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As you’re preparing to go to the U.S., you might be wondering about what you’re going to do the first night you get there. You definitely aren’t going to pack your pillow, sheets, and a blanket with you. It would be a waste of space (and luggage weight) to pack a bath towel and extensive toiletries.
Many schools’ international offices will let you have packages delivered to them before you arrive for this exact reason. Check with the international office and/or the school’s mail room to find out what you need to do and if there are any rules about delivery and pickup dates.
Important tip: For better or worse, U.S. schools tend to have their own bed size called “Twin XL” so you need to make sure to buy the correct size bedding. (If you’re into weird history, here’s an article about this strange habit.)
Bedding
For starters, you’re going to need basic bedding: a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, a blanket/comforter, a pillow case, and a pillow. Amazon has great options that range from basic color sets to this set and this one with a variety of looks. Keep in mind, most of these basic sets do NOT come with a pillow, so you’ll want to order that as well to avoid sleeping with your head on a pile of balled up clothes.
Towels
If you don’t want to have to look for towels separately, or if a long hot shower is your way of relaxing after a 36-hour flight and everything else that comes with travel, I’d recommend looking at the more inclusive dorm essentials kits. These are significantly more convenient in that they include a pillow, towels, a mattress pad, a laundry bag, and a change of sheets. If you don’t need the whole kit, grab yourself a simple 3-piece towel set.
You really can’t go wrong with getting all of the essentials bundled together so that you’re all set for the first night in your new room. (Although nothing bonds roommates more than borrowing each others bath towels 😛) I don’t know that anyone needs this supreme dorm essentials kit, but you’re probably going to end up needing these things anyways, so why not have it up front?
Outlet adaptors
Finally, don’t get to campus and realize you didn’t think of a way to convert your outlets to use your own tech. Grab a set of universal adapters and you’ll be able to charge your phone, your laptop, your hair styling tools, etc.
Tips
Bonus tip: When you first get to your room, you might want a cup to drink from, napkins to clean up a spill, or a plate to heat up leftovers from the local restaurant in the dorm kitchen. Order a small tableware kit so you have basic items to eat with.
***Important tip: I recommend that you make sure you can arrive on campus before the close of the business day so that you can actually pick up your package. It won’t do you any good if you get to campus at midnight and you can’t get your bedding out of the campus mail room.
Good luck getting settled in!
Sara