How To

How to Pack for Your Dorm Room

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(34 Ratings)

Your dorm room will be your new home for the months to come. Take what you need to make it comfortable.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Try to contact your roommate ahead of time to find out what he or she plans to bring.

  2. Step 2

    Make sure you are not duplicating large items such as televisions, stereos or telephones.

  3. Step 3

    Find out what size bed your dorm room has and pack linens accordingly.

  4. Step 4

    Determine how likely it is that you will need dressy, formal or "date" clothes. For instance, if you are planning to join a sorority or fraternity, you will probably need more formal clothes than if you're not.

  5. Step 5

    Bring mostly casual wear for studying. Try to select clothes that can all be washed in the same cycle if you want to make laundry easier.

  6. Step 6

    Pack a bathrobe, shower slippers, towels, and personal care items such as your hair dryer.

  7. Step 7

    Toss in some school supplies, but remember that you can buy those on campus.

  8. Step 8

    Pack your computer equipment securely in the boxes it came in, and be sure to bring a good power strip.

  9. Step 9

    Take posters and tapestries for wall coverings. Take personal photos and mementos to dress up shelves and desks, and to remind you of home.

  10. Step 10

    Bring throw rugs or used carpet as floor coverings.

  11. Step 11

    Pack emergency items such as battery-operated radios and flashlights, as well as practical items such as a hot pot, mini refrigerator or microwave, if such things are allowed.

Tips & Warnings
  • Most dorm beds are extra-long twins, which are about 80 to 84 inches in length. If you tend to get cold during the night, consider taking an extra blanket or two.
  • Sleeping bags make good portable beds for camping trips or extra guests.
  • Some dorms charge a fee for holes left in the walls. Use double-sided tape for hanging posters.

Comments  

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on 5/24/2009 I'll show this article to my son- he;s going to college next semester. I agree with those comments below be- a wastebasket serves as the most necessary item!

andyg08 said

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on 5/6/2009 I participated in a test market of new type of dorm furniture this year. It turned out to be an amazingly comfortable couch that fits in any size room. I would recommend all Freshman get one for their dorm rooms. http://www.SlouchBack.com

geministar said

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on 7/11/2008 Here are a few tips for the cash strapped student.

*Get a job off campus at a clothing store. This is usually easy work plus you'll get a discount on clothes! This also works at a restaurant too, free food!

*Try to car pool as much as possible, especially now that gas is so expensive. If you and your buddies want to go out, then always pick someone new to drive each time and everyone pitch in for the gas.

*Make a list. This is essential even before you move in! Make a list of all the things you will need to take with you. This will show you exactly what you already have and what you need to buy. It will cut down on a lot of time and worry.

*Also always use a list when you go grocery shopping! This will eliminate wanting to buy stuff you don't need and just wanting to splurge and save you $$$.

*Use the college's facilities as much as possible. Do you need to print out a re

linds1207 said

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on 6/11/2007 I always had a hard time moving all of my dorm stuff back and forth in my small car. I just read this great article on ChickSpeak about Mad Packers, a shipping and storage company designed exclusively to help college students. Read more about Mad Packers at http://chickspeak.com/blog/2007/04/22/mad-packing-skills/

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on 1/2/2007 The best gift my best friend gave me when I went off to live in a dorm (he was a year ahead of me) was a wastebasket packed with basic cleaning supplies, a small dustpan and "broomette", a toilet bowl brush, shower curtain and toilet paper!

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