Now that you’ve accepted your offer and decided on a living option for next year, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to need for your dorm room. As we’ve previously stated, living in a dorm room with another person can be a big adjustment. But, if you have the five things listed below, you’re bound to be good to go when the time comes to move in.

1. Bed Risers-These are actually the most helpful thing that you can bring. The main reason is because it will give you an extra six inches of room underneath your bed. And whether you have fifty pairs of shoes (like me) or you need to keep your granola bars underneath, they will give you an optimal amount of space.  (Target)
2. Extra drawer space- Unfortunately, the dorms at Penn State only provide you with four drawers inside of your closet. It’s imperative that you bring extra drawers, preferably the ones that can stack on top of each other which will leave you even more space.(Container Store)
3. A printer- I’m sure that you’ve heard that every Penn State student gets 100 free sheets of paper each semester for printing. But, honestly having a printer makes my life ten times easier. Whether you’re a journalism major or you’re studying quantum mechanics, you’re going to be doing plenty of printing. It’s so nice to be able to do it in your room, that way you can print out that paper right before class. (Just kidding, don’t procrastinate).
4. A Laundry Bag that has Straps-I know this sounds odd, but I bought one and it was the best investment I could’ve made. Having a laundry basket/hamper is all well and good. However, if you’re like me and you do a lot of laundry, this will be your best friend. If you don’t feel like doing your laundry every five or six days, you can fit about a week’s worth of clothing in there. And when you have to make the trek to the laundry room you can carry it on your back because it has straps. You may look like you’re going backpacking up Mt. Nittany, but at least you’ll have clean clothes.(Bed Bath & Beyond)
5. A Fan-This is crucial. I cannot stress enough how much you will need a fan. Although we go to school in the freezing tundra of central Pennsylvania, August through October is warm. Especially because most of the residence halls don’t have central air conditioning. Even after November or December when the heat is turned on, it can get hot at night. So don’t make the mistake that I made and let your parents take home your fan during Parent’s Weekend.

While moving most of your life’s possessions into a new environment can be scary, and you might not have everything that you need on move in day; you shouldn’t be worried. Be excited! You’re about to start a brand new chapter in your life, and if you forget to pack something there is always Walmart.