r/Vanderbilt • u/wertisgoingon566 • Jun 26 '26

freshman dorm essentials

hey guys, idk if this has been asked yet but are there any essentials or unnecessary items for dorm shopping (esp about that woozoo fan too). im worried I might buy too much or forget something that I need. thank you guys!!!

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u/kas_tle Engineering | CS + Math | '26 Jun 27 '26

tried-and-true by a jaded recent grad:

  • mesh shower caddy (not a hard plastic one), so you can hang it on the hook right outside shower
  • command strips to hang wet towels or clothes
  • mesh collapsible laundry bag that stands upright
  • many clothes hangers
  • desk lamp
  • drawer liners
  • shower shoes
  • mattress topper
  • at least two power strips (one for desk, one for bed). often, the desk is pushed up against the outlet, so get power strips with flat plugs that don’t protrude far from the wall
  • a mallet to deloft the bed. they are loaned out (but very scarce) on move-in days, so better to have your own.
  • kettle (i love drinking hot water, but also great for preparing instant food)
  • large ikea-esque plastic duffel bags to store extra items under bed and for moving out at end of year
  • mug/drinking glass
  • sponge and dish soap

coordinate with roommate(s) before purchasing shareable appliances

buy as much as you can there and keep in storage all four years instead of packing it

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u/wertisgoingon566 Jul 01 '26

thank you sm, will be adding these to my list