When I was packing for Bishop’s, I must have googled “what to bring to university” a dozen times. I thought I needed everything. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. For context, I lived in Kuehner, which has “bog style” rooms, meaning you have your own bedroom, but share a bathroom with one other person. Your setup might be a little different from mine depending what residence you live in, but trust me this list will still come in handy. So here it is, what I brought, what I regret, and what I wish I had packed for my first-year dorm room.
What I Brought (And Actually Used)
While living in my dorm, there were a few things I brought that were super helpful. First up, my mini fan was an absolute necessity. The rooms get hot during those warm September days, and the fan really came in handy. Décor is also a must-have. You want your room to match your vibe, so get some posters, pictures, anything to make your room feel more like you! Appliances are also a great idea. I brought a microwave, a minifridge and an electric kettle. These were great for when I wanted a quick snack or some tea. A drying rack came in handy for any delicate clothes I didn’t want to throw in the dryer. Lastly, a full-length mirror was essential for getting ready and taking one last look at my outfit before heading out the door.
What I Brought (And Totally Regret)
Let’s start off with clothes. I brought way too many. I didn’t wear half the stuff I brought and they took up space in my closet that I didn’t have. Especially summer clothes, the weather is only warm enough for a few weeks and I really didn’t need 12 pairs of shorts. I also brought way too many shoes. I packed at least 20 pairs (I’m not kidding), and most went unworn. Then there was the throw pillows. I brought four because I wanted my bed to be cozy. However, they ended up on the floor almost every day. One or two is plenty, but more just take up too much space. Same deal with the rug that I brought, it looked nice for about a week and then it just got dirty. It’s really not worth the maintenance. Lastly, I brought way too many dishes. I had all these extra cups and plates that sat untouched for the school year. Unless you’re planning on throwing a dinner party in your dorm room, you only need the basics.
What I Wish I Had (The Items That Got Away)
In the chaos of packing, there a few things I forgot that I really wish I hadn’t. Starting with a laundry hamper. Somehow, I managed to overlook this entirely and I ended up carrying around my dirty laundry in some random grocery bag (not fun). Also, I regret not getting a mattress topper. The dorm mattress wasn’t bad, but I love a super comfy bed. A mattress topper would have made my sleeps a lot cozier. Next up, some mood lighting. I’m not a big fan of overhead lighting, and I wish I had some LED lights to create a chill vibe while hanging out with friends in my dorm. Last, but not least, a diffuser. You’re not allowed candles in your dorm (total fire hazard), but a diffuser is a great way of keeping your room smelling fresh and I wish I had brought one.
Packing Tips For Your Future Self
Don’t overpack. Your room may be smaller than you think, and you’ll want some free space for things you’ll collect throughout the year (school merch, thrift finds, textbooks, etc.)
Plan for the season. If you travel home frequently, you don’t need to bring your winter clothes right away. You can save on space, and swap out when the seasons change.
Coordinate with your bogmate. If you know your bogmate, you can coordinate on what to bring to avoid having doubles! Maybe one can bring the microwave, and the other can bring the mini fridge. It’s a great way to save space, and money!
