As you’re reading this, I’m willing to bet you already have a page on your Notes app, a Google Doc or a piece of notebook paper with a curated dorm packing list. However, there are a handful of items probably missing from the list that you’ll wish you had after your first week on campus.
One of the most important things to have in your dorm is a fan. While all Clemson dorms have air conditioning, that doesn’t guarantee that your tiny room won’t get stuffy and need some circulating air. Whether it be a box fan or a small one that clips onto your bed rail, you’ll be happy to have it as you’re falling asleep each night.
While a fan will keep your room at a comfortable temperature while you sleep, it’ll be irrelevant if you’re sleeping on a mattress that feels like a brick. Therefore, another dorm essential is a mattress topper, ideally one that’s around 2 to 3 inches thick. This will play a key role in keeping you well-rested throughout the semester, which is extremely important.
Once you add the fan and mattress topper to the pile you’re accumulating in your dining room, you’ll be ready to move on to the next crucial item every college student needs: a first-aid kit. Yes, your mom was right. Band-Aids of all sizes, antibiotic ointment, medications and more will come in handy at some point throughout the school year.
Additionally, there’s nothing worse than a dirty room, so be sure to bring a good, easy-to-store vacuum for your space as well as some general cleaning supplies for wiping down surfaces. Clorox wipes are an easy way to give your desk a once-over cleaning.
On the topic of being sanitary, make sure to bring shower shoes. It may seem obvious to most people, but would be an awful thing to forget or let fall to the wayside. Be sure also to bring a shower caddy of some sort to hold all your products on your daily trek to the communal bathrooms.
One last key item that will make dorm life easier is an easily transportable laundry bag or basket. When you’re walking around your dorm building looking for an open washing machine or lugging your clean clothes back to your room to be put away, you’ll be grateful to have an easy way to carry everything.
One good option is a laundry bag with backpack straps that make transporting laundry easier and can easily be folded up and tucked away when empty.
Now, take a deep breath, get to packing, and remember that Target and Walmart are only a short drive from campus if you happen to forget something. You got this!
