40 college dorm essentials you'll actually use — according to a recent graduate
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If you're heading off to college for the first time this fall, congrats! It's such an exciting time— picking out your classes, meeting your roommate, making new friends. Although exciting, moving away from home and into a new space with a new person can be nerve-wracking at first. A good packing list to get you prepared for move-in day won't necessarily calm all of your first-day jitters, but it hopefully will make you feel a little more ready.
As someone who just graduated from college, the chaos of dorm room shopping is fresh in my mind. I also remember the items I used everyday and the items I was convinced I needed, but sadly never made it out of their packaging. That's why this list exists — to give you some guidance that will hopefully make your college shopping process a little less hectic.
From the more obvious basics, like a comforter, to the more obscure, like an Amazon prime membership, this list has all the essentials to get you ready for the big day.
Shop our picks for college essentials below:
An Amazon Prime Membership for convenient shopping and free shipping
Amazon
Amazon Prime Student Membership, $6.49/month (6-month free trial for new members)
Amazon Prime is the ultimate in convenience, especially if you don't have a car on campus or if you go to school in a more removed, rural area. I found myself on Amazon Prime often, constantly ordering last-minute school supplies, my favorite snacks from home, and even toiletries when I was too lazy to drive to the store. The convenient service takes the annoyance of shopping away so you can focus on more important things, like studying.
If you are a new member you can get a free trial of Prime for six months, otherwise you can just get a discounted student membership.
A wallet that sticks to the back of your phone
Amazon
oPesea Adhesive Phone Card Holder, $5.99 for a 5-pack at Amazon
My student ID was one of my most valuable possessions in college. That little plastic card gave me access to my meal plan, my dorm, laundry, and more. I didn't usually carry a full wallet with me, but I always had my phone on me, so I used these little phone wallets to hold my important cards instead. I could fit three cards, or two cards and some cash, in one of these.
These are cheap, easy to stick to your phone, and fit on almost all phone models. They're super convenient and, given that most peoples cell phones function as appendages anyways, guarantee that your important cards are easily accessible whenever your phone is around.
A bottle to keep your drinks hot and your bag dry
Amazon
Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug, $16 at Amazon
When you need to bring a hot beverage to class, there is nothing worse than opening your backpack to find your travel mug has leaked onto your schoolwork. This travel mug is great for keeping your drinks hot, but it also has an autoseal that actually keeps your drinks from leaking and spilling. So, you can throw this in your backpack and still hand in your essay sans coffee stains.
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