Looking for unique items to take to college next fall? Almost every student will bring bed sheets, laundry baskets, and storage containers, but most students may not consider bringing items that could enhance their freshman dorm experience. After getting all the basics ready, bringing some fun yet key items can make the difference between a dorm and a home. 

1. Mini vacuum: A necessity for the dorm that doesn’t get talked about enough. Most dorms have carpet floors, which quickly collect dust or crumbs. Being able to have a mini vacuum can turn a musty dorm into a dorm that’s fresh and clean.
2. Business attire outfit: Most students will start applying for internships at some point in their college career, but many college students also need business attire for presentations, club interviews, and meetings. Freshman students may need an outfit like this for competitive clubs or meetings that require a more sophisticated form of presentation. Button-ups, skirts, dress pants, or dress shoes can be the perfect things to bring for that special occasion. 
3. Cute rugs and pillows: Dorms are supposed to feel like a home. Being able to customize the floor space of a dorm can help bring some character into the space and provide more comfort if the dorm floor is concrete or standard carpet. Moreover, fun decorative pillows and plushies can help make a standard dorm bed feel personalized. Consider bringing weighted plushies, fun pillows, cute pillow sheets, or stuffed animals that represent one’s personality.
4. Decorative shoe rack: Another fun way to help with storage is a shoe rack. College students could leave these shoe racks out visibly to display their shoe collection, or they could be placed in storage to organize shoes and avoid taking up space. 
5. Ottoman: If students are looking to add space and a living room vibe to their dorm, adding an ottoman can be the perfect mix of storage and making a dorm feel like a social space. Ottomans can store anything inside, but also act as an extra seat. This could also work if students prefer an ottoman seat as their desk chair.
6. Snack/book cart: A different way to organize, whilst also decorating. Instead of shoving textbooks in the corners of the room or novels across the dorm, a book cart can function as a way to keep books organized and save space on desks or storage compartments. Additionally, a cart can double as a snack cart. If students want to keep tea, snacks, or beverages in the cart for easy access, it can act like a little pantry for the whole dorm. 
7. First aid kit and tool kit: Be prepared. Anything can happen in college in a new setting. Whether it’s needing to fix a piece of furniture in the dorm or getting a scrape on a night out, having kits is great so that students feel prepared for mishaps. 
8. Digital photo frame: College is a great time to meet new people, and having a digital photo frame can help keep new memories while also preserving memories from home. If one is sentimental or loves to take photos, a digital photo frame can help remind students of their loved ones or their favorite photos. This can be a perfect way to feel connected to home, but also to make new memories in college. 

College is a time to try new things and branch out. Making dorm life easy is a great way to settle into a new place and feel at home quickly. Take time to consider not only the things students need to bring to college, but also the things students want to bring to college. The world awaiting students in college is riveting yet overwhelming, so making a dorm feel safe is the first step to finding a home in a new place.