So, I arrive at school and like most freshmen, I’m surviving on the bare minimum because I could only fit so many things in my two suitcases and two carry-ons…and it gets worse, I forgot a few things too! Fortunately for me though, I received a bunch of free items from school-sponsored events during Bentley College’s ALANA Weekend and First Week for freshman. I got a dryer bag, a few shirts (that’ll keep me from doing laundry for another week), plastic bags for my garbage pail, and snacks galore. But once classes started, I began to realize that I was missing a few necessities and running short on others. To help all other incoming freshman and returning college students, I have compiled a laundry list—please excuse the pun—of college necessities. Below is my list of Dorm MUST HAVES for every freshman in college:

-laundry basket/hamper/dryer sheets
-bed sheets (usually size Twin XL)
-pillow
-blanket
-toiletries/bathroom necessities (shaving cream, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
-hangers
-computer and Ethernet cord (if school doesn’t provide one already)
-clothes and shoes (pack according to local year-round climate! Don’t bring a heavy jacket to Stanford)
-credit/debit card
-school and office supplies
-telephone/cell phone
-first-aid kit (just in case)
-flip flops
-febreeze/lysol
-white board
-headphones

-music speakers
-duffel bag (provides many uses!)
-cups, forks, knives, spoons, dishes/plates
-5-plug outlets and power cords
-personal items (posters, pictures, etc.)

-sports related-items/equipment
-lots of cash!

Things you may have to buy or rent if you are an International/Exchange Student or don’t have a car for transport:

-TV
-fridge
-microwave
-trash can

Remember, you can always buy personal items, school supplies, and bathroom necessities at the campus store or a nearby convenience store! Pack wisely and don’t get to school saying, “ugh! I can’t believe I forgot that at home,” or, “where’s the nearest Wal-Mart?”

Lastly, don’t forget to ask about these things concerning housing:

1) Housing flexibility (singles, doubles, triples, quads, suites, apartments, townhouses, etc; and cultural housing and clean living)*

2) Room sizes and bathroom arrangements (most dorms and suites have communal bathrooms)**

3) The things that come with certain housing options (Beds, Tables, Chairs, Desks, Closet, etc.)

4) Distance from dorms to facilities (dorms are most convenient if they are within walking distance of all campus facilities)

5) Miscellaneous information about living on campus:

a. I need help! Is my RA, Residential Assistant, available when I need him/her?

b. I hate my roommate! What can be done to fix this issue?

c. I’m hungry! What are the meal plan options? When does the cafeteria close? And what can I do for a late night snack?

Where you live is important! Don’t find yourself in crummy living arrangements because you didn’t do research!

* Some housing is reserved for upperclassmen, and other housing is only available to freshman.

**Dorm sizes may vary depending on school, housing option, and housing hall.

Danny Wong – Bentley Class of 2012