Dorm essentials that every college student should bring when moving in

Written by Bryana Torres-Martinez | Graphic by Jiselle Santos

It may be hard to decide what to take when moving away from home, especially if you’re moving away for the first time. Nonetheless, there’s no need to worry, we have you covered on some dorm room essentials to make living away from home easier!

For many people, one of the biggest adjustments of living in college dorms is the mattress. For us college students, sleep is a crucial component in our academic success. A great way to improve your sleep is the addition of a mattress pad. A mattress pad can be a determining factor in how comfortable and well you are sleeping. With a mattress pad helping you get quality sleep, of course it had to make our list of dorm room essentials.

Next on our list is one of the most convenient items to have. A shower caddy makes getting ready and getting in and out of the bathroom as trouble-free as possible. Having everything you need in one place makes it effortless to just pick up and go. Not only does this save you time while getting ready, it keeps you organized and leaves everything you need available and accessible. We could not recommend buying one enough!

Now, these next two technically aren’t necessarily essential for living in a dorm, but they definitely are essential decor. No item of decor is more synonymous with college students as tapestries are. They’re a goto for most students living in dorms and are a great starting point for room decor. String lights and lamps are also a common way to not only enhance the lighting in your room but to brighten up your living space!

Organization is a critical skill for college life. The importance of time management alone can make or break your academic success. A great way to avoid procrastination is to have a large, visible, calendar in your room. Whether it’s a desk calendar or a dry erase one, it’ll help you hold yourself accountable for your assignments and lead you to success! A calendar is a great investment for your room and your academic career here at UH.

This next one is essential for my coffee enthusiasts. Keurig’s are an easy, affordable way to get in your caffeine for the day, while in the comfort of your own dorm. Not only does this save money, but it saves you those extra twenty minutes from a morning run to Starbucks. There aren’t many reasons why we wouldn’t recommend getting one in your dorm room!

These were just a few of our top picks out of many essentials that could make your transition into the dorms a lot smoother. From better sleep, to the decor, or to getting in your morning cup of coffee, we hope you benefit from these tips and put them to the test! Investing in yourself and your education can help you succeed in your academic journey here at UH. We wish you all the best for this new semester, and remember, Go Coogs!