by Christina Conner

Created on: August 23, 2009   Last Updated: August 24, 2009

Moving into a college dorm for the first can be fraught with stress and anxiety, especially if you're moving in with a potluck roommate. Make it easier on everyone involved by making sure you have all of the basics.

For the bed:

Many mattresses are a bit longer than standard in dorm rooms, so it's ideal to get a set of extra-long twin sheets. Get two sets; this will encourage actually washing sheets, you have another set to put on while the other set is in the wash. Have an extra blanket for warmth during the winter. Some dorms don't have thermostats/heaters that can be regulated by room; there may be a sudden cold snap and the heat may not get turned on promptly.

Bring at least one regular pillow for your bed. Optional: a couple of square decorative pillows and a long body pillow can be placed on the bed during the day to make it into a sofa.

For the bathroom:

Have at least two body sized towels. If you are sharing a communal bathroom, buy a set of cheap flip-flops to wear in the shower. It may seem weird, but it will prevent the spread of fungus and other diseases. A small plastic shower caddy that you can carry to and from the bathroom is a must. Make sure that it can comfortably hold a bottle of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and face wash.

If you have an ensuite bathroom, bring a set of hand towels and hand soap. Make sure that you arrange with your roommate who is going to be restocking the hand soap, etc. if you're going to share.

For the floor:

Many dorm rooms have tile floors. Arrange with your roommate if you want to buy carpet/rugs together. If not, bring a rug to go by your bed. Coordinate with your sheets and comforter set for a matching look. Optional: consider buying a pair of slippers or house shoes, particularly if you don't have carpet.

For entertainment:

While you may not have much room, you still want to be able to relax with a movie or some tunes, so don't forget the entertainment side of things. Look for a small TV (12 inches and under) and compact stereo system. Optional: look for a mini-fridge to store snacks and drinks. This may be best purchased after moving in, so you know how much room you have to work with.

If you don't know your roommate, call them before you move in to see what, if any, electronic items (mini fridge, TV, stereo, etc.) they may be bringing. That way you don't end up with double!

For academics:

Have plenty of pens and paper for taking notes in class. Highlighters are helpful for reading and taking notes. A small desk lamp and a spare lightbulb will come in handy. A binder with dividers or a set of folders will help keep your notes and papers organized by class.

Get a USB memory stick of at least 256mb to backup and save documents for class. Optional: a laptop or desktop computer. While handy, if you're strapped for cash at move-in, remember that all universities have computer labs.

For health:

Bring a container of sanitary/cleaning wipes to keep things tidy. This will also help stop the spread of disease. With the amount of students in and out of dorms, germs can spread easily. It can be hard to enjoy college academically and socially if you're laid up sick.

Pack a medicine bag with something to treat basic maladies: headache, upset stomach, cough, mild fever, and allergies. Include bandages and a thermometer.

Make sure that you check with the university regulations for what is and isn't allowed in the dorm room. Many banned items include candles and hot plates. Some dorms ban microwaves or halogen lamps. Be aware of the rules and you won't end up wasting money.

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