New and returning college students will be moving into resident halls over the next few weeks. Most colleges will provide a checklist of items students needs to bring, such as bedding, a shower tote, and personal items to personalize their space. However, some items might not make the list, but are important just the same. Here are 12 items to consider adding to your move-in list.

• Mattress pad or topper. The mattresses provided by residence halls are usually not comfortable. Many of the mattresses are plastic and have many springs. College students need their seep, so adding a nice mattress pad or topper* will make it a little more comfortable.
• Surge protector. Protect all of your electrical devices with a surge protector that has multiple outlets. It may also be worth it to find surge protector with USB ports* to save space when charging your electronic devices.
• Extension cords. Power outlets are not always in the most convenience places. Extension cords* will help you get power where you need it. Check with your school to make sure extension cords are allowed.
• Reusable water bottles. Staying hydrated is important and you never know when you’ll make it back to your room during the day. Take your reusable bottles* when leaving to ensure you always have water. Fill them up at the dining hall or in one of the “hydration stations” many colleges are installing on their campuses.
• First aid kit. A first aid kit* is great to have around if you get a minor cut or scrap. You can create your own kit, or pick one up that is pre-made.
• Common medicines. In addition to your first-aid kit, make sure you’re ready for common ailments such as headaches or the common cold. Stock up on pain reliever, cold medicine, and other things you think you may need while away from home.
• Mini-vacuum. Many residence halls have full-sized vacuums you can check out. However, checkout could be inconvenient if you have to wait until your resident advisor is available (they’re students too and are not always in their rooms) of if you have to go to the front desk. Plus, you don’t always need a big vacuum. A mini-vacuum* is great for small messes.
• Tool kit. You might need a screwdriver or wrench at some time while living in the residence hall. Simple tool kits have everything you need and are very compact.
• Sewing kit. A button may fall off your favorite shirt while away at college. Instead of throwing the shirt out, or wearing it with a missing button, sew it back within minutes. A sewing kit* is very compact and will have everything you need to fix simple clothing mishaps.
• Shower shoes. Unfortunately, residence hall showers are breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria no matter how often they are cleaned. Shower shoes* or simple flip-flops are a great way to protect your feet while showering.
• Social security card. If you think you may get a job while at college, you will need to provide your future employer with your social security card. Without your social security card, employment may be delayed until your card arrives from home.
• Health Insurance Information. Sickness is bound to happen sometime during your time in college. Having health insurance information available when visiting the doctor will save money.

In addition, you may want to consider a Prime Student* membership. Traveling to a store to get items you need may be difficult, especially if you do not bring a car to campus. Amazon.com makes it easy to get everything you need and the Prime Student membership will get you your items within two-days (textbooks are sometimes cheaper on Amazon than the bookstore). You can get a free 6-month trial of Prime Student when you sign up and you can cancel anytime.

Good luck as you head off to college!

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