How to Pick Dorm Room Essentials for Girls
There’s a big difference between boys and girls regarding dorm room essentials. Boys, I found, don’t care much about the surroundings or setting they are in. But girls are different.
Moving out and preparing for your dorm stay is a significant life event for anybody.
So, packing the right dorm room essentials for girls may be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. But I’ll help you with the best dorm room ideas and How To Set Up Your Dorm Room.
The first year of college leaves you in awe. But don’t let that take a toll on you. It would help if you got your packing done before moving in.
The idea of shifting to the dorm, co-living with roommates, and managing your wardrobe can be pretty nerve-wracking, too.
So, the sooner you start planning, the better it will be for you.
Let me help you keep yourself organized, clutter-free, and prompt.
For those confused about dorm room essentials for girls
Have you figured out the small things that make your home so endearing? Aside from your loving family, those small habits and practices navigate your home.
Your hostel would be someplace else.
But with a little effort, you can also recreate your own little space in your dorm.
As a senior entering college, I was keen to curate a list of the exact things I would need in my college.
But only planning doesn’t give you immunity against forgetfulness.
I forgot a lot of things. And you might do the same, too.
The thing is that we are overwhelmed with the feeling of stepping into a new lifestyle. That keeps us hooked, without a doubt.
But that’s why I am here. I have researched extensively to create this guide on how to pick dorm room essentials for girls.
| Pro Tip: Check the college’s website once before planning or packing. Do this, especially before buying oversized items. Every dorm has some residing guidelines. For example, my dorm did not allow me to take in a microwave. So, I had to abandon that plan at the last minute. |
Bedding gets priority
While sorting dorm room essentials for girls, give utmost priority to bedding. Remember- bedding is the topmost among college dorm room essentials.
If your daughter is going to college, ask her to pack bedding correctly.
Firstly, note that dorm beds are always extra long, so our standard twin bed sheets won’t make it.
Secondly, get a mattress protector if you can. You don’t know how many slept on that mattress before you. Moreover, the bed may not be as comfortable as you thought.
Without much hassle, order a mattress topper today.
Get a mattress protector If dust and allergens are on the top.
Thirdly, a comforter can be good for you. You can buy many cute comforters from Urban Outfitters, Dormify, and other stores.
It would help if You also had pillows with pillowcases.
But I suggest not buying them and carrying them along in the first place.
First, check in to your dorm. Then check if there are pillows or not.
If you need help, you can always order or buy a pillow from stores. But don’t be skeptical about pillowcases. I recommend not using the pillow covers, even if they are there.
Get your own.
During my time, girls loved decorated pillows. I don’t think those are out of trend now.
Heart-shaped pillows are pretty standard and readily available.
The last bedding you would need is a throw blanket.
There are many occasions when they come in handy.
How many clothes are enough?
Well, I know it’s never enough.
Just kidding. That won’t work here. Remember, your personal space in the dorm is relatively tiny.
So, gather the habit of repeating outfits soon.
If your daughter is into athletics, then they need clothes for that.
Wait, is she joining a sorority? Don’t forget to recommend her dressier outfits. She may take a few formal wear with her, too.
After that, start thinking about winter packing. You can include it in your dorm room checklist for the winter.
Don’t let your daughter pack all her favorite hoodies. Start packing with a couple of them. Carry two light jackets and two sweaters, too.
Don’t let her carry the heavier ones now. After the Thanksgiving holidays, she may take it back to college.
Try packing clothes in the following order:
- Casual and formals
- Skirts
- Dressy shirts or blouses
- Tank tops
- T-shirts (including long sleeve ones)
- Long and quarter sleeve shirts
- Shorts and pajamas (x3 each)
- Pants
- Leggings
- Jeans (x2)
- Sweatshirts (x2)
- Sweaters (x2)
- Jackets (x2)
- Shoes (x1)
- Sandals (don’t carry, buy later)
- Underwear (regular and athletic ones)
- Purse (x1)
- Totes (x2)
- Handbag (x1)
- Accessories (limited)
Organizing your dorm space
Organizers make a significant share of dorm room essentials for girls. They love to be more organized. And that helps.
