Only the essentials here, guys.
1. A fan – Especially if you’re used to having the white noise or live in the dorms without air conditioning, a fan should definitely be on your shopping list.
2. A nice shower caddy – Unless you’re living in a suite-style dorm, investing in a good quality shower caddy should be a priority. Be sure to get one that’s big enough for anything you may need in the shower and save yourself the hassle of having to carry everything.
3. A filing cabinet, safe, or locked box – Many girls have expensive jewelry, cash, or other valuables they might want to lock up.
4. Extra storage – Girls have lots of stuff, it’s just a fact of life. Dorms are small, so organizing your clothes, shoes, school supplies, makeup can get very overwhelming very fast. Rubbermaid tubs and 3-drawer dressers are your friend.
5. A snack bin – This speaks for itself.
6. An air mattress – If your friends visit, or need somewhere to crash for the night they aren’t going to want to sleep on the floor. Plus, you could bring your own if you decide to stay at a friend’s dorm for the night.
7. A good mirror – Dorms have the worst lighting, ahead of a dark cave. Invest in a good lighted mirror that will allow you to make sure you look flawless.
8. A desk calendar AND a planner – Use them both. Nothing is worse than writing something super important on your desk calendar and being away from your room and not being able to remember when or where that thing is.
9. Decorations – Be sure to purchase or DIY some cute decorations to make your dorm homier. Empty dorms kind of resemble a prison, but with cute pictures, wall hangings, and personal items it can make you less homesick.
10. Swiffer or Vacuum – Aside from the usual cleaning supplies, a Swiffer or vacuum (depending on your flooring) is so so so necessary. Especially on dorms with hardwood floors, they get sticky and just very gross. Save yourself the headache of cleaning your floor with Clorox wipes.
11. Card holder phone case thingy – I’m pretty sure this isn’t the official name for this amazing little gadget, but it is crucial for those who hate carrying wallets around. Without the sticky wallet that goes on the back of your phone, I would have lost my ID, cash, debit cards many many times. They pretty much hand them out everywhere the first weeks of school so stock up!