What To Bring (and What Not to Bring) to Your Freshman Dorm

By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25

It’s the summer before you move to the city of stars and into the 12ft by 12ft dorm of your dreams! You’re rummaging through the depths of the internet to compile the items from the millions of “college tip” videos into your virtual Amazon shopping cart. You end up purchasing too many unnecessary gimmicks. Save your time and money with these do’s and don’ts for what to bring to your freshman dorm.

Do’s:

Foam Mattress Topper

There’s nothing more disappointing than coming home after back-to-back lectures, two club meetings, and a study session to a stiff twin-XL mattress. Unwind and sink into a 3-inches or more of foam! They are a bit pricey but it’s well worth the investment as they last a long time and will pay off when you are re-energized for your 8am lab

Mesh Shower Caddy (With a Handle) and Shower Shoes

If you’re living in a traditional dorm hall (Birnkrant, New North, Marks Tower, or Pardee) like I did, these two things are ESSENTIAL for living in a communal hall! A mesh (specifically) shower caddy allows for less mold to build–unlike those hard plastic ones–and they can hang on the shower hooks to escape the dirty floors. Just like your bag, your bare feet should not touch any of the shared bathrooms/shower stalls. Get cheap flip flops to avoid a fungal infection.

Brita Water Filter

Although you have a great dining plan as a freshman, when you’re away from the halls, clean water is essential to live. Instead of hauling gallon jugs of Arrowhead or hefty cases of Trader Joe’s bottled water from the Village, reduce plastic usage, effort, and money with a water filter.

Tower Fan

Oh sunny, sunny California…this one is a must! Traditional dorm halls don’t have air conditioning, and it’s best not to boil like a potato. A tower fan that stood on my desk 24/7 created much needed circulation my freshman year. 

6-10ft Charging Cords and a Desk Lamp

Nothing is worse than losing phone battery when you’re taking those “just-one-more-video” TikTok breaks between assignments. Instead of contorting yourself to reach the nearest outlet at your desk, bring a 6ft or longer charging cord! Then, once you’re ready to be productive, opt for a desk lamp to work on those late-night tasks when your roommate is asleep instead of the blinding overhead LEDs.

Multi-Tiered Rolling Cart

Since you’re limited to half of a small room, get a three-tiered cart (found at Target, Amazon, the Container Store, IKEA) to store your makeup, skincare, snacks, supplies, and books! The extra mobile storage is a great way to aesthetically organize your items outside the three drawers provided.

Poster Art

What’s a merely essential-filled room without any decoration? Rough nights of homesickness and stress are eased by making your space your own with posters and photos.

Don’ts:

Large, extra furniture

There’s no need to bring couches, chairs, and tables in an already small dorm. Part of the college is the uncomfortable yet comical shared experiences you create. Some of my fondest memories are late-night conversations on the carpeted floors of Marks Tower.

Your whole wardrobe

Fashionista or not, don’t overpack or bring your whole wardrobe; an attempt to condense your clothes into a dorm closet and few drawers will not be pretty. You’ll be able to shop once you’re here or have your parents ship out a box or you can swap clothes during winter break. Also, your style will undoubtedly change throughout your first formative year or semester. Leave room for something new.

Too many decorative pillows

I made the mistake of putting aesthetics over practicality. You’ll end up kicking them off your bed to collect dust or leave them on your shelves taking up much valuable space for other necessities.

“Real” plastic or ceramic plates, forks, cups (okay, maybe a single mug)

Yes, I know those 50 cent colorful plastic Target dishes are enticing, but you’ll end up not having the time to wash dishes while you’re adjusting to college life. Also, you’ll have to wash your utensils in the bathroom-shower combo room which isn’t very enticing. Opt for disposable cutlery and dishes instead when you’re not eating in the dining hall.

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