It can be very confusing on what to decide to get for college as an incoming freshman, but here is a list of everything that I brought that helped me survive my first year in Patterson Hall aka "Patty Shack" at the University of South Carolina.

I recommend buying things when you see them on a good deal or wait closer to move-in day to purchase items because prices tend to drop during back-to-school sales. Target has really good sales and sends out coupons, so be sure to join their mailing list. I also did lots of shopping on Amazon, at Walmart, and Ross. Here is a pdf that combines all of my suggestions into one list. Most items below have links to things that I purchased or found online. All of these things fit in my room , so it may not fit in yours. DO RESEARCH ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC DORM! Therefore, you know what you have, don't have, and are not allowed to have. Also, talk to your roommate so you both don't bring two of the same thing.

Bedding

1. Twin XL Set Comforter

(Check with your college for correct sizes)

Well this one is a no-brainer. I wanted burgundy, so after lots of searching I found this one online-only being sold by Walmart.

2. Pillows

I brought pillows from home to put in the pillow cases that came with my set. I also bought a burgundy satin pillow case from the hair store to protect my hair. Body pillows and boyfriend pillows are a must! They provide support, comfort, and makes the bed look cuter. I bought the Body Pillow, Body Pillow Cover, and Boyfriend Pillow from Target.

3. Mattress Protector/Pad and Foam Pad (optional)

Personally, I sleep on top of my comforter and use blankets so there was no need for me to purchase these things but if you want to make your bed softer and ensure that you don't stain your mattress then buy it. However, I did buy a Mattress Pad on sale from Kohl's.

4. Extra Sheets

Again, another no-brainer. It is great to have an extra pair or two. I have a futon and when my friends sleep on my futon I give them my extra pack of sheets. My sheets were found in the clearance section at Target.

5. BLANKETS (optional)

I love, love, loveeeeee blankets, so I brought my favorite ones from home. One I would really recommend is from Target and it is hugeeeee and warm. I also got it on clearance. When you use blankets you never have to make your bed, so your rooClom stays looking neat. Just reorganize your pillows, fold your blanket, and you're good to go.

Decor and Electronics

1. Futon (optional but highly recommended)

I get it they are expensive and huge, but this something I wanted for a long time and had no problem splurging on. I do not like when other people sit on my bed, I do not like eating in bed, and I do not like relaxing in bed because it becomes hard for me to fall asleep. That being said a futon was perfect for me. Before you purchase one make sure you have space. My bed is lofted really high, so I was able to put it under my bed. When I have guest sleepover they stay here and I find myself sleeping on my futon more than I sleep in my bed. I purchased mine from Amazon. This particular one has mixed reviews but I love mine and it was very easy to put together, so just shop around and find one that is perfect for you.

2. Posters, Pictures, Lights, ect. (optional)

It is your room, so decorate it how you want. I was simple and bought some lights from Amazon and bought a poster while at school and bought some canvas art from Burlington. I printed my pictures at Walgreen's using their app. Then I used thumb tacks and command strips to hang everything up.

3. Curtains (optional)

My door room has huge windows, so curtains add some style to the room. Instead of buying a normal curtain I bought this beautiful shower curtain from Amazon and used command strips to hang it up.

4. Television (optional)

To each its own. I enjoy watching TV, it helps me relax. I have a SmartTV, so I also use it for Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, etc. and I was not leaving this at home. Make sure and bring the necessary cords for your TV, i.e. cable cord. I also, have a Amazon Fire Stick, that I purchased from Target and then followed instructions on YouTube so I could jailbreak it myself. It was super easy to do. Just find a video that teaches you to install Kodi and you are good to go! Another thing I would recommend is an HDMI cord. It allows me to plug my laptop up to my TV and display contents from my laptop to my TV and can create two screens.

5. Portable Speaker (optional)

This is pretty self-explanatory, if you enjoy listening to music why not bring one?

6. Laptop (optional)

If you can afford one I recommend you get one. It does not have to be anything fancy because all you really need in college is the internet and Microsoft. If you can not afford one most if not all colleges have computer labs for you to use. Just buy a thumb drive, or use Google Drive, so you can have access to your files at all times. I also have friends who use their tablets or iPads and just bought a Bluetooth keyboard so it would be easier for them to type. I have a HP laptop that was bought at a wonderful sale price on HSN. Also, do not forget the charger, laptop bag, and other accessories for your laptop.

