sound you need for small spaces like dorm rooms, they’re a sound investment (no pun intended).

Tools

It’s practically guaranteed - something in your dorm room is going to break eventually! If you’re worried about having to wait for the maintenance crew to arrive, consider investing in a simple tool kit. This will allow you to fix your own problems - or at least patch them up until the maintenance team gets there.

Some other good tools to have on hand include duct tape - everything can be fixed with duct tape! - and a basic multitool.

Cooking / Kitchen Supplies

You’ll want to buy a few cooking and kitchen utensils for your dorm room, too. What you can actually buy will depend in part on what regulations your university has for what can be brought into the dorms.

For example, some dorm rooms restrict the use of hot plates, while others allow things like refrigerators and microwaves (but with certain limitations on size and power usage). Check in with your university before you shell out the cash.

You will also want to get some cooking supplies, like a few pots and pans, so that you can make the most of your dormitory’s kitchen. You might have a kitchen attached to your dorm in a “suite” style building, or have your own apartment off-campus. If that’s the case, you’ll definitely want to fully furnish your space with a coffee maker and all the other supplies you need to cook three square meals a day.

Don’t forget about the clean-up! You’ll want a broom and dustpan to keep your floors tidy, and a vacuum if you think the broom might not be able to cut it.

Laundry Supplies

It’s true - Mom isn’t going to be doing your laundry anymore! That means it’s time to stock up on all of your basic laundry essentials, from detergent to a hamper. Consider investing in a hamper with handles so you can tote it easily to the laundry room.

Personal Items and Toiletries

You’ll want to pick up a few basic toiletries, too. Some good things to have on hand include shampoo, soap, razors, towels, toothpaste, and anything else you use on a daily basis. Stock up as much as you can (within reason and with consideration of how much space you have available, of course).

That way, you’ll be all ready to go (and hopefully make it to Thanksgiving break!) even if your school is pretty far from the closest store.

Décor Items

This one is totally up to you, but really, who likes hanging out in a bland, white-walled dorm room with nothing to style it up? Very few people, that’s who! If you haven’t yet, think about how you want to decorate your room. You’ll only get this one chance to express your personal style, so make the most of it. You can take your dorm room decor in all kinds of directions, so don’t hold back! From posters to disco balls, you can get as creative as you’d like. 

You might want to consider adding a few basic pieces of furniture, too. Of course, this is totally dependent on your style and how much space you have available, but you may want to add things like a bookcase, a safe, a sofa, and a television to your shopping list. They can all help to style up your space and make it a much nicer place to be!

College Move-In Day Helpful Reminders On What To Bring

One more tip when you’re creating your college shopping and packing list for college move-in day? Don’t forget about the storage. You are going to want to invest in a few pieces that will help you store your gear with ease, such as under the bed storage units or footlockers. These will help you keep all your supplies and equipment contained and out of the way, both during the move as well as when you start to unpack.

Now that you know what you need for move-in day, it’s time to start shopping! Although these can be stressful times, try to enjoy the experience while it lasts. It will be graduation time before you know it.

Lisa Czachowski is a professional social blogger and has worked on several online publications including Citrus Sleep. Lisa is an experienced content writer and copyeditor. You will find many of her works throughout CitrusSleep.com that cover a wide array of subjects including sustainability, natural, sleep products, health, fashion and many more. She is passionate about what providing as much information as possible on products you bring in your home and what we wear.

Follow Lisa at Lisa Czachowski

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