When moving away from home for the first time, some want to bring their entire mattress or pet fish, while some just wing it. Every student has their own opinion when it comes to the items they should or shouldn’t bring to college with them. During this confusing and exciting time, we can get lost in Target, purchasing whatever catches our eye. To avoid over or under purchasing, here’s a list of things that are considered dorm necessities based upon college students’ experience.

Shower Caddy

First off, when running to and from the communal bathrooms, you will need something to carry all your items, and not in your arms. We need our soaps, hair washes, and towels. The most popular way to do this is by utilizing the shower caddy. These can cost between $4 to $7+ and can be purchased on most websites! This way you can keep your own items safe and bring them with you whenever you need.

Shower Shoes

Did you know that damp conditions are a breeding ground for fungi, bacteria, and other microbes? So what can we do to avoid getting foot fungus? Well, shower shoes are a start. They can prevent you from slipping, or having to walk to the showers barefoot! They can cost between $6 to $14 depending on where you look for them, but they just need to be rubber.

Power Strip

Those who chose to have a double or even triple person dorm will most likely experience a shortage of outlets. Lets face it, we all need to charge our phones, laptops, headphones, and even keep a lamp or two plugged in. How are you supposed to do that when all the outlets are taken? If your college allows, buying a power strip can prevent this problem. This way you can charge and plug in more items without worrying about not having an outlet. These can cost an upward of $15!

Storage

When sharing such a small space with other people, they tend to run out of room for their items. This can be clothing, or just papers and other junk. You can’t throw out our roommate, so what are you going to do? Purchasing a collapsible storage bin is the way to go. This will keep you from having to share your items with other people in the same space, and can even be hidden under spaces like the bunk-bed, or desk. This can run between $10-$14 dollars!

Slim Laundry Hamper

Unless you plan on throwing your dirty laundry on the floor, then this one might be obvious. When you wear your jeans for the second time or get a spill on a new shirt, you have to throw it in the laundry bin, but it can’t be a laundry bin that takes up a ton of space. Be considerate: purchase a laundry bin that can be folded or bent to fit into your side of the room. This can cost between $5-$10.

First Aid Kit

We are not danger-proof in college, and sometimes we’d rather figure it out on our own then rush to the student health center. One way we can have the choice is by purchasing and utilizing a dorm first aid kit. You and your dorm mates can come up with your own list as well to make sure you have everything you might need. The prices on these kits have a wide range and are dependent on the quality and the items you want.

Mini Fridge

Having to share is sometimes more difficult than keeping your things separate. Especially food. Over are the times where someone in your home eats your snacks, and now is the time for labeled drinks and leftovers in the fridge. Use a mini fridge to keep your items cold and not share with others at the same time. These can cost upwards of $150!