U-M Dorm Essentials

When we move into a dorm, a lot of us hope to move everything from our home to here. However, the space of a dorm is limited, so we obviously can only place things that are necessary for daily use. Here I want to share the must-haves of living in a U-M dorm in my eyes. You may find that some of the stuff is very unexpected or is something that you don’t use when you are at home but is actually so important in dorm life.

Laundry Bag/Basket

For all the dorms on campus, you don’t have a private washer or dryer inside your dorm. Instead, you will need to carry your clothes and towels to the laundry room that is located on one of the floors. Therefore, you may need a laundry bag or basket to do laundry or even just to put your dirty clothes in your dorm.

Shower Shoes/Flip Flops

Many people may have already mentioned this, but it is very true that shower shoes are so essential when you live in a dorm.

Mesh Shower Caddy

You may not need this when you are at home, but you need this for a dorm. A shower caddy makes it easy to take shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, combs, toothbrush, toothpaste, cleanser and so forth from your dorm all the way to the bathroom. (At U-M, most of the single or double dorms for undergraduate students do not come with a bathroom inside their rooms.) Mesh Shower Caddies are always recommended because there may be some water left on the bottles sometimes. The mesh can get rid of the water and keep bottles clean.

Desk Lamp

Although all the dorms do come with a ceiling light, it can still be a little bit dim when you study in your dorm, especially if your bed is full-lofted. A desk lamp can be necessary to light up the space around your study desk and protect your eyes. 

Extension Cord

Sometimes the electrical outlets in your dorm rooms can be located in a tricky place, which makes it hard to connect some of your devices. Having an extension cord makes it more convenient to either charge your computers while studying or charge your phone next to your bed. However, keep in mind that U-M housing only allows students living in the dorms to use the extension cords that are size 16 or less and UL certified. 

First Aid Kit

A lot of people may neglect the importance of this thing, but always have a first aid kit in your dorm! You can’t predict what will happen next. A first aid kit can save your (or your roommates’/friends’) life in many emergency situations.

Water Filter Pitcher

If you live in a residence hall, sometimes the water fountains may not be close to your dorms. Instead of going all the way down to get some water, you can just get some tap water and drink directly after it gets filtered with a water filter pitcher. Normally, if you fill a regular-size water filter pitcher, the water is sufficient for you to drink for at least a day. But don’t forget to change the filter periodically. 

I’m sure there are more things that are essential or can improve your dorm life quality. These are just a list of things I think are necessary. Hope this list can help you get prepared for your dorm life. Enjoy your dorm life at U-M!

Zoe (Zhiyi) Zheng

Summer Orientation Peer Advisor

Undergraduate Student

China