The Glossed Over Blog

So, you’re moving into your freshman dorm in a few weeks and have no idea what you need? I get it. The summer before my freshman year, I went ABSOLUTELY rogue with buying things for my dorm. I watched TikToks about what to bring, I read a million blogs, and I bought way too much. Let me help you be better than me. Here’s what you really need as an incoming freshman. 

The Essentials

1. Cleaning Supplies

If you’re going to college somewhere far from home, save yourself the space in the car. Buy cleaning supplies at a Target near your university. Avoid hauling them from home. But seriously, do NOT forget to clean that dorm when you move in. 

Make sure you’ve got: A Sweep, A Mop, Clorox Wipes, Multipurpose Spray, and LOTS of Paper Towels. 

2. First Aid Kit

I was given a first aid kit from one of my friends as a grad gift and I genuinely used it ALL the time. You never know when you’re going to need some Icy Hot for muscle pain or some Benadryl for an allergic reaction that comes out of nowhere (I know this all too well). 

I suggest: Dayquil and Nyquil, Liquid IV, Cough Drops, Bandaids of all different sizes, Gauze Pads, Adhesive Tape, Antiseptic Wipes, Cold Packs, Theraflu, and Pain Relievers like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Advil.

You can find a kit at your local target with most of these things. This way, you don’t have to go and buy everything one by one.

3. A Fan 

Most dorms don’t have AC and even the ones that do get SO hot. That fan will truly be your holy grail. Even a small desk fan will help. An added bonus? White noise for when you sleep.

4. Anything to Cook Inside the Dorm

My first year, I had a Microwave and a Rice Cooker. Also this past year, I brought an Air Fryer. If you’re anything like me, you’re not going to have the energy to walk to the dining hall everyday. A microwave is the most practical thing you could bring. I’ve made microwavable meals, cheese quesadillas, and more ramen than I could keep track of over the past two years. People don’t typically forget a microwave. However, there are lots of other tools you can find online or in stores. For example, a griddle allows you to cook a lot more than what you can in a microwave.

5. Extra Containers and Bins

In college, especially during welcome week, you collect a million trinkets. I ended my first year with so much more than what I moved in with. Bring extra containers to help keep your room organized! 

6. Steamer

It was such an easy tool to use when I was on the go. A steamer is a great alternative for an iron and much less of a hassle. I also have seen Wrinkle Free Spray work pretty well too but I’ve never used that so feel free to give it a try and let me know what you think.

7. Hair Tools

I am someone who loves doing my hair. I love simple hairstyles when it’s time for class and extra, Pinterest pin worthy hairstyles for nights of going out. 

If you’re like me, you’re definitely not going to want to forget: a Flat Iron/Curling Iron, Hair ties and Bobby Pins and LOTS OF THEM (they tend to just disappear), Small rubber bands, and all your hair accessories like Bows, Headbands, Bandannas, etc.

8. Britta (or something to filter your water)

Water from your britta honestly tastes a thousand times better than water from the dorm building’s water fountain. And at least you know it’s clean. Plus Britta’s are pretty affordable but PLEASE, do not forget to change the filter because it tends to mold.

9. Dishes

I brought one set of kitchenware (one plate, one bowl, a fork and spoon) and a bunch of cups and mugs I had lying around my house that weren’t being used. These are probably my most used items. Especially the cups because I frequently had friends over and we’d make each other fun drinks in my cute mugs. The extra cups are perfect for a gals night.

10. Communal Shower Must Haves

We just dropped my brother off at his freshman dorm and he didn’t realize he’d need shower shoes until my sister and I explained the NECESSITY that they are.
If you want to survive a communal bathroom, you must have: a Shower Caddy, Shower Shoes, a Robe, and multiple Towels.

Advice from a third-year student

1. Don’t go overboard with room decor,. You can order stuff when you’re there so it doesn’t take up space in the car. Plus it is much easier to decorate when you can see what you’re working with. 
2. You do not need to bring your entire closet. Really be hard with yourself when deciding on what to bring. The trunk of your car will thank you when you’re loading it up.
3. A PSA to all my readers, DO NOT bring more than five books from home. I brought a whole bunch my first year and let me tell you how that went. I barely had time to read plus, I acquired at least five new books throughout the year. To save space, limit yourself to a maximum of five books.

All this to say, moving in as a freshman can be so overwhelming and confusing. Hopefully, this list can help lessen the chaos that is moving to college as a first year. I hope you can avoid the mistakes I made and get started on the right foot. Remember to think practically and that you can always buy more once you’re settled in. Your dorm doesn’t have to be automatically Pinterest-worthy on day one. The little things you acquire throughout the year will make your dorm room feel more like you. They are more personal than the crowd of room decor you’d buy on Amazon before you even get there.

Good luck with move-in day and the rest of your first year at college. To quote my wonderful co-creator, always remember that “you are in the right place at the right time.” 

Peace & Love,

Krys K