From RA to Freshman: What to Bring to your Dorm 101

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Welcome to your new home! Whether you’re coming from within LA or from overseas, moving into college dorms is a big adjustment. You (or your parents) have spent the summer going over the necessities of bedding, towels, and toiletries. Want to know what else you should bring and what you should clear from your luggage? 

Bare Minimum

We’ll keep this short – you probably have this covered.

1. Twin XL Bedding

Sheets, pillow(s), blanket, pillowcases, duvet cover, etc.

2. Towels

In terms of bedding/towels I recommend two sets so you have something to use when you’re washing

3. Toiletries

Shampoo, body wash, face wash, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen

4. Lamp/Lighting (At least a desk lamp)

Personal Favorites

Reusable Water Bottle & container

With water bottle refill station on each floor, having a water canteen is the way to go. Not only is it more eco-friendly but it’ll save you tons of money. A Brita filter is also a good dorm essential to store water in your room incase you don’t feel like trekking down the hall at 3AM for water. Just remember: water boilers/water heaters are NOT allowed.

Clock

Yeah. Get a wall clock. It’ll help with keeping you on time, be a cute décor choice, and be better than squinting at the microwave clock.

Mattress topper

While the new USC mattresses have a firm and plush side (flip it to test this), a mattress topper can give you the extra comfort and support needed for a deep sleep. DO NOT BE CONFUSED. A MATTRESS TOPPER IS NOT ANOTHER MATTRESS.

Shower Caddy + Shower Shoes

A must – especially if you aren’t living in a suite.

Yoga mat

It’s a very Los Angeles thing to recommend but trust me, it’s great. Even if you don’t like yoga, it’s a great option for exercising and stretching in the comfort of your room. Also comes in handy when you have overnight guests.

Mirror

My mirror featuring which I decorated with fake flowers from Michael’s

Yes, you’ll have a bathroom mirror, but go ahead and talk to your roommate and see who will purchase one for the room. This is also a great item to personalize.

Sleep Mask (+other sleep aid)

Grab a cute sleep mask to avoid conflicts about different sleep schedules. For those with insomnia that just want some extra fun: would also recommend trying pillow spray.

Games

Bring a few board or card games. It’s a great way to bond with your fellow residents. My favorites include Cards Against Humanity and mini Monopoly.

Echo Dot/Other smarthome device

While you can’t coordinate the lights, it’s great for music, alarms, and scheduling. I’ve become so dependent on my echo dot the past two semesters, I can’t imagine being in a dorm without it.

Photos

My photo wall feature some fun memories with friends

You’ll miss home, family, and friends. Having them in an easy place be it in a scrapbook or up on your walls will remind you that you always have love and support. Freshman year can be a rollercoaster and sometimes you’ll need the reminder.

Functional Sentimental items

Featuring my cat plushy body pillows + my cat slippers

NOTE: A FEW. Do NOT overdo it. Try to leave the purely decorational and fragile stuff at stuff.

Wall Stuff

My reading corner featuring my ceiling canopy (which is attached with a command hook)

Work with your roommate but yes, you will have a lot of blank space. Check the USC dorm handbook to make sure it’s allowed. Glow in the dark stars are a no. Fairy lights are a no. Good staples include photos, posters, and tapestry. Remember, you can’t nail or permanently fix anything so be sure to buy proper wall tape or sticky tacky. These are great for tying in that dorm theme. Have you been able to gauge mine?

What NOT to bring

Mattress, Microwave, Fridge, Toilet paper

All of these will be provided for freshman dorms. Save yourself the effort.

Candles, Water Heater, non-LED lights

Fire Hazard. Rather not pay 15,000,000$ in fees? Leave these at home.  If I catch you, you’re getting documented.

Motorized vehicles

NOT ALLOWED. Save yourself that 1k because you CANNOT park these items within the dorms (or any USC building) and trust me, you don’t want to leave them outside. Bikes? Skateboards? Cool. Bikes and Skateboards with motors? No. Also remember: no vehicles of any kind down the hallways.

Books

Okay okay… So this one is controversial. DOES NOT INCLUDE TEXTBOOKS – GET ALL THE NECESSARY TEXTBOOKS FOR YOUR CLASSES. I think it’s a good idea to bring AT MOST two recreational books you’d like to read per semester. Definitely leave the “rereads” or “just for displays” at home. Not only are books super dense and take up extra space and weight in your boxes/suitcases but they’ll also take up desk space. I made the mistake of bringing a stack of books my freshman year – I didn’t touch a single one and brought them all back home at the end of the year.

Duplicates

Go socialize and coordinate with your roommate and suitemates. Each of you DO NOT to bring your own steamer, vacuum, etc. Are you bringing a TV? Maybe have your roommate bring a nice floor rug instead of another flatscreen.

Have more things you’re debating? Leave a note and send me a message!

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