20 College essentials from bag to dorm

To make sure you're prepared for day-to-day living as well as some unexpected emergencies, we've rounded up 20 of the most essential bag and dorm room items.

1. A reliable alarm clock (or two)
2. Day planner, PDA or smartphone
3. Dry-erase board
4. Shower caddy complete with all your usual toiletries
5. Flip flops or shower sandals (antibacterial types are available)
6. Bed in a bag (be sure to pack extra linens)
7. MP3 player with noise cancelling ear buds
8. Surge protector
9. Laundry bag
10. Emergency sewing kit
11. First aid kit (including current medications) 
12. USB flash drive
13. Pencils (mechanical with lead refills or traditional with a sharpener)
14. Folders
15. Laptop or desktop computer
16. Printer
17. Paper (a couple of reams to get you started)
18. Calculator (be sure you know how to use it)
19. Compact refrigerator
20. TV/DVD player

Set two alarm clocks with different sounding alarms 10 minutes apart, rather than hitting the snooze button on one clock. Your mind will have a hard time ignoring the different sound, and you'll be less likely to roll over and go back to sleep.

Before you run off to the nearest big-box retailer for these items, check out your college's website for tips on other items that might be necessary to navigate dorm life. Also, before packing the kitchen sink, know which items are prohibited; these might include air conditioners and space heaters, for instance.

Before you buy too few or too many supplies, check with your professor and reference the class syllabus for items that might be essential to the specific class.

Minimize stress and prepare for the time of your life by scratching the essential college items from your list.

More dorm essentials >>

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