I suggest three main organizers that you may take along with you to college. You can also order these online after reaching college.
1. Divider bins and clothing drawers
It comes with different separate sections inside the same drawer/organizer. And that’s the one you need to keep all your clothes separate.
I don’t recommend bulky clothing. But you can’t help it with girls. They need stuff. So, I suggest using a hanging shelve. Alongside folded clothes, you can hang a lot of clothes inside it.
Moreover, hanging shelves don’t take up floor space at all. That’s why I think it is ideal for your dorm room.
Another similar product is a hanging shoe storage. It also hangs on the wall.
You may use over-the-door shoe racks, too.
These racks can be used in many ways. You may store your electronics, accessories, and whatnot there.
2. Hampers
The last thing I suggest is hampers. Hampers have many purposes. Firstly, you can store laundry clothes in them. You may roll or pile up anything inside hampers.
Zip your hampers and leave them anywhere. You are saved from the trouble of packing small things now and then. Once a week, open the hampers and clear your clutter.
If you have pink dorm room ideas, then pink hampers are necessary.
School supplies you will need.
Take advantage of the school supplies while packing other dorm room essentials for girls.
It would help if you had a backpack. Next, you need 2 to 3 notebooks for each subject. Otherwise, you can get a five-subject jumbo notebook.
I prefer using binders and bullet journals. So I will recommend the same too.
Keep a stock of pens, pencils, highlighters, and sketch pens for at least a quarter.
Based on your subjects, you may need other things too. For example, you may need rulers and calculators.
Also, carry a pad of sticky notes, index cards, staples, scissors, binding tape, and whiteouts (x2).
Bathroom and toiletries you can’t ignore
While picking dorm room essentials for girls, don’t clutter your space with too many toiletries. I suggest buying them online after you reach college.
Preferably, you will buy new toiletries at standard rates before college. So, what’s the use of carrying new ones to your college? Instead, order all you need after you reach college.
Here’s a list of bath essentials and toiletries you may consider:
- Bath towels (x2)
- Hand towel(x1)
- Washing liquid and powder detergents
- Clothes rollers
- Loofah
- Shower caddies
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Deos
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Brushes and comb
- Q tips
- Hair clips, scrunchies, etc
- Skincare
- Razors
- Light make-up
- micellar
Electronics
Don’t ignore packing essential gadgets. Start with your laptop, tablet, and chargers. Don’t forget extension cords, speakers, alarm clocks, and electric kettles.
You may think alarm clock and kettle are redundant. But they are actually of great use. Phone alarms can’t match the utility of alarm clocks.
Oft days, the phone alarm may not sound.
The phone may run out of charge. Often, your alarm volume may be low and whatnot.
That’s why you need a dedicated device for your routine wake-up time.
The Electric kettle is another utility gadget you can’t ignore. Let alone simple tea or coffee. We boiled instant ramen and noodles in it during our hostel days.
So, don’t forget to count those two in the list of dorm room essentials for girls.
Kitchen needs
The essential kitchen needs would be there. But I doubt the cleanliness of those utensils. So I recommend carrying two plates, two bowls, and a pan for miscellaneous uses.
You may also carry one insulated mug, knife, and water bottle for your room.
Miscellaneous
Sorting dorm room essentials for girls can be challenging. A thing or two may need to be included, even after checking twice.
I feel these miscellaneous things must be in your packing bags, too:
- Umbrella
- A small duffel bag
- Games you like
- A rug
- Own curtains (if needed)
Final Words………….
Chances are you will end up packing much more than you expected. This list of dorm room essentials for girls is there to help you.
While clothes and bedding are most important, other supplies are essential, too.
You should check and ensure that your packing is sorted and not rugged. That will save you enough space to pack everything in one go.
Lastly, don’t bother taking everything along. Instead, pack the essentials and consider buying a few things after you start college.
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