As a first time college student moving into a residence hall, you may be wondering what all you should bring on move-in day. To help better prepare you, we’ve created a list of essential items for you! This doesn’t mean that you have to bring all of the items listed (but some are definitely a must).
#1 Mattress Topper
You will likely want to add a little extra comfort to your bed. To do so, be sure to bring along a twin size mattress topper!
#2 Blackout Curtains
If you have a room with a window, purchasing blackout curtains will be so helpful (especially if you want to take a nice in-between classes nap during the day).They come in several colors for you to choose and they block out all the light from the outdoors.
#3 Tension Rods
In the residence halls, traditional curtain rods are not allowed. So to hang up your curtains, a tension rod is the best solution! Many residents use tension rods and curtains on windows, closets, and to divide space between bedrooms for privacy.
#4 Shower Curtain
A shower curtain will definitely be needed, along with a shower rod and shower curtain rings. Be sure to chat with your roommate to decide who wants to bring these items!
#5 Coffee Maker
Whether you are a coffee lover or not, a coffee maker is a great addition for your dorm. Having the convenient access to make coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or simply hot water will come in handy. Tip: Try to find a smaller sized one like the example in the photo above to save space.
#6 Portable Fan
There might be times when you feel hot and your roommate is cold. A simple solution is to have your own personal, portable fan to cool off.
#7 Headphones
From listening to class lectures online to streaming music and videos, having a set of headphones of any brand or style will be a must have. They will also come in handy if you need to block out any sound from neighboring areas.
#8 Lamp
Having a lamp on hand is a great addition to having a reading light (as mentioned above) in case you need a little more light. If you have to get ready in the morning while your roommate is asleep, a lamp like this is great to use!
#9 Foldable Drying Rack
Yes, all on-campus residents have access to washers and dryers. So why would you need a foldable drying rack? Some materials are best dried with air drying instead of in the dryer. There will also be times when you just don’t feel like waiting around in the laundry facility to dry for one small item. It’s a great place to hang your hand towels, bath towels, and any other damp item!
#10 Bed Risers and Storage
Making the most of your space in a dorm room is a MUST. For starters, purchase a set of bed risers to lift your bed to create additional space underneath for storage. Then use plastic storage containers with drawers and/or lids to store underneath. These containers can store anything you want to put in them! You can also use smaller storage containers under your bathroom sink.
#11 Power Strip
Your lamp, cell phone charger, laptop charger, fan, coffee maker and so much more will need an outlet. A power strip will give you more outlets. The one pictured even has USB charging ports! It’s a win-win!
#12 Laundry Hamper
You won’t regret having a laundry hamper to tote your laundry to and from the laundry facility. This one even has wheels! If you plan to take your laundry back to your hometown when you go visit, a laundry bag would be convenient to pack in your vehicle!
#13 Trash Can
Keep your clutter to a minimum! Make sure to get a trash can to easily dispose of things you want to throw away. You can even pick out a color that matches your bedding and décor and choose if you want one with or without a lid.
#14 Basic Cleaning Supplies
Things get messy, dirty, and accidents happen. There’s no way around it. Come prepared with basic cleaning supplies such as an all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, laundry detergent, soap, sponges, paper towels and anything else that “calls your name” on the cleaning aisle while shopping!
#15 Extra-Long Cell Phone Charging Cord
Do you ever get frustrated because your charging cord doesn’t conveniently reach you and your phone from the outlet? Eliminate the hassle by investing in an affordable extra-long cord! Ordering a 3-pack like pictured above will also allow you to have some for backup in case your cord stops working or is misplaced.
#16 Bath & Bedding Supplies
One word: essential. You will need to bring bedding to your new home! Pick out your favorite colors and patterns to express your style.
#17 Closet Organizers
If you find yourself needing more space in your closet, there are several closet organizing options. The one pictured on the left can hang from the inside of any door. This can be used to organize your shoes, jewelry, makeup, bathroom items, and much more. The space saver pictured above on the right allows you to hang your clothes stacked and vertical to save space for additional clothes.
#18 Microwaveable Bowls & Plates
All rooms in Tarleton’s residence halls come furnished with a mini refrigerator and microwave. This means you will likely need bowls and plates, but not just any kind. Make sure they are labeled microwavable so that you can use them to heat up your food!
#19 Small Vacuum Cleaner
A small vacuum cleaner is the perfect size for your living space. It will help you tidy up when your floors need some TLC.
#20 Streaming Device
How are you going to keep up with all your favorite shows in college? Make sure you have a streaming device. It can be anything from your phone and laptop to having a TV connected with a Roku, Firestick, or Apple TV, to name a few.
Of course there are many more items you can bring to your residence hall. This is only a short list! If you have any questions about what you can and cannot bring, check out our move-in guide. Contact the Department of Residence Life at (254) 968-9083 or [email protected] if you have any on-campus living questions!