5 Things You Can’t Forget When Moving Into the Dorms

Are you an over- or an under-packer? There are countless lists on the internet overviewing every possible thing you could need in a dorm. And while these packing lists are great, they don’t always distinguish between the essentials and the nice-to-haves.

At Multnomah, we have moved a lot of students in over the years and know which comfort items are worth the hype. So, without further ado, here are five things you can’t forget when moving into the dorms for a comfortable first semester of college

1. Shower & Laundry Supplies

Shared laundry and shower facilities may be new to you. And while you probably know to bring the essentials like towels and shampoo, there are a few additional items that can make this new experience a lot more comfortable.

  • Shower caddy:  Having a waterproof way to carry all your toiletries makes trips to the communal showers easy.
  • Shower shoes: Did we mention communal? Trust us, easy-to-slip-on waterproof shoes are essential. Pro-tip; buy shoes that won’t soak up suds. Walking on squishy flips flops is not the move.
  • Bathrobe: In between sharing a room and a bathroom, it’s nice to have a cozy way to wrap up after a shower, especially in the colder months.
  • Laundry hamper/bag: Get something that can easily be transported between the laundry facilities and your dorm. If you’ll be visiting home frequently, a laundry bag can easily be thrown in the car to do a load while you’re home!
  • Bonus* Laundry detergent and dryer sheets: Your first week will fly by, and the ability to do laundry the moment you move in can help things go smoothly.

2. Essentials for a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep in college can be essential to success in your classes. These are a few items to consider for an extra cozy sleep setup.

  • Mattress protector: A mattress protector can provide extra peace of mind, especially if you’re prone to allergies.
  • Mattress topper: Consider getting the same type of mattress topper you have at home to make adjusting to a new place more seamless.
  • Noise and Light suppressors (eye mask, headphones, etc.): Some people take naps, some start their day with an early-morning jog, and others get their best work done in the wee hours. You and your roomie may not always perfectly line up on your sleep schedules and, let’s be honest, we can all get a little cranky when we don’t get sleep. A sleep mask and good pair of headphones can help you get the uninterrupted snooze you need while avoiding conflict with your roommate.

3. All the Kits

Things break, buttons fall off, and people get paper cuts. Having a few basic kits available in your dorm can help when the little things go wrong. Plus, having the supplies to fix problems on your own can feel pretty empowering!

  • Tool kit: Having a few basics like a hammer, screwdriver, measuring tape, and allen wrench can go a long way!
  • First aid kit: While you can always buy a pre-made kit, here are a few basics to include in a D-I-Y dorm first aid kid: bandages, tweezers, Neosporin, ibuprofen, thermometer, hydrogen peroxide, burn ointment, antacids, and vitamin C packets. And don’t forget to bring a copy of your health insurance, immunization records, and prescriptions!
  • Mini sewing kit: There is a lot you can mend with only a needle and thread and a YouTube video.

4. Items to Cozy Up or Cool Down

College dorms aren’t exactly famous for being temperature regulated. If you’re a person who runs hot or cold, it’s especially practical to pack a few extra items to stay comfortable in your new home. These pretty much go without explanation:

  • Throw blanket
  • Comfy sweater
  • Fan
  • Re-usable water bottle

5. Decorations

Results from a 2019 study have suggested that our homes have a bigger impact on our overall happiness than our physical health, income, and employment (GoodHomeReport)! With all the stress and anxiety college can bring, decorating your dorm is far from frivolous. Decorating is a way to make your dorm feel safe, cozy, and a generally happy place to be! Here’s what we suggest:

  • Cute dorm-friendly décor items to make the space your own: One of our current students suggested bringing a piece of decor from home to make your space feel more familiar!
  • Pictures of family and friends: What better way to make your new home feel extra happy than with pictures of the people you love? And you can add more photos of the new friends you make in college!
  • Multnomah gear: Don’t forget to add some school pride to your dorm! The student store on campus has all kinds of Lion gear you can show off.

If you are moving onto campus this fall, we can’t wait to meet you! Be sure and check Multnomah’s dates and deadlines to make sure you are all set for a great semester. Are you just beginning your college journey and have questions? Visit multnomah.edu/requestinformation to get in contact with one our admissions counselors.