You need to prepare for college if you are going to effortlessly make the transition from living at home to living in a dorm.
While college dorm rooms are often well-designed to maximize the use of space, they don't come with every little thing you need to make your college life easier.
You'll also need a few things to help you avoid the obstacles to your health and well-being your dorm mates will throw in your path.
So, use this college dorm checklist to learn what to pack for college!
1. Cleaning Supplies
Don't worry about looking like a neat freak when you bring a few cleaning supplies, like a multipurpose cleaner in a spray bottle, a sponge, microfiber cloths, dish soap and a dish towel. All your new friends are going to want to borrow them!
2. Noise-Canceling Headphones
When you have schoolwork to finish but everyone else has a clear calendar, you can concentrate on your work while they mingle by wearing noise-canceling headphones to filter out the distractions.
3. Earplugs and a Sleep Mask
If you're a light sleeper or your roommate stays up late studying, earplugs and a sleep mask can mean the difference between tossing and turning all night and getting a good night's sleep.
4. Power Strips or Extension Cords
Even dorm rooms built as recently as 10 years ago likely don't have enough power outlets for all your electronics, or those outlets are in really inconvenient places. Before you plug in your power extenders, though, check with your school to be sure it allows their use.
5. Shower Shoes
If you have communal showers in your dorm — or even if you have a private shower — never ever shower without your shower shoes. Plantar warts and athlete's foot are unsightly, easily spread and persistent.
6. First Aid Kit
Having some antiseptic cleaner, bandages, tweezers to pull out splinters and ibuprofen will help you quickly get over the little, everyday health hiccups.
7. Nightlight
You need this so you don't trip over some obstacle on the floor when you get up to use the bathroom at night.
This list isn't meant to suggest that living in a dorm is a problem; it isn't. In fact, it's where you will probably make friends for life. Just remember to be prepared for the unexpected and enjoy everything college has to offer.
