As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing a BRITA water filter, a quality backpack, extension cord, first aid kit and vacuum. Preparing for dorm life involves packing essentials to ensure comfort and convenience for new college students.
As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing a BRITA water filter, a quality backpack, extension cord, first aid kit and vacuum. Preparing for dorm life involves packing essentials to ensure comfort and convenience for new college students.
Neha Nathwani
Categories:

Moving without mayhem

Essentials to dorm living for the first time
Byline photo of Anvita Bondada
Anvita Bondada, CHS9 Editor
April 9, 2025
As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing a BRITA water filter, a quality backpack, extension cord, first aid kit and vacuum. Preparing for dorm life involves packing essentials to ensure comfort and convenience for new college students.

As many Coppell High School seniors head to college in a matter of a few months, they will be considering the basics to bring to their college dorms: bedding, clothes and kitchen supplies. However, a dorm is a new, different environment compared to a childhood bedroom or home. These five appliances will help students ease into dorm life more easily and allow for a more comfortable experience.

As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing a BRITA water filter, a quality backpack, extension cord, first aid kit and vacuum. Preparing for dorm life involves packing essentials to ensure comfort and convenience for new college students. (Neha Nathwani)
Packing an extension cord provides you with the convenience of using your devices from various parts of your dorm. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack.
10-ft long extension cords

Many college dorms were built several years ago, and are not built for the modern college student’s multitude of technology and electronics. This makes power outlets a scarcity in many dorms, forcing you to charge a device in an inconvenient position. Having extension cords can make charging with your iPad or MacBook for class accessible from more places in your dorm room, aiding in your accessibility.

Packing an extension cord provides you with the convenience of using your devices from various parts of your dorm. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack. (Neha Nathwani)
A portable BRITA water filter allows access to clean and safe drinking water in dorms. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack.
BRITA water filter

Finding clean, accessible water on college campuses can be challenging, especially in the confines of a dorm room. With a portable water filter such as a BRITA, you can have access to clean water, suited to your immune system. BRITA water filters are also compact and portable, and do not have to take up too much space in your dorm.

A portable BRITA water filter allows access to clean and safe drinking water in dorms. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack. (Neha Nathwani)
As a student in a new environment, your immune system is prone to weakness, causing sickness or fatigue. Having an accessible first aid kit with medicines, such as Ibuprofen, can help when you are unwell. It is also sensible to have first aid amenities like bandages in proxy to you in case of accidents or emergencies.
First-Aid kit

As a student in a new environment, your immune system is prone to weakness, causing sickness or fatigue. Having an accessible first aid kit with medicines such as Ibuprofen can help when you are unwell. It is also sensible to have first aid amenities like bandages in proxy to you in case of accidents or emergencies.

As a student in a new environment, your immune system is prone to weakness, causing sickness or fatigue. Having an accessible first aid kit with medicines, such as Ibuprofen, can help when you are unwell. It is also sensible to have first aid amenities like bandages in proxy to you in case of accidents or emergencies. (Neha Nathwani)
A student living away from home for the first time also means they are likely maintaining a living space on their own for the first time. A small vacuum cleaner allows a college student to easily clean up their work and living space. A large vacuum tends to unnecessarily take up space, so it is more efficient to keep a smaller, handheld one that is easier and quicker to operate.
Handheld vacuum

A student living by themselves for the first time also means they are likely maintaining a living space on their own for the first time. A small vacuum cleaner allows a college student to easily clean up their work and living space. A large vacuum tends to unnecessarily take up space, so it is more efficient to keep a smaller, handheld one that is easier and quicker to operate.

A student living away from home for the first time also means they are likely maintaining a living space on their own for the first time. A small vacuum cleaner allows a college student to easily clean up their work and living space. A large vacuum tends to unnecessarily take up space, so it is more efficient to keep a smaller, handheld one that is easier and quicker to operate. (Neha Nathwani)
A small fan can help a cramped dorm room have proper ventilation and maintain comfort. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack.
Portable fan

With the often compact size of dorm rooms coupled with hot weather, especially if you are staying in Texas, a dorm can easily grow suffocating with little circulation. A small fan can help regulate temperature and provide needed ventilation. Its compact size will allow it to take up just enough  space in your dorm room, and can also provide some needed fresh air.

A small fan can help a cramped dorm room have proper ventilation and maintain comfort. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack. (Neha Nathwani)
A durable backpack is important to carry essentials comfortably across a large college campus. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack.
A good quality backpack

If you are attending classes at a sprawling college campus, a sturdy backpack to hold textbooks, technology and other college necessities is crucial.  Find a backpack with good back support that facilitates movement as well as ample storage space. 

A durable backpack is important to carry essentials comfortably across a large college campus. As Coppell High School seniors go to college, CHS9 editor Anvita Bondada recommends bringing an extension cord, BRITA water filter, first aid kit, handheld vacuum, portable fan and backpack. (Neha Nathwani)
More to Discover
More in Lifestyle & Wellness
Does diet cause acne?
Does diet cause acne?
Students often tend to lack motivation to stay productive in the last nine weeks of the school year. Staff writer Hiral Patel details the importance of staying motivated throughout the entire year. Graphic by Ahana Roy
Locking in as end of year approaching not excuse to slack off
Spring cleaning and decluttering can lead to a fresh start and a more relaxed mindset. The Sidekick staff writer Darsh Thakur explores how organizing your space can positively impact your well being.
Spring cleaning your space for a fresh start
Teenagers often get sucked into the workload of school and are not able to make time for themselves. The Sidekick staff writer Gia Mukund thinks school should not be the only priority for teenagers, especially so they can make time for other activities. Graphic by Moukthika Palli. Teenagers often get sucked into the workload of school and are not able to make time for themselves. The Sidekick staff writer Gia Mukund thinks school should not be the only priority for teenagers, especially so they can make time for other activities.
Finding balance between fun, facts
As the weather warms, spending time outside is a great way to enjoy the advantages of spring. The Sidekick staff writer Deepali Kanchanavally shares the importance and fun of being outdoors and the physical and mental benefits coming with it.
Improving happiness, health with time outdoors
Teenagers often have an extensive screen time which can negatively impact their academic performance. The Sidekick staff writer Priyan Selveraj details how harmful excessive phone usage can be and how to limit it. Graphic by Ahana Roy
Finding the right balance with your screen time