The beginning of college life is an exciting journey for every guy. It is the time when they move out of their house for the first time and learn self-reliance. Dorm life involves limited space, a busy routine, and managing your own chores. It is important to bring the right items to make life easier and more comfortable. In the list below, we have explained each essential item in detail – why it is important, and how guys can use it.
List of College Dorm Room Essentials for Guys
Bedding Essentials
1. Comfortable bed sheets and pillow covers
College dorm mattresses and pillows are often old or of basic quality. If guys bring several sets of bedsheets and pillow covers with them, they can have a clean and comfortable bed every day. There is not always time to do laundry regularly during the week, so extra sets come in handy.
2. Comforter
It is very important to have a light but warm comforter or quilt according to the season. The temperature of the dorm room is not under control all the time, especially in winters. A good quality quilt ensures good sleep and comfort for boys.
3. Mattress topper
It is not necessary that you will find your college dorm mattresses comfortable. Sometimes dorm mattresses are hard which may not give you a good sleep and can also cause problems like back pain and can also affect your college performance. So to avoid this, keep a mattress topper or two with you which will not only make the mattress soft and comfortable but will also give you a feeling of home. This will help you get a good sleep and also help you focus on your college performance.
Study Essentials
4. Study lamp
Dorms often have only one light and studying late at night can be difficult if the roommate is sleeping. A study lamp gives boys focused light and studies can be done without disturbing anyone.
5. Desk organizer
In college life, along with notes, assignments, you need many stationery items like pens, books, notebooks, pens, pencils etc. on a daily basis. To improve your performance in college, it is important to keep all these things organized so that you don’t waste time searching for them. In such a situation, a desk organizer proves to be a very useful thing which will help you keep all your study material and stationery organized. This will not only save your time, but you will also be able to focus on your studies instead of searching for things.
6. Extension cords and multi-plugs
Dorms have limited electrical sockets. A multi-plug or extension cord allows boys to charge laptops, mobiles, tablets and other gadgets simultaneously. It is a must in today’s tech-driven student life.
Nowadays technology has a lot of importance in student life. Therefore, the use of laptops, mobiles, tablets and other gadgets is very common. They need electric sockets to charge them. But electric sockets are limited in dorms. In such a situation, extension cords and multi-plugs prove to be very useful. Using them, you can operate and charge many gadgets simultaneously.
Clothing & Storage Essentials
7. Laundry bag or hamper
Dirty clothes scattered around the room cause a bad smell and also make the room look dirty. That is why you should have a laundry bag which keeps clothes organized and can be easily carried together when it’s time to wash.
8. Clothes hangers
There are very few cloth strips in college dorm rooms, due to which there is a risk of clothes getting wrinkled. Using hangers keeps shirts, jackets and pants organized and pressed. This will make your clothes look good and also increase their life. And wearing good clothes will give you a good and positive impression in college.
9. Under-bed storage box
Dorm rooms are smaller than your home rooms, so it is important to use the space properly. Secondly, the boys are not interested in decorating their room and thus clothes, shoes and other stuff remain scattered in the room. In such a case, boxes under the bed are very useful for boys. Clothes, shoes and other stuff can be kept in these boxes. This keeps the room clutter-free and everything is easily accessible.
Bathroom & Hygiene Essentials
10. Shower Caddy
Dorm bathrooms are shared, so it is inconvenient to carry soap, shampoo, brush and other items in your hands every time. A shower caddy is a small bag or box that can easily carry all the bathroom items.
11. Shower Slippers
Communal bathrooms are often used by many people. So, due to excessive use, there can be a risk of slipping and infection. So having a pair of shower slippers becomes important.
Tip: If the shower in your dorm bathroom is leaking, let management know the leaky shower needs to be replaced. A leaking shower can cause slippery floors and cause serious injury.
12. Towels and Hand Towels
Clean towels are a must for personal hygiene. Therefore, it is wise to keep 1-2 large and 2 small towels with you. The large towel is for bathing and the small one is for daily cleaning of hands and face. If you don’t have time to wash them, an extra set always comes in handy.
Tech & Gadgets Essentials
13. Laptop and Charger
A laptop is the most important tool for college assignments, notes and projects. Without it, studying will be incomplete. Boys should always carry a reliable laptop and its charger.
14. Power Bank
Phone batteries can run out while attending classes and roaming around the campus. A power bank keeps them connected and safe at all times.
15. Headphones or Earbuds
Headphones are a must to listen to music, attend lectures or talk to friends and family – all without any noise. It also helps in increasing focus while studying.
Kitchen & Snacks
16. Mini Fridge (if allowed)
Eating out is not possible all the time in a dorm. A mini fridge can store milk, juice, fruits or snacks. This allows boys to eat healthy.
17. Microwave or electric kettle
When you feel hungry at night, it becomes easy to make instant noodles, tea or coffee. If you do not have a microwave and electric kettle, then you have to order coffee and noodles from outside which takes a lot of money and time and sometimes even the delivery service is not available at night. In such a situation, having a microwave and electric kettle in the dorm room is very beneficial.
18. Reusable water bottle and coffee mug
Choose reusable bottles and cups mugs not only saves your money but also prevents harm to the environment. Coffee mugs are very useful in the morning rush.
Health & Safety Essentials
19. First aid kit
Minor injuries, cuts, bruises and headaches are common. So, keep a first aid kit with you that contain basic medicines and band-aids etc. This basic first aid kit is very useful while camping.
20. Face mask and sanitizer
In the college campus, you come in contact with many other students and college staff every day. Therefore, the risk of infection remains during the rainy and summer seasons. In such a situation, the use of face mask and sanitizer protects you from infection. Therefore, it is beneficial to keep both of these in the list of basic essentials.
21. Important documents and insurance cards
It is important to keep documents safe in case of health related emergencies or any administrative work. Keep all such important documents in a file or folder and keep it in a safe place in the room so that you do not have trouble finding them when you need them.
Personal Touch Essentials
22. Personal photos and posters
While staying away from home, photos of family and friends or favorite posters give a homely feel to the dorm room.
23. Small indoor plant
To connect yourself and your room with freshness and positivity, keep a small plant in the room. This will fill the atmosphere of the room with energy.
24. Cushion or bean bag
A bean bag makes the dorm room more comfortable to sit or relax with friends.
Cleaning Essentials
25. Disinfectant wipes or spray
This is the easiest way to clean the desk, table or door handles daily.
26. Broom or small vacuum cleaner
The dorm room is small, but dust accumulates quickly. A broom or vacuum cleaner makes cleaning easier. Take the best vacuum cleaner with you.
27. Trash can and garbage bags
Your dorm room without a trash may sound messy and smelly. But a small dust bin and bags make cleaning easier. So, you have these essentials at your college dorm room.
Conclusion
Guys have to be self-sufficient in college dorms. Carrying the right and necessary items will not only make their studies easier but also lead to a healthy and organized lifestyle. The bedding, study, storage, hygiene, tech, snacks, health, personal touch and cleaning supplies mentioned in this guide all make dorm life better and more comfortable.
