Stuff to bring to college - Page 2

I second the Duct tape and WD-40. But to prevent questionable use of the duct tape, also either acquire or pack a small first aid kit. You'll probably want some minimal tools (yeah, a Swiss army knife is great, but doesn't function well as a hammer). I'm assuming that furniture comes with the dorm room (hopefully better than what I got ~10 years back), so nothing to worry about there.

If it's communal bathroom/shared bathroom situation, definitely shower shoes. If it's a "walk down the hall to the bathroom" situation, also a bath caddy or something similar. Extra towels will always be your friend. If you do wind up needing earplugs (I used to go absolutely insane trying to sleep in for my afternoon class days while the guys down the hall were cranking reggae) you're going to want to have something that can wake up you if you're using them. A good pair of headphones, because even if your roommate is your absolute best friend in the world, you don't want to listen to them all the time. It goes without saying, but if you have any office/studying supplies that you use that are unique or important, then bring them. (Special pens, pencils, Flash ruler, art supplies if you are artistically inclined.)

While thinking about this, I realize the world has significantly changed since I went to college in 95 - a lot of the things I remember bringing don't apply anymore. Stereo? Computer/iPod/phone takes care of it. Maybe you could get some speakers. Books for fun? See computer. Or maybe kindle/nook/iPad. Lots of paper - well, don't need that as much.

OH! depending on the dorm rules, you'll probably want some of that blue putty poster hanger stuff or other non-putting nails in the wall hanging solution. (Also, regarding sharp pointy objects - read the policy, but also check with RA's / security. My university also had a "no weapons" policy. The SciFi club went to Medieval Times - and the security officers didn't blink at people bringing full size halberds back into the dorm.) If you are the kind of guy to run/play sports, etc, you might want to bring a frisbee, soccerball, rollerblades, skateboard, bike, etc. Also in reference to hiding stuff... you probably should get some kind of artfully concealing repository. (Like the "soup can" safe, booksafe, etc. Or just, y'know, a safe.) Not because you would necessarily have things to hide, but it's a good idea to have someplace to stash jewelry, cash, or important documents. You're not the only one with a key to that room - and it's better to be a little safer and not need to have been than to be trusting and then find out the emergency credit card was just used at a strip club by a maintenance guy.
(I'm somewhat paranoid, but even if it's 1 in 10000 chance, it can suck a lot.)