After a year of online learning and social distancing, many universities appear to be planning to reopen for in-person instruction and dorming for Fall 2021. As many students prepare to move on campus for the first time or to move back on campus for the first time since the nationwide shut-down, InQuire Higher is here to help you remember to pack the essentials! Here is a list of five must-have items you won’t want to forget when moving on campus.
A Mattress Pad
It’s no secret that dorm mattresses are notoriously hard as rocks. While it should be noted that most dorm mattresses will have a hard side and a ‘soft’ side (usually labeled somewhere on the mattress), the firmness of the mattress can still be jarring and definitely affect sleep. I recommend all students moving on campus look into buying a mattress pad, not only will your body thank you, but foam mattress pads are sold for as low as $10 at Target and can be reused each year. However, if you want something a little more luxurious, try memory foam and down alternative mattress pads sold by big retailers like Big Lots and Walmart for various prices. Make sure to shop around and find something that works for you— you won’t regret it.
Shower Shoes
Most dorms have communal showers and restrooms that the entire floor, or hall, will share. This being said, the last thing you want to do is step on the ground with your bare feet in what is essentially a public bathroom. Shower shoes are really nothing more than flip flops or waterproof slides, just something open-toed and waterproof that you can wear while you shower. Similar to mattress pads, shower shoes range in price and function. Whether you wear Dollar store flip flops or special shower slides with anti-slip soles, just make sure not to forget to bring something that’ll protect your feet in the communal restrooms.
A Drying Rack
Not everyone goes to college close enough to go home on the weekends to do laundry, this is why there are several reasons why a drying rack is advantageous to have while on campus. First of all, a drying rack is great (and necessary) for clothes that can’t be machine dried. However, here’s the thing about campus laundry rooms: they can be exorbitantly overpriced, or the machines are oftentimes in need of repair and therefore leave your clothes damp, if not soaking wet. Using a drying rack can help alleviate laundry costs as well as just get the job done when it comes to drying your clothes. Of course, using a drying rack may not be the most time effective in comparison to an electric dryer, but it’s guaranteed to dry your clothes. Keep this in my mind as a potential lifesaver for when you move onto campus.
(At Least) One Formal Outfit
When packing for school, it’s easy to forget to pack an outfit for every occasion. Of course, you’ll want pajamas, loungewear, and some nice outfits for class, but don’t forget about other occasions such as job interviews, banquets, and ceremonies. You don’t want to be scrambling to find a button-down shirt or shoes that aren’t sneakers at the last minute. Bring at least one outfit that can be classified as professional, and definitely consider bringing more if you plan on finding a job that adheres to a business casual dress code. Opportunity knocks at the most random times–– don’t let yourself get caught out there with nothing to wear!
First Aid Kit
This one is pretty self-explanatory. You never know what’s going to happen, and it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. While your R.A should have some basic first aid equipment, it doesn’t hurt (ha!) to have your own set of bandaids, gauze, and hydrogen peroxide. Keep in mind, even with a first aid kit you should still familiarize yourself with the medical resources offered by your campus. Don’t wait for an emergency to happen to figure out where the campus Urgent Care center is.
All in all, the best advice we can give you is to make sure you don’t overpack! You’re sure to accumulate lots of clothes, books, and knick-knacks while you live on campus so be sure to leave plenty of room for your new stuff to fit in with the old. Best of luck packing!