The best things I bought for my dorm

By Janelle Higdon

(And things I 100% didn’t need)

If you’re getting ready to go to college, you’ve probably seen a few recommended packing lists. Your university has a packing list, and even major stores like Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond have college packing lists. Of course any retailer that gives you a packing list is also likely trying to sell you all of the things. All. Of. The. Things.

So the question is, how do you know what you actually need to bring?

We polled North Central students to find out which items they were glad they brought to college, and which things they didn’t need at all.

Top 5 items to Buy for your college dorm room

1. 1. A mini fridge
      Some residence halls include a fridge, and others don’t. Even if your residence hall does already have a fridge, it never hurts to have extra space. Fit an extra gallon of milk or some frozen burritos without crowding your roommate’s soy cheese. Problem solved.
   2. A fan
      Some residence halls have air conditioning, and others don’t. A fan is great to have on hand for those warm days to keep from overheating while you’re trying to study.Residence halls can also tend to be warm due to the large number of students in a relatively small space. A fan can keep you cool, and also provides some white noise in the case that your neighbors are watching an action movie at midnight.
   3. Christmas lights
      There is nothing like a string of twinkle lights to make your dormitory more inviting. They’re not just for Christmas anymore, folks. Residence halls with lights have a softened look, warmed up by a string of lights. It’s also just fun.
      
   4. A power strip
      With laptops, phones, lamps, TVs, hair dryers, microwaves, and more… you will need extra outlets in your dorm.  Pack a power strip or two and an extension cord to share the electricity with your roommates.
   5. Pictures of family and friends
      Sure, in college you’re exercising your freedom and spreading your wings. But you’re still going to miss your mom and dad, and maybe your best friend from high school, and maybe even your dog. Don’t be afraid to bring pictures from home for those days that you’re feeling homesick.

Top 3 items students said they didn’t need

1. The “bedside buddy”
   First of all: who thought of that clever name? Second of all: the consensus among North Central students is that the bedside buddy is totally not needed.The so-called “bedside buddy” is the little caddy that anchors under your mattress and hangs over the edge to hold whatever you might need at bedtime. Books, chapstick, glasses, or your phone.While in theory this sounds super handy, North Central students declared this as one of their least-used items that they brought to their dorms.
2. Too many clothes
   You’re probably excited to show off your best fashions in college, but also want to make sure that you have your comfiest pair of sweatpants with you. Bring enough variety for your wardrobe that you can assemble outfits for every occasion, but don’t pack more clothes than you need.North Central students said that many of them brought too many clothes to college. That sweater that you haven’t worn since tenth grade? Donate it. An extra pair of tennis shoes in a different shade of blue? Leave them at home.
3. A desk lamp
   Surprisingly, students said that they didn’t end up needing a desk lamp. Between floor lamps and overhead lighting, you might not need a desk lamp. Save the $15 and go out to eat with your new roommates.

Have more questions about preparing for college?

Read more blog posts to answer all of your college-search questions. With topics ranging from how to transition to college all the way to the importance of college location, you’ll find something you’re looking for.