Life Hacks From a College Student: Twelve Items to Add to Your College Dorm Packing List

Every school has a cut-and-paste college dorm packing list for incoming freshmen. (You can find ours here!) But each year, students arrive on campus and realize there were several items that they had not thought of. The good news is, most of these items can wait until your next trip home or your next Walmart run. But we thought we would save you some of the trouble and bring these things to mind now as you begin to formulate your college packing list.

1. An HDMI Adaptor

Want to watch Netflix or Disney+ on a big screen?  Having an adaptor will come in handy when you need to connect your laptop to the T.V. for a Disney Movie Marathon, a goofy presentation, or for JackBox games. Plus, if you have a class presentation, you have the option of using the classroom adaptor or your own. I highly recommend adding this to your college dorm packing list!

2. A Sewing Kit

It only takes about two minutes to sew a button back onto your favorite flannel, restitch the pocket of your sweatshirt, or repair the seam of your sleeve, so don’t stop wearing your favorite clothes because of a loose thread. A little repair kit is all you need to tie up loose ends, and they are available in most stores including Dollar Tree!

3. Tide Sticks

These can be a lifesaver, or more specifically, a quarter saver since the laundry at Grace is paid with quarters! Tide Sticks make a quick fix for small stains. If you’re out and about with friends, you can treat your stain on the spot without the hassle of returning to your dorm room. 

4. A Foldable Drying Rack

Another must-have on your college dorm packing list is a foldable drying rack. If you have more delicate clothing, this will especially come in handy. Foldable drying racks can also save you some of your quarters if you dry your clothes on the rack rather than in the dryer.

5. A Bunk Caddy

This is so helpful for holding your phone at night. If you’re like most people, your alarm is on your phone; so a bunk caddy will make it much easier to hear your alarm in the morning (especially if you’re on the top bunk!). You’ll be grateful to have your phone close to you, and your roommate who loves to sleep in will thank you too!

6. A Comfy Chair

One word: Essential. The lobbies have comfy chairs and couches, but they can fill up quickly, so it’s nice to have your own seat to bring out to hall meetings, movie nights, or late-night study sessions. It’s also nice to have some room furniture of your own. From a saucer chair to a hammock chair, there are plenty of options to consider!

7. Ear Plugs

No matter how strict quiet hours are, these are still a must-have, especially for naptime after an afternoon class. If your spirit animal is Sleepy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, go ahead and add these to your college dorm packing list. 

8. A Mini Tool Kit

This is one of those things to bring to college that could really come in handy. Tightening up the wheels of your skateboard or scooter, and fixing up a pair of glasses are some of the things you might want this for, but anything could come up! A mini tool kit is great for college because, well, it’s mini: It doesn’t take up much room, so you could keep it in a dashboard or desk drawer. You will never believe the random things you might need a mini tool kit for.

9. Extra Hangers

These are a good thing to have around when you have a shopping spree with your friends. You never know if you’ll buy some new (or new-to-you) clothes. Many students need these after taking a trip to the campus store to check out the newest Grace merch; after all, you’ll have to spend your flex money somewhere!

10. First Aid Kit

It’s true, these are pretty much everywhere around campus, but when you just need to fix up a paper cut, it’s nice to have a bandage on hand. 

11. Ice Cube Trays

Whether you want to make yourself a quick cup of iced coffee or just need a refreshing drink, ice cube trays are not always thought of right away. Some students also use them to make a great smoothie!

And this might be a given, but, of course, don’t forget to bring…

12. Your Favorite Games

Euchre, Dutch-Blitz, Spikeball, Cornhole, Jackbox, and Dominoes are just a drop in the ocean of games students bring with them. These are great for group or roommate bonding time, so don’t be shy about bringing games!

Has this list gotten you wondering about the essentials on the college dorm packing list? Or are you now wondering what you shouldn’t pack?  To find out, check out this college packing checklist from student affairs: What to Bring to College.