Congratulations, you survived dorm living! The next step in your rental journey is to secure an off-campus apartment. In the midst of all the excitement, you might find that there’s also a lot to think about before you can call your very first apartment home. Here’s how to navigate moving from the dorms to off-campus housing.
More Independence, More Responsibilities
Living in the dorms can be cozy, sometimes a little too cozy. You probably didn’t have much space in your dorm room for any fun decor, and you definitely didn’t have room for a couch or a need for kitchen supplies. Your dorm space, though small, was designed to give you maximum efficiency, and everything else you could possibly need was either in your room, the RA’s room, or a friend’s dorm room. It might sound strange, but when you move off-campus, you won’t have the same “luxuries” as you did in the dorms. (Think: cooking your own meals, paying your electricity bill, and cleaning your bathroom.)
Along with more living freedom and independence also comes the responsibility of furnishing, stocking, and maintaining your apartment. In terms of what you’ll need in your first apartment, you’ll want to divide and conquer with your roommates so you don’t end up with duplicate items. Here are the things you’ll want for your first apartment.
First Apartment Checklist
Bedroom
- Mattress, box spring, and bed frame (if desired)
- Pillows, sheets, comforter, and blankets
- Dresser
- Hangers
- More hangers (trust us)
- Night stand
- Full length mirror
- Hamper
- Trash can
Kitchen
- Pots and pans
- Cooking knives
- Utensils
- Bowls, cups, and plates
- Small appliances (think: blender, mixer, and coffee maker)
- Oven mitt
- Sponges and dish soap
- Spatulas, wooden spoons, and ladle
- Strainer
- Microwave
Dining Room/Eating Area
- Table and chairs
- Trivets
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Decor
Living Room
- Couch and pillows
- Chairs
- Blankets
- Coffee table
- Pictures, paintings, decor
- Television
- Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or whatever you use to binge watch your favorite shows
- TV Stand
- Plants
- Bookshelf
Bathroom
- Trash can
- Toothbrush holder
- Towels (hand and bath)
- Bath mat/rug
- Cleaning supplies
- Plunger and toilet bowl brush
Hallway/Front Entryway
- Welcome mat
- Area rug/mat for wet rain boots, snow boots, and other dirty shoes
- Coat rack (to hang cold-weather coats to dry)
- Umbrella holder
Miscellaneous
- Tool box (including nails and hammer to hang all your new decor)
- Snow shovel
- Ice scraper (for your car windows, if you drive to school)
- Flashlights, emergency kit
- Batteries
- Light bulbs
- First aid kit
- Vacuum cleaner
- Broom and dust pan
- Mop
You might find that there are items on this first apartment checklist you simply don’t need or want. Not every apartment needs a bookshelf in the living room or throw pillows on the couch. Your first apartment is an opportunity to create your own space and make it your own, so feel free to add or remove items from the list as you go.
Of course, things will come up once you’re all moved in. After you’ve lived in your apartment for a while, you’ll eventually need to replace the light bulbs and buy new batteries for the TV remote. Try to have extras of these items on hand so you don’t have to run out in the middle of the night to get them.
If you’re ready to move from the dorms to off campus housing, check out all the apartments for rent on Zumper to find your perfect place.
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