UNH Today

The countdown is on, and move-in day is fast approaching. As the days of summer dwindle, surely that pile of items to bring to college grows. I can recall this time two years ago, just before my freshman year at UNH, feeling overwhelmed by that pile and how much I thought I had to bring to my new space at once. All the while, I was feeling as if I was forgetting key pieces in the process. To help reduce packing-induced stress for you, I’ve compiled a list of items to have in your dorm room based on my own list and that of UNH Housing. Absolutely essential items to get you started this semester are bolded. Print this page to use it as a checklist!

Bedding

• Mattress pad
• Mattress cover
• Twin XL sheets
• Comforter
• Pillowcases
• Pillows

Room

• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Coffee maker
• Bedside table/clip-on shelf
• Desk/floor lamp
• String lights
• Fan
• Alarm clock
• Area rug
• Additional seating
• Adhesive hooks/strips for wall
• Photos
• Posters/wall art
• Decor
• Bulletin board and/or dry erase board
• Over-the-door mirror
• Stepstool
• Basic tool kit
• Hangers
• Utensils
• Paper/plastic dishes
• Mugs
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Napkins/paper towel
• Food storage containers
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic bags
• Aluminum foil
• Disinfectant wipes
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Trash can (recycling bin is provided)
• Trash bags
• Extra/under bed storage

Food

• Snacks
• Soups
• Microwavable food
• Bottled water
• Reusable water bottle
• Dry goods (cereal, oatmeal, etc)
• Coffee
• Creamer
• Sugar

School

• Backpack/school bag
• Planner
• Notebooks
• Folders
• Binders
• Portfolio for internship fair & interviews
• Calculator
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Printer
• Printer ink
• Printer paper
• Calendar
• Envelopes
• Stamps
• Stationary to send letters home & to friends
• Accordion/file folder for important documents
• Index cards
• Sticky notes
• Pencil sharpener
• Stapler
• Staples
• Staple remover
• Glue
• Paper clips
• Whiteout
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Tape
• Textbooks

Electronics

• Phone
• Headphones (x2)
• Laptop
• External hard drive
• Flash drives
• Chargers
• Surge protector plug strips
• Extension cords
• HDMI cable
• Speakers
• Batteries

Laundry

• Hamper/laundry bag
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• Stain stick
• Dryer sheets
• Drying rack
• Iron/steamer
• Ironing board
• Lint roller
• Sewing kit

Bathroom

• Shower shoes
• Shower caddy
• Towels
• Hand towels
• Washcloths
• Bathrobe
• Personal toiletries*

Toiletries* 

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Bar soap/body wash
• Shaving cream
• Razor
• Cleanser/creams
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush cover
• Floss
• Hairbrush
• Comb
• Cotton swabs
• Nail clippers
• Nail files

Miscellaneous

• Tissues
• Tweezers
• Medicines
• Basic first aid kit
• Books
• Art supplies
• Video game console
• Playing cards
• Musical instruments
• Earplugs
• Flashlight
• Safety pins
• Duffel bag
• Passport
• Health insurance card
• Umbrella
• Doorstop
• Sports equipment

For items prohibited in UNH housing, click here.