7. Printer (optional)

I personally don't have one, but I wish I did. It is so convenient to be able to print in your own room versus walking across campus to print. Some programs offer free printing to select students, however I am not one of those students, so maybe buying a printer will be cheaper in the long run. Just remember if you choose to get a printer you also have to pay for ink and paper.

Clothing and Storage

1. Clothes

Bring what you feel necessary, just keep in mind there is limited space for these items. If you will be living in colder climates pack warmer clothes. Bring outfits for class, parties, weekend wear, business and professional events, church, the gym, the pool/beach, and clothes to lounge around in. I recommend a good pair of slippers or slides to wear around your room and dorm. Pleaseeee do not forget to bring an umbrella, rain boots, and/or jacket for when it rains. It is easiest and provides you more room to separate things by season and leave the things out of season at home and when the weather starts to change swap your closet.

2. Hangers

I bought super cheap plastic hangers from Target and then bought some skirt hangers from Ross for my off the shoulder clothes. Some people prefer velvet hangers because they take up less space, just do what makes you happy and fits your bank account.

3. Shoe Holders

I bought a hanging shoe shelf that goes in the closet from Ross, because I do not like the over the door ones. I personally think they make a room look cluttered and because it would be going over my closet door, it would really irritate me if my door would not be able to shut.This a similar one to the one that I have from Amazon, but you can really save money for textbooks if you buy organizers from Ross.

4. Mirror

I purchased mine from Target and it was really easy to put together.

5. Storage Container and Draws

I highly recommend these. Not only do they help with move in day they also are cheap and provide lots of extra storage space. I am not sure where I got the container from but the drawer was purchased form Walmart.

6. Iron and Mini-Ironing Board (optional)

Pretty self-explanatory. Some people do not iron their clothes, my stuff gets really wrinkled so I do not have a choice. Again, it is personal preference. You may also look into getting steamer instead.

Desk and Supplies

These are one of those things that depends on the individual, here is what I recommend:

Bookbag
Textbooks
Binders
Folders
Paper
Pens/Pencils/Highlighters/Permament Markers
Crayons/Colored Pencils
Calculator (TI-83 and above)
Stapler and Staples
Hole Puncher
Push Pins
Tape
Ruler
Sticky Notes
Note Cards
Small Whiteboard
Desk Lamp

Kitchen and Dining

I loveeeeee to cook and use my hallway kitchen often. Here is a list of everything that I use. If you do not cook you can skip out on the big things like pots and pans. Most of these things I got from Family Dollar and Target and they work great. My friend leaves her pots and pans in my room, so I use hers. I got the rolling cart from Target.

Plates
Cups
Utensils
Knife
Can Opener
Mixing Bowls
Crock Pot
Spoons
Dish Cloths and Towels
Oven Mitt
RubberMaid Set
Mini-Fridge and Microwave

Be sure and check if your school has specific policies about mini-fridges and microwaves. My school requires that we purchase or rent them from a specific company.

Bathroom, Toiletries, and Cleaning Supplies

Patterson Hall is suite-style, so we had to buy extra things to clean the bathroom. I was also able to keep things in my bathroom, versus if I was traditional style. Keep in mind your specific dorm style when shopping. Again, this a recommendation and things I bought so buy things specific for you.

Trashcan
Small Trash bags or Reused Grocery Bags
Toilet Cleaner and Brush
Air Fresher
Toilet Paper
Towels and Wash Cloths
Loofah
Clorox Wipes
Bleach
All-Purpose Cleaner
Glass Cleaner
Mop
Broom and Dust Pan
Laundry Pods
Dry Sheets
Soap
Shower Gel
Lotion
Oils
Deodorant
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Hair Products
Face Products

Other Items

1. Important Documents

Make sure and bring important bank papers, social security card, insurance card, birth certificate, and any other important identifying documentation. If you live far away from home this is extremely important, you may need these documents in urgent situation and it can be troubling trying to get them from miles away.

2. Groceries

This is probably some of the last things you will buy and often have to be replenished. Have an idea of what kind of snacks you like so when you shopping it is easier. It is also easy to pack on some pounds in college due to all the unhealthy options, so buy some fruits and vegetables.

This list is everything that I bought, so hopefully it will be enough for you. Make sure and download the PDF for a printable copy and share this blog on your favorite platform. Good luck to you on your college journey!

Jordyn

his will. his way. my faith .

Dorm, Sweet Dorm: A Checklist of Everything You Need for College