Be Comfortable

Dorm, sweet dorm. Make your dorm comfortable, even if you don't think you'll be spending too much time there. In addition to what's below, bring some comfort items from home to decorate your dorm or make it more homey - posters, pictures, a teddy bear, whatever you want.

Mattress Pad

What, did you really think your bed would be comfortable? Are you really even comfortable sleeping without something between you and that mattress? If there is one thing you get to make your dorm more homely, get a mattress pad. Be sure to get one that fits your dorm's bed size.

Organizers + Storage Bins

There is so much variety in the type of organizers you may need... If you loft your bed, you may want a full set of shelving, whereas if you just raise your bed a little you would need a completely different set of organizers. As such, pick out what you need for the space you've got, and how much stuff you have.

Mirror

Whether it's because you don't want to be stuck with a whole bunch of other people in the bathroom in front of the mirror, or you just can't get enough of your reflection, a mirror is always a nice touch of décor. Given the variety in mirror models, we'd recommend buying this in person, but here's a few models anyway.

Fan

Chances are, your school will help you heat your room, but when spring comes around and it gets hot again, you're on your own. As long as you don't duct tape your fan to the ceiling, you shouldn't break any rules regarding your school's dorm policy, but, as always, double check.

Dishware

If you buy a set of real dishes, don't forget some dish soap. But why on earth would you get "real" dishes when you can just buy plastic ones? Because really, who wants to do dishes... That said, a set of dishes is a must if you'll be using a microwave. Don't forget to set this one up with your roommate! We recommend bringing some tupperware to put your dirty dishes in, since really, you're not going to want to do dishes right away...

  • Pick out a set of the color and size you want... a 4 person set should be more than enough

Filtered Water Pitcher

Assuming you don't trust your school's arguably ancient waterpipe system to keep your water entirely clean, here's a good way to get clean water... plus, the amount you save by avoiding water bottles will add up.

Silverware

Whenever you reheat some food or grab something from the fridge, you might want some silverware, or at least plasticware... your call.

  • Buy in store... whatever suits your needs

Cleaners + Paper Towels

The things that are perfect for cleaning up a quick disaster, or for when your friends (or parents) are stopping by your dorm. Paper towels are a must... they do everything from clean to doubling as a paper plate.

Message Board

If your hallmates want to leave you a colorful note (or on rare occasion something meaningful) who are you to deny them? Also makes for a great way to tell your roommate the room is occupied when hairties are nowhere to be found. If dry erase isn't your style, you could bring a bulletin board, which is also nice to have inside your room.

Ear Plugs

Noice-cancelling on the cheap. The best way to cope with a snoring roommate.