The Ultimate Dorm Room Packing List in Burnaby, BC: Dorm Essentials for Girls

Dorm Room Essentials List

Starting college is very exciting, but we understand that making the transition from high school to your first year of college can be a little daunting. Fear not—we’ve got you covered with the perfect guide to simplify your back-to-school planning: Dorm room essentials List, also known as The perfect College Packing List.

Dorm room essentials for girls

Let’s talk about setting up your new home away from home – your dorm room. Picture it like a mini-apartment; it’s your cosy corner on campus where you’ll hang out often. So, let’s make it comfy and convenient. Chat with your roommate about these essentials because sharing is caring, and you don’t need two of everything. And, before you dive into bedding bliss, double-check your bed’s mattress size – many dorm beds are twin XL.

Getting Organized

Now, let’s tackle the art of organization. Does your college offer storage options for dorm rooms? A bunch of them do, and you might find a chest of drawers waiting for you. If so, grab some drawer liners and give those drawers a quick wipe-down before adding the liners. It’s like giving your drawers a fresh start. Easy peasy!

Here are some additional things to consider bringing along for your college dorm adventure:

Closet organizers: Keep your closet tidy with these handy organizers.
Hangers: For hanging up your clothes and keeping them wrinkle-free.
Over-the-door organizer: Utilize your door space for extra storage.
Shoe organizer: Keep your kicks organized and off the floor.
Hooks and hangers: Great for hanging towels, bags, and more.
Plastic bin(s) for under-bed storage: Maximize space under your bed for storing extra stuff.
Storage Containers: Perfect for keeping snacks and other goodies organized.
Drawer organizer: Keep your drawers neat with these handy organizers.
Drawer and shelf liners: Protect your drawers and shelves while adding a pop of style.
Jewelry organizer: Keep your bling organized and tangle-free.

Kitchen area:

Mini-fridge
Coffee maker
Microwave

Entertainment/work area:

TV
Playing cards
Desk lamp

Bedroom area:

Full-length mirror
Box fan
Pillow(s) and pillowcases
Sheets (two sets)
Extra blanket

Walls:

Prints and posters
Removable adhesive strips and hooks

Lighting:

String lights

Floor lamp

Miscellaneous:

Luggage: For weekend trips and vacations.

Weekender bag: Perfect for short getaways.

Sleeping bag: Handy for sleepovers or camping trips.

First aid kit:

Tissues: For those sniffle moments.

Umbrella: Stay dry on rainy days.

Earplugs: Block out noise for a peaceful sleep.

Toolkit: Handy for minor repairs and DIY projects.

Lightbulbs: Keep extras on hand for when you need them.

Sports equipment: Stay active with your favorite sports gear.

Bike (with lock and helmet): Convenient transportation around campus.

Lock for the lockers: Keep your belongings secure.

Safety whistle: Stay safe on late-night walks.

Pepper spray: For added personal safety.

Your prescription medications: Don’t forget to bring along your meds.

Over-the-counter medications: Stock up on pain relief, allergy relief, cold meds, etc.

Band-aids: For minor cuts and scrapes.

Vitamins: Keep your immune system strong during busy college days.

Study materials:

Ensuring you have all the study materials you need is a must for college life. Here’s a checklist of essential school supplies to make sure you’re well-prepared for your academic adventure:

Backpack
Binders
Day planner
Filler lined paper
Glue
Graph paper
Graphing calculator
Index cards
Laptop lock
Lunchbox
Highlighters
Notebooks
Notecards
Paper clips and binder clips
Pens and pencils
Ruler
Sticky notes
Stapler and staples
Scissors
Tape
Whiteout

Creature comforts:

Your dorm is your sanctuary, a retreat from the hustle of college life. Make it cozy with these comforting items:

Mattress topper (memory foam is always a good choice)

Mattress pad
Throw Blanket
Bedside lamp
Salt rock lamp
Comfy robe and slippers
Eye mask

Clothing:

Packing clothes for college requires some thought due to limited space. Here’s a checklist to cover all your fashion needs:

Undergarments
Socks
Pajamas
Everyday pants (including jeans and leggings)
Everyday tops
Activewear
Business casual wear
Semi-formal wear
Rain boots
Sneakers
Going out clothes
Going out purse
Sunglasses
Belt
Jewelry
Everyday purse
Ironing board
Sewing Kit
Jackets for multiple seasons
Hats
Gloves
Scarf
Winter boots
Bathing suit(s)

Documents and IDs:

Important documents should come with you securely. Here’s what you need to have in your arsenal:

Birth certificate
Driver License
Passport
Student ID
Social security card
Banking information
Car registration and insurance information
Debit and credit cards
Checkbook
Medical and dental cards
Financial aid paperwork
List of emergency contacts

Toiletries and getting ready:

Sharing a bathroom doesn’t mean compromising on personal care. Pack these toiletries to stay fresh and clean:

