College is expensive, and for many high school seniors, the true cost of campus life doesn’t become clear until move-in day. From uncomfortable dorm rooms to forgotten necessities, current college students say the right items can make the transition smoother, while helping incoming freshmen feel more at home.
With the holiday season here, several college students shared the essentials they believe deserve a spot on any senior’s Christmas wishlist.
Comfort Comes First
One of the most frequently mentioned necessities was a fan. Linh, a college freshman, said dorm temperatures are often unpredictable.
”I think the biggest thing for me was a fan…like invest in a nice big one,” Linh said. “You will not realize how hot those dorms are until you step foot into your dorm. Even though it’s November, my roommate and I still have our fan on.”
Students also emphasized comfort when it comes to sleep and studying. Ari recommended investing in a mattress topper and desk-chair cushion, noting that students spend much of their time either in bed or at their desks.
“An amazing mattress topper will really upgrade comfort in a twin XL,” Ari states.
Technology That Makes Dorm Life Easier
Several students recommended bringing a smart speaker, such as an Alexa or Apple HomePod. Linh described it as a “life changer.”
”It’s a great alarm, and you don’t realize how quiet it can get in your dorm,” she said. “It’s nice being able to play music like you were at home.”
Making Friends and Feeling at Home
Beyond physical comfort, students highlighted items that help create community. Linh said cards and board games played a major role in making friends during her first year.
“Most of the friends I’ve made have been from playing Unno in the lobby and people just asking to join,” she said. “I’ve become friends with people I never thought I would.”
Decor was also a common recommendation. Linh explained that decorating her dorm with fairy lights, a sunset lamp, pictures, and stuffed animals helped make the space feel more personal. “You want your dorm to feel like your home away from home,” she said.
Ari echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of something that reminds you of home. She shared that her mom gifted her letters from loved ones before moving to college, which helped ease the transition.
Practical Items students Forget
While many incoming students focus on aesthetics, others stressed the importance of practicality. Ari said a first aid kit is essential, especially with how quickly sickness spreads in dorms. “With nobody to take care of you, it’s nice to have medicine ready at hand,” Ari explains.
An umbrella was another item students wish they had sooner. “Going to class soaked in rain is the worst feeling,” Ari said, especially for students attending school in rainy climates.
Doing laundry is also a challenge for many freshmen. Ari recommended a rolling laundry hamper, calling dorm laundry rooms “a hassle in itself.”
Health, Air, and Water
Lexie suggested adding an air purifier to any college wishlist, particularly for older dorm buildings. “It’s a pretty universal experience to live in an old and questionable sanitary freshman dorm,” she said. After purchasing one, Lexie noticed fewer illnesses and improved air quality.
Margeaux recommended a Brita water filter, saying college water quality can be unreliable. “You’ll be so grateful to have clean water to drink,” she said, adding that her roommate borrows hers frequently.
When in doubt: money
When asked about the most useful gift of all, Lexie kept it simple: money. “You underestimate how much money it takes to simply live,” she explains. Ari also suggested gift cards to grocery stores or fast-food restaurants near campus, noting they help once parents leave and expenses start adding up.
As seniors prepare for life after high school, these student recommendations highlight what truly matters once move-in day arrives. While every college experience is different, students agree that thoughtful preparation can make campus life more comfortable, social, and manageable.
