Packing for college can be tricky. Students getting ready for their first year oftentimes wonder constantly if they have everything they will need for a successful school year. Below is a list of college essentials for those moving into a dorm.

1: Shower Caddy 

First-year students are usually required to stay in dorms or on campus housing which most likely results in communal showers. Having a shower caddy can help keep all shower essentials organized and everything hygienic. Some essentials to include in the caddy are shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a loofa, shower shoes, shaving cream/gel and a razor. Some other items people may include are towels, a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash.

2: School Supplies 

Some important items students will need for class in college are notebooks, planners, binders, pens and pencils, highlighters, notecards, a backpack or bookbag, post-its, paper clips, and a few flash drives. Along with a flash drive, students should consider bringing a laptop since most things in college have now become digital, especially textbooks which are always available in PDFs.

3: Room Essentials

Along with bathroom supplies and school supplies, students will want to purchase some items to help make their dorm room feel more like home including the following: a throw blanket and a few pillows, a bedside and desk lamp, bedding, an alarm clock, a mini-trash can, storage bins and under-the-bed storage trays  and a laundry basket. A fan becomes a necessity for hot days as dorm rooms don’t get great air conditioning or any at all. Students also should purchase some hangers and a reusable water bottle. Students also should keep in mind that certain items may be too big to fit in their room and some things might not be allowed, so students should check with their college before they move in. Other recommended supplies are laundry supplies such as laundry detergent, stain remover and a mini sewing kit.