what to pack for the dorms by Veronica P. '27

Dear pre-frosh,

If you’re anything like me you’re probably combing over internet list upon internet list, trying to make sure you’ve packed absolutely everything you need for a successful college experience. Well, may I present to you… another internet list! But this time, with the qualification that I’ve lived three years (going on a fourth) in Burton-Conner and take a lot of pride in my room, as evidenced by not one, but two room blogs.

But, unlike these previous blogs, decoration will not be the focus today. Instead, I’ll be commenting a bit on the list that I sat down and made 3 years ago, before moving into the dorms for the first time.

unfortunately, the original copy has been lost to the winds of time

So, in no particular order, here are my two cents on what to bring your freshman year. These are by no means “essentials,” just less-obvious items that have made my dorm experience easier. It’s also worth noting that I road-tripped, so I was able to bring a lot more than most of my friends.

What I’m so glad I brought: 

• A Medicine Kit: Freshman flu is real, y’all. Stock up on cough drops, Nyquils, and Dayquils. I genuinely never get headaches, but somehow freshman fall I found a way!
• A Mattress Topper: One of the main reasons I won the comfiest bed distinction amongst my friends.
• A Small Vacuum + Swiffer: Dorm floors can get so grimy so fast, but most desks at dorms have a spare vacuum for residents to borrow! I just found that owning my own lowered the activation energy to clean by a lot.
• Lamps! Warm lighting goes a long way in making a sterile space feel cozy, and cool lighting is good for late-night lock-ins (Although, full disclosure, I did most of my studying outside of my room). Genuinely the most functional piece of decor out there 
• A speaker: A very underrated essential! The best way to set the mood when you’re hanging out with friends. 
• An extra pair of sheets and towels: Laundry can take a lot of activation energy as a college student, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to sleep in a clean bed. I changed my sheets way more often than my friends ( every other week) by virtue of this hack. Also, it comes in handy if you ever have extra guests you need to host! 
• A personal mirror: As a makeup user
• Extension cords: At least 3, and ideally the ones with a flat plug that you can scoot furniture against because it is very rare that the location of outlets aligns with your room layout.
• A water bottle: The true college student essential. Shoutout Owala! 
• A Mini Fridge: Even in a cook-for-yourself dorm, it’s nice to have your own personal fridge. My roommate and I like to keep ours stalked with vitamin waters and (emergency) energy drinks. 
• Drawer Organizers: For the inevitable miscellaneous drawer where anything and everything gets placed.
• A storage cart: The rolling metal ones you see in every Target.
• Weather-appropriate attire: Thermals, winter shoes, a winter coat, a rain jacket, an umbrella! Boston weather is not to be messed with. 
• Comfortable walking shoes: My New Balances are great, make sure you have a pair that you’re fine with getting dirty, as well! 
• Closet hangers: Our dressers don’t come with any, so make sure you have your own! 
• A memory box: I packed some of my favorite notes, mementos, and trinkets in a box to look at if I was ever having a rough time. Freshman year is a big transition, so it was nice to feel like I had a piece of home to treasure. 

What I’m so grateful my Roommates brought: 

• A full length mirror! The dorm ones unfortunately don’t cut it. 
• A carpet: For added coziness, since our room didn’t have much space to sit besides the beds. 
• Personal cups, pans, and plates: especially in a cook-for-yourself dorm, it’s nice to have one or two sets, even though there are communal supplies. 
• String Lights: self-explanatory

What I bought after moving in

• Indoor/Shower Shoes: I bought some waterproof slides from Muji during CPW and have used them everyday since 
• Cleaning supplies: At the very least, have some clorox wipes! Kitchen sponges as well if you have dishes 
• Tide Pods: Much easier to do laundry when you don’t have to carry a heavy detergent bottle around
• Room spray: This hack is from my more high-maintenance sister. In lieu of candles, buying a scented mist can help counteract some of the inevitable dorm-smell and make your space feel more homey! Just make sure your roommates are on board with it, too. 
• Tupperware: To store free food, if you can’t cook, or to meal prep, if you can! 
• Headphones: Whether to set the mood or to lock in, also a college student essential. 
• A weighted blanket: the second reason I’ve won the comfiest bed distinction amongst my friends. 
• Command Strips and Hooks: one of those things a college student can never have too many of, especially if you like to decorate! 

What i brought and never touched

• A space heater: Our dorm’s temperature regulation is good enough that I never found myself in need
• A storage ottoman: I’ve never managed to find a non-awkward placement for mine in my room layouts
• Closet organizers: Not necessary 
• A shower caddy: This is more dorm-specific, but in BC I just leave my shower items in my shower since I only share the shower with about 6 people
• Bed raisers:  Our beds are high enough, trust 
• A heated blanket: Honestly would have gotten more mileage out of a normal blanket. 
• A Brita filter: Our water fountains are filtered and within walking distance, but honestly this is more of a personal choice.

how u probably feel after reading through this entire list

Again, do you need all these things? Absolutely not! The beautiful thing about America is you’re never too far from a Walmart, so it’s never too late to purchase something you regret forgetting.  Also, MIT graduates are constantly trying to sell so many of these items via dormspam, which is a great way to get a good deal!