Categories: Dorm Life

The Freshman Dorm Starter Pack: A List of Essentials You Will Absolutely Need

Going off to college and moving into a dorm is an experience that most people never forget. It’s the start of a new chapter of life; all beginning with a brand new living space you can call yours.

However, making the transition from your parents’ house to your very own dorm as a freshman can be tricky, especially when you’ve never lived on your own before.

But don’t worry. Whether you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or just simply need a checklist to reassure that you’re on the right track, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of essentials you absolutely need in your freshman dorm!

1. Mini-fridge

The narrative of being broke in college is not a myth; it’s a real thing, believe me. We are broke and hungry, so contrary to popular belief, sharing is not caring. Especially when it comes to our food. However, at times, the hunger is REAL. So real, that the whole “sharing is not caring” motto can possibly and occasionally be thrown out the window. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

For example and hypothetically speaking, if your new roommate (assuming you don’t know them too well) is starving late at night while everyone else is sleeping, nothing you own in the common-area fridge is considered safe.

That’s where a mini-fridge comes in. Say goodbye to having leftovers eaten and taking long midnight walks to the kitchen, and say hello to the luxury of having a personal inventory of snacks safe, accessible and within arms reach at all times.

In college, the peace of mind you get from knowing a meal is waiting on you at home is unmatched. After a week or two of having one, you’ll soon see why a mini-fridge is considered a need rather than just a want.

When you find that you’re ready to start stashing away your sacred snacks, click the picture below for a great option!

2. Weekly Planner

Envision this: you’re at a party. All your friends are there. You’re having the time of your life. Then, you suddenly realize you had an assignment due at 11:59. You then start staring into space, contemplating about life and reconsidering your decision to attend college in the first place.

…just kidding. (kinda)

All jokes aside though, that is arguably the worst (if not THE worst) situations you’ll encounter in your college career. But don’t panic, it’s happened to the best of us. With proper preparation, though, that scenario can be avoided in its entirety. Sacrificing just a few bucks out of your budget will get you a weekly planner and keep all of your responsibilities on track.

A little diligence and consistency in following your planned activities will also develop time management skills that’ll benefit you throughout your entire time in college. Consider putting a weekly planner toward the top of your list of needs.

Here’s a perfect example:

3. Posters/Decoration

Nobody wants to stare at blank walls for an entire semester or two on campus. And considering how small freshman dorms are at some universities, your dorm may have the potential of starting to feel like a jail cell.

Posters and decorations that reflect your interests and personality will help you combat that. A space you’re completely comfortable in will play a key role in keeping your creative juices flowing during those long nights of cramming (because there will definitely be long nights of cramming).

25 Products Every College Student Should Own

4. Bathroom Necessities

Have you ever gotten out of the shower, only for your feet to meet a cold, tile bathroom floor? I have. Don’t judge. It’s not a pleasant experience.

Without the proper care for purchasing the necessary toiletries in your bathroom, it won’t be long until you realize its importance.

Much like your dorm room, you want your bathroom to feel like home. Taking the time to buy the basic necessities like rugs, towels, a shower curtain/liner, toothbrush/soap holder and trash can will do wonders in increasing your level of comfort every time you step foot in the bathroom. Don’t skip this step when establishing your dorm. You’ll thank yourself later.

5. Desk/Work-space

If you don’t have a comfortable spot dedicated to getting work done, getting motivated to actually get started will be an obstacle within itself. On top of that, it’ll be hard to keep things organized academically.

This space should remain clear of clutter and be distraction-free. Make sure it’s facing away from the television and is located far from any phone chargers or outlets that house distracting technology. Technology is not your friend anytime you’re at this desk.

Having an effective work-space will help enhance your productivity level beyond belief. Although the keeping the area clean will be physically and aesthetically appealing, it can be a mental benefit, too. Knowing there’s always a noise and clutter-free zone within reach provides the chance to essentially take a break from the world and re-enter with a clear state of mind.

And boom. There you go. You’re all set. Beginning your freshman year can be stressful, but with your dorm now laced with the essentials, that’s one worry you can cross off the list. Now hit those sites we’ve linked to the pictures and start personalizing!