Moving into a dorm is a major life moment that feels exciting from the second the acceptance letter hits your inbox. It is a first taste of living on your own, with late-night hangouts, new friends, freedom, and a space that is finally yours to manage. Then there are the little lessons that come with having your own place: did you know that crumbs do not magically disappear, and clothes have yet to develop the ability to clean themselves? Suddenly, all those everyday things someone else could take care of are part and parcel of your full-time adult life.
Every residence has its own rules about what students can bring on move-in day, so it is worth checking the list before loading up the car, but there are some essentials you just can’t leave home without. Whether you’ll have a new roommate to share your space with, an apartment-style residence, or a good old-fashioned tiny box to yourself, here are some must-haves that will make settling in a little easier.
