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Moving into a college dormitory is an exciting, yet stressful experience. There are certain items that are a must in a college dorm setting and can make your college life a bit easier.

First, you will want to find out what your dorm room comes with. Typically dorm rooms include the very basics: a bed, a desk and chair, and oftentimes a lamp. Some college dorms provide a mini refrigerator and a microwave, but if not, you might want to consider purchasing these. There is usually also closet space, however it is often very small.

There are many stores that offer excellent dorm items such as Target and Walmart. Target even has an online page dedicated to . There is also a website called (now part of Williams-Sonoma Inc.) that sells items specifically designed for dorm-living, however they are currently working on a website refresh and are directing customers to .

Adjustments can be made to this list depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and dormitory layout/style.

• Garbage can and trash bags
• Storage bins 
• Fan
• Adhesive picture hangers
• Hamper
• Shower caddy
• Towels 
• Dry erase board and markers
• Calendar
• Twin bedding (sheets, pillowcases, comforter/bedspread)
• Pillows 
• Mattress pad
• Mattress protector
• Clothes hangers
• Laundry supplies (detergent, fabric softener, stain remover)
• Lint roller
• Desk supplies (staplers, scissors, pens, pencils, planner, folders, notebooks, index cards, sticky notes, tape, highlighters, desk trays, etc.)
• Headphones/earbuds
• Television
• Power strip
• Small toolkit 
• Coffee machine
• Area rug
• Small vacuum
• Light cleaning supplies (disinfectant wipes, glass cleaner, etc.)
• Pain relievers
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Vitamins
• Antidiarrheal medicine
• First aid items (bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment)
• Cold medicine 
• Shower shoes (flip-flops)
• Shower items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, etc.)
• Any needed hair products
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Cotton swabs and/or cotton rounds
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hairbrush and/or comb
• Bathrobe 
• Clothing (make sure you have some business casual clothing for presentations and other occasions)
• Winter coat
• Paper towels
• Tissues 
• Food-storage containers
• A few dishes (bowls, plates, cups)
• Some cutlery (forks, spoons, knives)
• Reusable water bottle
• Closet organizer
• Water purifier (if the dorm doesn’t have bottle-filling stations)
• Quick, easy snacks 

Storage containers and bins will be your best friend in a college dorm; vertical storage bins are the best way to maximize your space. Under-bed storage is also a great option, as long as your dorm layout allows it. Over-the-door organizers are also a great way to optimize storage. If your dorm includes shelves, utilize those and organize accordingly. Lastly, consider purchasing and using storage furniture such as ottomans and rolling carts. If your dorm’s bed is lofted, that is a great way to save space.

If you’re able, you should consider measuring the dorm or getting measurements from the college. This will make it easier to plan how much to bring and if you would have space for certain furniture like a futon.

While college dorm living is often stigmatized as being less than ideal, there are ways to make your college dorm feel like home. Campus living makes for an amazing, unforgettable college experience.