Shower:

Shower caddy
Shower shoes (a.k.a. flip flops)
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Loofah
Bath towels
Hand towels / washcloths
Shaving cream
Razors
Bathrobe
Dental:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Mouthwash

Face:

Face wash
Face scrub
Face masks
Moisturizer
Chapstick
Tweezers
Contacts and contact solution
Sunscreen (also for the body)

Body:

Deodorant
Body lotion
Tampons and/or pads
Nails:
Nail clippers
Nail file
Nail polish
Nail polish remover
Hair:
Hairbrush
Hairspray
Straightener / flat iron
Curling iron
Hair ties
Hair clips
Hair dryer
Cosmetics and beauty products:
Cotton pads and/or cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Makeup
Makeup remover
Perfume

Cleaning up:

A clean dorm room is a happy dorm room. Keep things spick and span with these cleaning essentials:

College dorm room:

Broom and dustpan
Handheld vacuum
Air freshening spray
Small trashcan and bags
Laundry/clothes:
Laundry basket or bag
Laundry detergent
Stain remover
Dryer sheets
Fabric softener
Folding drying rack
Mini steamer
Lint roller
Quarters for laundry (if required)

Dishes:

Disinfecting/cleaning wipes
Small bottle of dish soap
Sponge
Eating and drinking:
Keep your dorm well-stocked with these eating and drinking essentials:
Plates and bowls (two or three)
Eating utensils (two or three sets)
Paper towels
Filtered water pitcher (make sure it fits in your mini-fridge)
Mug (one or two)
Travel mug
Drinking glasses (one or two)
Travel water bottle
Plastic food storage containers
Reusable sandwich bags
Can opener
Electric kettle
Coffee
Tea

Electronics:

Bring your tech essentials to make dorm life smoother:

Cell phone (and charger)
Laptop (and charger)
Mouse
USB drive
External hard drive
Noise-canceling headphones
Portable speaker
Extension cords
Surge protectors
Flashlight
Travel charger
Gaming console
Batteries
Router
Ethernet cable
Camera
Kindle reader
Tablet
Printer (with printer paper and ink)

Shared items to coordinate with your roommate:

Check with your roommate about sharing these items to avoid duplicates:

Mini-fridge

Microwave

Blender

Electric kettle

A streaming device

College packing tips

To complete our college packing list for girls, let’s explore some valuable tips that will ensure a smooth and stress-free dorm preparation:

Don’t Overpack:

Dorm rooms are notoriously small, so resist the urge to bring everything from your room at home. Be mindful of limited space and avoid packing items assuming you’ll find a spot for them later.

Coordinate with Your Roommate:

Discuss major shared-room essentials with your roommate, such as the mini-fridge and area rug. Avoid duplicating larger items by coordinating in advance, making the move-in process more efficient.

Consider Moving Logistics:

Since most college students don’t hire professional movers, plan for the reality of lugging boxes up and down stairs. Pack light, and factor in whether you’ll have access to a dolly or elevator when loading and arranging your belongings.

Pack an Essentials Bag:

Moving day can be chaotic, and items can easily get lost. Prepare an essentials bag with immediate necessities like your wallet, medications, basic toiletries, a cell phone charger, and a change of clothes, including pajamas.

Check Dorm Policies:

Before packing favorite items like soy candles or a window AC unit, review your college and dorm’s policies on what is allowed. Many colleges share this information on their websites, preventing surprises upon arrival.

Assess Dorm Room Furnishings:

Check what furniture your dorm room already provides, such as a desk, chair, or chest of drawers. This knowledge helps avoid unnecessary hauling of items from home.

Think Seasonal:

Consider the climate of your school location. If you’re moving to a place with a cold winter, pack accordingly. You can bring seasonally appropriate wear initially and switch it out for winter wear when needed.

Be Aware of Move-In Day Restrictions:

Check for any restrictions on move-in day, like limited unloading space or designated time windows. These details can influence your packing strategy.

Test Devices and Appliances:

If you’re bringing devices or appliances, test them at home before packing. This ensures they work properly and aren’t damaged. Repack them in their original boxes for a smooth transition to the dorm room.

Pack Your Car Smartly:

If you’re driving to college, pack your car in reverse order – smaller items first, followed by larger ones – to streamline the unpacking process.

Inspect Your Dorm Room:

Before unpacking, inspect your new dorm room for cleanliness and any pre-existing damages. Check furniture, cabinets, and doors to document and report any issues, preventing you from being held responsible later.

Ask for Assistance:

Moving can be overwhelming, especially with DIY efforts. Enlist the help of friends or family to make packing and moving a more collaborative and manageable experience.

Bring a Piece of Home:

Combat homesickness by bringing a comforting reminder of home, whether it’s a favorite stuffed animal, family photos, or a cozy throw blanket. These personal touches provide comfort during the transition to college life.

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