Going to college means achieving complete independence, for you can finally do things on your own. But this can only happen if you are equipped with the tools to get them done.
Before you get too excited, make a college dorm checklist to ensure you have everything that you would need in what ‘s going to be your home for the next four years.
Your checklist should look like this.
1. Clothing. Bring the usual everyday school clothes and one semi-formal dress or suit for internship interviews, or other formal occasions. Fold each piece lengthwise before putting it into your suitcase. Socks and underwear should be placed in a small zip lock bag.
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Shorts or skirts (for the ladies)
- Sweater or cardigan
- Socks
- Two-week supply of underwear
- Five pairs of socks
- Long sleeved shirt (for male) or cotton blouse (for female)
- Pajamas
- Windbreaker or raincoat
2. Footwear. Put your walking shoes, rubber shoes and slippers in their respective shoeboxes before placing them inside a plastic storage bin that will fit under your dorm bed. If you don’t have shoeboxes anymore, wrap each shoe with an old newspaper then put it in the storage bin. Don’t put anything on top of your shoes or you’ll disfigure them.
Also bring a pair of inexpensive boots, for these are very useful when it’s rainy or snowy.
3. Toiletries. Put everything for the bathroom in a hygiene tote before the suitcase. If there is no more space in the suitcase, put them in a plastic storage box that will fit under your dorm bed.
- Bathroom flip-flops
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Bath and face towels
- Lotion
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Comb and brush
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer (optional)
4. Table Utensils. Even if you have no plans of eating in your room, you might need a light snack or a cup of coffee in the middle of the night while reviewing for an exam. So, place the following carefully in a bubble wrap before putting them inside the suitcase.
- Cup
- Plate
- Bowl
- Fork and spoon
5. Basic appliances. Before transporting each of the following appliances, put them in their respective boxes.
- Microwave
- Mini refrigerator
- Light vacuum cleaner
- Small electric fan
- Clothes iron and small ironing board
6. Laundry and cleaning supplies. Unless the school you are attending offers free laundry and room maintenance, you need to include the following in your college dorm checklist:
- Folding hamper or laundry bag
- Nylon mesh laundry bag
- Detergent and fabric conditioner
- Multipurpose Hanger
- Scrub brush
- Small broom
- Microfiber cloths
7. Bed essentials. Arrange them on top of your clothes in the suitcase. If you beddings won’t fit in the suitcase anymore, wrap them with a clear plastic cover before putting them inside a storage box.
- 2 pillows
- 2 extra pillowcases
- 1 Mattress protector
- 2 Bed sheets
- 2 blankets
6. School supplies and gadgets. Except for the pens and pencils, wrap everything in this category in a cloth sack or blanket before arranging them in a storage bin. Better yet, put them in their respective boxes to ensure they arrive safely at your dorm.
- Extra cell phone charger and battery
- Laptop, its battery and charger
- Printer
- External hard drive
- USB flash drive
- Desk lamp
- Headset
- Alarm clock
- A box of pencils
- A set of pens
7. Miscellaneous. Since you’ll be away from home for a long time, find space for the following items, which are usually more associated with moms and dads.
- First aid kit
- Sewing kit
- Tool box
- Sticky note
- Double-side tape
- Electrical tape
- Power strip with multiple sockets
- Extension cord
College life entails a great deal of preparation, which must begin three weeks before your move to your college dormitory. After you have packed your suitcase, review your list for the last time so that you won’t resort to whining once you discover that you left something at home.
Your Turn
Do you have other helpful tips on how to prepare a college dorm checklist?