The Dorm Breakdown: Everything You Need
Written by Ambassador Kassydi
Okay, I have to admit – I thought getting into USC would be the hardest feat to endure during the college process, but a lot of people fail to admit what comes after the celebration: a whole lot of preparation. That isn’t to scare anyone off, but I feel that it’s important to mention how nerve wracking it can be to fit your life into a couple of checked bags and start a new journey at university.
As an out-of-state student coming from Texas, I vividly remember the stress I felt as move-in day inched closer and closer onto the horizon. My room was a mess. There were clothes everywhere, more unchecked boxes than I could count, and an endless search history of “USC Dorm Tours” on Youtube.
I want to save you all that trouble!
(Side note: In my extremely biased opinion, Pardee Tower is the best dorm that there is. I met so many amazing friends this year who live just a couple doors down from me!)
The following list is organized by the sections you will need to shop for in a dorm room. Happy packing!
BED
Mattress Topper - Adding a topper to your bed is a life saver. It gives you a soft-cushiony feel and makes for a much easier time falling asleep.
Mattress Pad - Another kind of extra layer for the comfort and protection of your mattress.
Comforter - It may be hot in August when you get here, but comforters add so much personality to a room, especially when it’s a smaller space.
Sheets - Well, you’ve got to have something to sleep under, don’t you?
Throw Pillows - My decorative pillows were quite possibly my favorite addition to my dorm this year. They were such an easy way to add functional decoration into the space.
Real Pillow - You don’t want to forget the actual pillow you sleep on.
Throw Blanket - Eventually, you may want a little extra warmth as it cools down in the fall. It’s also perfect for all the movie nights you’ll have in your dorm or in the lounge.
Hanging Bed Caddy - Trust me, if you had a nightstand at home, you’ll probably want a bed caddy to stick all of the things you use before sleeping in. (books, glasses, chargers, etc.)
Clip-on Lamp - This is the perfect purchase for anyone who loves a late-night read and doesn’t want to wake up their roommate.
UNDER THE BED
3 Drawer Clear Storage Tower - This probably seems oddly specific, I know, but if you search that exact phrase you’ll see what I’m talking about. I recommend choosing drawers with a narrower frame, it will fit perfectly underneath your bed to add extra storage space.
4 Cloth Cube Storage Boxes - These storage bins are made out of fabric and have a solid, sturdy insert at the bottom. Your room will come with two stackable exposed shelves where you can perfectly fit these storage cubes.
Ottoman - It’s functional for sitting and for storage - the best of both worlds.
Cleaning Supplies & Tide Pods - When you’re living in a smaller space, you’re going to want to keep it clean and fresh. You can put these items in any of your other storage compartments.
DESK
Vanity Mirror - I loved to do my makeup and skincare at my desk, so having a vanity mirror (especially with LED lights) was really convenient.
Catch-all Dish - If you’re prone to losing your favorite jewelry or knick-knacks, this little dish is going to save you a lot of trouble.
Dimmable Lamp - Perfect for when you have late night assignments and a sleeping roommate.
Extension Cords/ Power Strip - You have to have something to plug all of these things into, right?
Mini Trash Can - Trust me, you may not want to exit the “zone” if you’re in the middle of a midterm. It’s helpful to have a trash can right near you.
Calendar / Traditional Planner - You will be busy! Make your life a little easier this way. You can even buy dry-erase versions of these items.
BULLETIN BOARD
Personalized Photos - Go crazy with your bulletin board space, it takes up an immense amount of your wall space, so you might as well make it worthwhile. Try creating a Pinterest inspired mood board, a polaroid wall, or just hang up your favorite posters.
Printed Class Schedule - It may be helpful to have your class schedule tacked to your board, especially for the first couple of weeks.
Shoe Organizer - I know this might sound silly, but I owe my Mom a lot of “thank yous” for thinking of this idea. I tacked one that matched my room onto the end of my bulletin board, and I stored anything from sunglasses to Lysol wipes in there.
Tacks / Sticky Putty / Command Hooks - You need a way to hang everything up, and this is it. Remember to only use tacks on your bulletin boards and not the actual wall!
CLOSET
Hangers - I think this one is pretty self explanatory.
Hamper - If you get a foldable one, it will fit perfectly inside your closet.
Mirror - Pardee Tower specifically has a full length mirror attached to the door of the closet, but not every dorm does. Come prepared according to your housing assignment.
BATHROOM
Shower Caddy - Everyone uses these to transport their essentials to the bathroom. I recommend buying a mesh one that hangs so that you don’t have to put it on the bathroom floor.
Bath wrap / Robe - Communal living is comfortable, but not birthday suit comfortable.
Towels - I’m sure you understand why you need these.
Shower Shoes - Again, the bathroom floor.
Toiletries - Bring your favorites to make you feel more at home.
FRIDGE
Brita Filter - It’s the perfect size for your mini-fridge (if you have one), and you’ll definitely want filtered water on hand so you don’t have to walk down the hall to get it all the time.
Favorite Snacks - Don’t over-stock your fridge, but definitely start out with a few things that you know you like in case you need a quick meal before all of your Welcome Week activities begin!
Although this list isn’t exhaustive, it will definitely get you started. Having a Target on campus also helps with the last minute items you couldn’t bring or didn’t remember.
