Having a dorm room checklist is important for pre-meds. The pre-med track is not an easy one, and having a home space on campus with all your essentials can make all the difference. Here’s a list of some of the most important things you’ll definitely need for the perfect pre-med dorm room:
10 Things Every Pre-Med Needs in Their Dorm
1. Motivational Wall Decor
It doesn’t have to be big and bold, a small photo of whoever it is that inspires you can be enough. The pre-med track is hard, and only a fraction of pre-med freshman actually complete the pre-med course (read more here). Have someone or something to look up at to remind you why you’re doing this in the first place.
Photos of family and loved ones can also help keep your spirits up. Whether it’s your favorite doctor, favorite TV doctor, mom, dad, dog, or Beyoncé. Whatever keeps you going, keep a photo close to look at.
2. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
It’s absolutely possible to make a cozy and productive study space in a dorm room. But you’ll probably need some noise-cancelling headphones. Especially for Friday nights.
The new Apple AirPods are pretty effective at noise-cancelling. Other students swear by Beats headphones. Find whatever works for you and your budget, but these are a must.
3. Day Planner
As soon as you get your syllabi, spend an afternoon making note of every due date in a daily or weekly planner and an old-school calendar hung in your room. College professors rarely remind students of due dates or exam schedules. And missing a due date is a big deal.
Papier has the best daily and weekly planner selection in both aesthetics and functionality. They also have meal planners, calendars, and a plethora of other stationary. But if that’s out of your budget, Target usually has a ton of great options as well.
4. Coffee (and Coffee Mugs)
If you’re not already addicted to caffeine, you will be. Be prepared for multiple late-night general chemistry group exam reviews and early morning office hours. A small dorm coffee maker is essential.
And of course, you’ll need coffee mugs. Most students have travel mugs, but it’s nice to have some cozy coffee mugs for your dorm room as well. They’re easy to rinse in the sink so it’s one of the few dishes that are actually practical for a dorm.
Again, Target usually has some great options. But if you’re looking for something really aesthetic to boost your mood and motivation, Urban Outfitters is probably the way to go.
5. Surface Cleaner
If there’s one thing anyone living in a freshman dorm needs to know, it’s that you WILL get sick. Dorms are a petri-dish of pathogens. Keep your vitamin C supply stocked and clean the surfaces in your room as often as you can.
Hygiene, vitamin C, and healthy snacks might not prevent you from getting sick entirely. But together they can help shorten your sick time and help with your symptoms.
6. Healthy Snacks
Speaking of healthy snacks, fresh or frozen fruits and veggies are a great pre-med dorm room treat. Frozen fruits are cheaper than fresh (and just as healthy), so keep that in mind of budget is an issue.
Cheese sticks, popcorn, pretzels, and hummus are also classic healthy dorm room snacks. Limit cold snacks as much as possible since you’ll likely only have a mini-fridge.
7. Tumbler
Water is another under-appreciated necessity. Infusing with lemons or frozen fruits can help give your water a kick and some extra vitamins. It’s very important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re drinking a lot of caffeine (or alcohol).
You’ll learn in anatomy and physiology that caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they increase fluid output. So increasing your fluid intake helps maintain a healthy, hydrated balance.
8. Desk Storage
Dorm rooms offer limited space, so a productive study corner will require some strategic engineering. Elevating your computer clears up the space underneath and makes a huge difference. An under-the-desk file cabinet and desktop drawers are great too.
Desk storage can make a serious difference when you’re studying. Clutter is stressful, and being pre-med is already stressful enough. So keep desktop clutter limited.
9. Dorm Slides
Even if you’re living in a cold region, you need slides if you’re living in a dorm. Lacing up your shoes when you’re rushing to the dining hall or library will get old, fast. And you definitely won’t want to be walking around the shared bathroom without shoes.
Waterproof slides are perfect for little errands to the bathroom, library, or food hall. Wear them with socks if it’s cold, but you’ll definitely want to have them.
10. Comfy Desk Chair
Again, it’s totally possible to create a cozy study space in a pre-med dorm room. And a cozy chair is essential for that. Even if you find after a few months that you don’t study well in your dorm and opt for other study spaces, you’ll appreciate having the extra seating.
Target usually has cozy chairs that can be used at your desk for under $100. But if you’re on a budget, bring one from home or grab one at Goodwill (just be sure to wash it thoroughly).
Final Thoughts
This was a list of the most important things you’ll need in your dorm as a pre-med college student. To learn more about being pre-med, there’s more to read here.
