Dormgear

College Checklist - Dormgear.com

Use this page as a checklist for everything you need to take, or print it out to use as you buy what you need. Click any item to learn more, and get recommendations and things to look for. Sorry, it's pretty simple right now (there's no saving yet, so best print it out). We're working on it.

Item		Description
College Essentials
	Cell Phone + Charger	One of the most important things you can bring!
	Backpack / Book Bag	A bag for your books and computer that you'll use every day.
	School Supplies	Desk Organizer Pencils + Pens, Notebook / Binder + Lined paper, Notebooks, Stapler, Calculator, Portable Flash Drive (e.g. USB Thumb drive), Hi-lighter, Scissors, Tape / Glue, Sticky Notes, Paper Clips, White-Out, 3 Hole Punch, Hole reinforcers, Pencil Sharpener, Colored Markers / Colored Pencils, Envelopes + Stamps. And anything else you can think of.
	Transportation	You might want a skateboard, bike, car, or money for public transit...
Computer
	Laptop Lock	Most laptops have a Kensington lock slot.
	Wireless / Ethernet	Bringing your own wireless router for your room can free up cables if your room comes only with ethernet, or bring an ethernet cable.
	Printer	Talk to your roommate!
	Software	Microsoft office (or something similar) is a must.
Dorm Essentials
	Bedding + Blankets	Bring 2 sets of easy to wash sheets / blankets.
	Comforter	A comforter with a duvet (removable cover) is much easier to clean.
	Toiletries	Click the link for an extensive list.
	Towels / Bathrobe	At least 2 sets is recommended.
	Bed Risers	HIGHLY recommended if you aren't in a bunk bed to make some extra space.
	Organizers	Great for stacking too!
	Surge Protector	Don't lose that paper you've been working on all night and forget to save...
Must Haves
	Debit or Credit Card	Easiest way to receive money from your parents, and you won't have to deal with change.
	Driver's License (ID)	You'll need to have an ID with your birthday one it. Your real birthday.
	Copy of Prescriptions	If you have any perscription medications...
	Copy of Birth Certificate	Really, the only time you would need this would be for getting a job, or possibly at your school's request.
	Bank Account Info	Just in case you ever need money...
	Social Security Card	Now this is one that you may actually be asked for when you apply for a job, or that your school migh task for. Or just memorize the number.
	Passport	Especially if you live near the border, or if you have a study abroad trip coming up, you'll definitely want to consider bringing your passport. But if you do... don't lose it.
You + Roommate
	Microwave-Fridge	Your best friend between meals. Where you put your... soda.
	Printer + Paper + Ink	All-in-one machines are recommended.
	TV + cable	If you want one... don't forget a cable.
	Lighting	Desk and/or Floor lamp. Because dorm lighting is usually... minimalistic.
	Gaming System	Don't let your LAN parties get too crazy...
	Speakers	If you love music and hate your neighbors, this is a must.
	Coffee Maker	Making all-nighters possible, all from your very own room.
	Hair Dryer	Make sure you plug it into a surge protector!
Electronics
	iPod... Music	Jump on the bandwagon and get one if you haven't already.
	Headphones	If you don't share your roommate's taste in music... or have guilty pleasures you don't want anyone knowing about.
	Alarm Clock	How else would you make it to class on time?
	Flash Drive	They're cheap, and an easy way to move around a few files.
	DVD Player	Your computer will probably work...
	Camera	Get one that's party proof: water/beer proof, and drop-proof
	Batteries	If anything you brought with you needs batteries... bring them from home. They're expensive.
Clothing
	Clothes	You only get to wear your birthday suit one day a year. Come prepared.
	Laundry Hamper	You might one that folds. Or doesn't stain. Or is on wheels. Or does your laundry for you.
	Closet Hangers	Plastic is better for your clothes than wire ones. You probably want some organizers too.
	Detergent	You probably have to bring your own.
	Bleach + Fabric Softener	Especially if you are an athelete who wears white socks...
	Quarters	For laundry. Or college-student tips.
	Tide To Go	So you can do laundry less often!
	Iron	Make sure you're allowed to bring one. Then learn how to use it.
	Drying Rack	If you want to avoid using dryers.
	Formalware	You'll need to look nice every now and then. For interviews, dates, dances, and rushing a Fraternity / Sorority.
	Gym Clothes + Gear	In addition to clothes, bring any equipment you might want: football, frisbee, tennis racquets, workout gloves, etc.
	Outerware	Depends on where you go to school. In SoCal, shorts. In alaska, not so much.
For the Bathroom
	Toiletries	Click the link. There's a long list there.
	Shower bag	Especially if you don't have lockers, one that won't get moldy or anything gross.
	Case	If you have a lot of make-up or whatever...
	Shower Shoes	You are probably sharing showers with like 50 people. Think about that.
Be Comfortable
	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?
	Organizers + Storage Bins	Again, loft your bed. Organizers are your friend in your tiny room.
	Fan	A lot of schools help you out with heating, but not air-conditioning. Check your school's site.
	Mug + Dishware	Good if you drink tea or coffee often. Soap in soap dispensers usually works fine as dish soap.
	Filtered Water Pitcher	Bring a Brita. Assuming you don't trust your school's arguably ancient waterpipe system to keep your water entirely clean...
	Mirror	Useful, but a well-placed mirror can also make your room feel bigger.
	Silverware	Bring your own if you don't want to steal it from the cafeteria.
	Cleaners + Paper Towels	Febreeze. Paper towels. Magic Eraser for spots. Windex?
	Message Board	Your floormates will leave you colorful messages every now and then...
	Ear Plugs	Best way to cope with a snoring roommate.
Tools
	Hand Vacuum	Often, you can borrow one, but if not, a vacuum is handy to have.
	Duct Tape	You might want super glue too. Then you can fix anything!
	Handi-Tak	To hang up your posters, a.k.a. the finest dorm decor.
	Sewing Kit	If you know how to sew, great way to fix up clothes on the cheap.
	Lock Box	Get one that's fire safe. Good place to store sensitive documents, cash, etc., especially if you leave your door open a lot.
	First Aid Kit	If you don't want to walk to the hospital every time you get a cut...
	Light Bulbs	Don't get halogens!
Furnishings
	Area Rug	To lighten up a room with boring or wooden floors
	Chair / Futon	Only if you have the space!
	Pillows / Body Pillow	A few throw pillows make your room a lot more lounge friendly.