Your First Dorm or Apartment? Here’s What You Need

Moving out for the first time? There’s a lot to think about when you’re making the transition to college, not the least of which is moving into a dorm or apartment.

If you’re not sure where to start or just need to double check that you’ve got the essentials, here’s a common list of things you’ll need when you move out.

If you’re moving into a dorm, you’ll need to buy new bed sheets. Many dorm beds are a very specific “twin XL” or “long twin” size. Luckily, you can find lots of colors and options for this online.

If you’re moving into an apartment, your bed size will obviously vary based on what you’re buying or bringing with you. Usually, you’ll end up with a standard twin and you can pick up sheets anywhere in person or online.

While you’re at it, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra set – or even two. You never know when you’ll want to lie down between classes but your sheets are in the dryer. Or when you, your roommate, or a visitor spill something.

Towels are one of those things you don’t realize you’re missing until you don’t have it. It’ll be safe to get a whole towel set: bath towels, hand towels, face towels. Kitchen towels would also be nice, especially if you plan on washing and drying your dishes right away.

You’ll probably want to get a few doubles so you’re not stuck waiting for your laundry to finish to take a shower.

Between your laptop, phone, lamps, consoles, and anything else that needs power, the last thing you want is to run out of places to plug them in. Surge protectors will also keep your devices safe in the event of a power surge or outage.

There’s a huge array of different kinds of surge protectors online, from the traditional power strip to tower-like ones that sit on your desk with adjustable angles for the plugs.

You can find power strips with USB ports too, so you won’t have to get multiple bricks for things like your phone or laptop.

Depending on how lucky (or unlucky) you get with your room placement, the dorm showers can be a small trek away.

You’ll want a small shower caddy so you can easily take your shower essentials with you (shampoo, body soap, etc.) along with some rubber soled slippers to wear in the shower itself.

A bathrobe is a nice-to-have so you can dry off and get ready in comfort. Trying to wiggle into jeans shortly after shower is the worst.

Look for something that you can keep in your room to collect all your clothes and easily carry to the laundry rooms on campus or in your apartment complex. Laundry day is much easier when you don’t have to stumble around and wrestle your clothes.

Laundry hampers are also a great way to keep the funky smells from permeating your room and making things awkward for roommates and guests alike.

Pro Tip: An empty laundry hamper or basket is super useful to carry things other than laundry. Like the vintage stuff you’re bound to pick up for decorating your room.

The kitchen situation in every dorm varies, but there’s usually a common kitchen area available for students. These often have limited cooking utensils (pots, pans, spatulas, etc) if any, so make sure you bring some light basics to use when you feel like cooking.

Dorms often also have a shared fridge in the kitchen, although some students bring mini fridges to keep in their own room. Make sure you check any policies around the appliances you can keep in your room first.

Electric water kettles are also a dorm room staple for warm drinks like tea or coffee (and maybe a cup noodle) without a trip to the kitchen.

Dorm room storage can be kind of tight, depending on how many people are in each room and how much stuff everyone brings with them. Maximizing storage is key to making sure the dorm room doesn’t feel too cluttered or chaotic.

Bring plenty of hangers for your closet, and consider bringing plastic drawers for additional storage if the dorm doesn’t come with any wardrobe space.

Over-the-door hanging storage is also great for storing coats, towels, or shoes depending on what you need more space for.

Sure, there might be trash cans in the dorm and in the hallways, but having extras never hurts.

Small trash cans are great to keep near your desk for any scraps of paper or other trash. They’re also an easy way to add some color and personality to the room.

Not to mention how much trash you’ll accumulate. You won’t realize how much trash piles up when your parents aren’t around – you’ll see after the first week or two.

Moving is a big adjustment, and there will inevitably be a lot of changes to your routine. Don’t spend too much time stressing on making everything perfect in the first week or few days that you’re in your new space.

As you spend time in your dorm with your roommates, you’ll find out what you’re missing and what you don’t need and you’ll be able to adjust throughout the year. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the most of what’s available to you!