Most important things to bring to college?

Alright, so I'm starting to think ahead to college packing and I've got a question. What are some of the most crucial items to bring to the dorm that one might not think of right off the bat? Any insights appreciated.

There are definitely many essentials for your dorm room that might slip your mind until the last minute, since they aren't the most obvious things. Here are five items you might not have considered:

Power Strip and Extension Cords: Dorm rooms are notorious for having very few outlets, and they might not be in the most convenient places. A power strip will allow you to plug in all your electronics in one place, and extension cords can help you reach those far-off outlets.

Fan and/or Portable Heater: Depending on your school's location, you might have to endure hot, humid nights or frigid winter mornings - often in the same academic year! Your dorm might have a strong A/C but weak heating (or vice versa), and sometimes, you might find that the temperature control in your building is even in the hands of the school, not the students. Therefore, bringing a small fan and/or a small portable heater can help you control your room's temperature.

Shower Shoes and Caddy: Most dorms have communal bathrooms, so you'll want a pair of flip flops to wear in the shower for hygienic reasons. A caddy can hold your shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, and other toiletries and easily be brought back and forth from the bathroom to your room.

First-Aid Kit: Accidents happen, and you don't want to be without the basics like band-aids, disinfectant ointment, over-the-counter painkillers, etc. Although campus health centers usually have these supplies, it's a lot more convenient to just have them at your disposal in your room.

Extra Storage: Dorm rooms are notoriously small, but there are plenty of ways to maximize space. Consider underbed storage bins for out-of-season clothing or extra school supplies, collapsible storage cubes that can fit in your closet, or even a shoe organizer that hangs over your door.

Remember, it's essential to check with your school for what items are/aren't allowed in dorm rooms. Certain items like heaters, hot plates, or certain types of lights might not be permitted due to fire safety regulations. When in doubt, reach out to either your residential advisor or housing department to confirm what you can bring.