Essentials to Pack for College
07/18/2024 | Admissions, Student Life
Move-in Day is coming, and if you have no idea what you really need to bring to make a dorm room into your comfy getaway, we have you covered. SWU provides a Housing Checklist for the basics; but lucky for you, we have also compiled a more comprehensive list of the necessities (and some extra little fun things) based on the advice of a few residential students. With this list, we hope you can make your new room feel like a "home away from home."
Bedding/Bed Stuff
- Twin XL Sheet Set - make sure you get Twin XL. Normal Twin is too short!
- Comforter/Blanket
- Pillows
Extras:
- Mattress Topper - these provide some extra cushion and comfort but… they do make it harder to get out of bed in the morning…
- Mattress cover - depending on where you live on campus, SWU might provide one, but these are great to have.
- Bedside shelf
- Reading lamp
Desk/School Supplies
- Planner - gotta keep yourself organized!
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Pencils
- Stapler - yes…you’ll have that professor that wants everything turned in by hand.
- Tape dispenser
- Index Cards
- Scissors
- Paper Clips
- Push Pins
- Sticky Notes
- Power Strips/Extension Cords
Cooking/Kitchen Supplies
- Minifridge - trust me…this isn’t an “extra.” It’s a necessity!
- Microwave
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Small Dishware Set
- Silverware
- Dish Soap
- Paper Towels
- Trash Can & Trash Bags
Laundry
- Hangers
- Clothes Hamper
- Detergent/Dryer Sheets
- Ironing Board/Iron or Steamer
Personal Items/Toiletries
- Towel and Washcloth Sets
- Shower Caddy - when you’re sharing a space with three or more people, there’s really not enough room for everyone to keep their personal items in the shower. This just helps you keep yours separate and organized.
- First Aid Kit
- Shower Curtains - SWU doesn’t always provide shower curtains
- Toilet Paper - this can be worked out between you and your roommates. Try to set up a system for who buys when.
- Curling Iron/Hair Dryer/Straightener
General
- Backpack
- Tool Set - trust me, you never really know when you’ll need it!
- Vacuum
- Broom/Dust Pan
- Umbrella/Rain Jacket
Decorations
- Posters
- Command Strips/Hooks - THESE WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND!
- Full-Length Mirror
- Curtains
Fun Stuff/Extras
This is a special section of things that you can wait until after move-in day for. These things would probably be best to plan with your roommate(s).
- Area Rug - these can add so much color and life to a room!
- Television
- Sofa/Futon
- Plants
- Games/Board Games
Learn more about your SWU's residence halls on our Housing and Dining page!